MF SLRs OK?
MF SLRs OK?
There's no requirement here that the Clunky SLR be small-format, is there? I've just bought a Bronica S2 and am loving it. I'll sheepishly admit I chose it not only for its functionality (I'll never buy a completely useless shelf queen) but in large part also because it's
very sexy. And, to get into some classic Nikkor glass.
Various writers online have compared its lines to those of classic American cars, and I must say I fairly agree. The long "chrome" (stainless steel, actually) strips down the length of the body are beautiful. (Our head bartender
calls them "gaudy"! 😱) Also lovely is the original grey leatherette -- a nice departure from most other cameras having been offered in only black leatherette (credit to Meopta and Rollei for their grey models as well).
Some observations: The fit and finish are great. The threaded lens cap even has a free-rotating center; God forbid you screw it in and find the Bronica logo not exactly level; you can then turn the center!) Much has been written across the 'net about the unreliability of the gear-train on the S2; mine appears to be fine. And finally, much ink/many electrons have been spilled about the shutter sound, using hyperbole like "gunshot," "terrifies the children," "earthquake," etc. Its hearty "thwack" is louder than any leaf-shutter rangefinder's "snick", for sure, but I don't find it tremendously, disastrously louder than the sound of some old 35mm SLRs I have. The focus was off when I got this camera (ground glass was seated wrong) but that was easily fixed. Then it was off to take quick test pics near home (HP5+, weather greyer than the camera's leatherette):
--Dave
