Bronica 150mm f/4

Name: Bronica 150mm
Brand: Bronica

At f/4, it's not the fastest lens in the medium format world - but in the right hands, it delivers a quiet kind of precision.

Overview

The Bronica 150mm f/4 is a telephoto lens for medium format systems, part of Bronica's Zenzanon line of optics. It was sold under several names, most consistently "Zenzanon-PG" or "Zenzanon-PS". It came in multiple camera mounts, including the ETR, SQ, and GS-1 series, though specific versions were tailored to each. Every documented version keeps the same 150mm focal length and f/4 maximum aperture. That makes it a moderate telephoto for portrait, detail, or field work where reach mattered more than speed.

The minimum focusing distance is one of its defining traits, and also a point of contention. Multiple sources list it as approximately 1.5 meters (59 inches), though one conflicting report cites 75cm. At 1.5m, working distance becomes a real constraint, especially in tighter spaces. Forum users have called this limitation "abysmal," particularly next to contemporary lenses that let you get closer. For subjects at a distance, such as portraits with separation, distant details, or candid street framing, the 150mm's reach on a 6×6 platform gave a flattering compression. The angle of view is 29.5°, a modest telephoto perspective that stays well short of super-telephoto territory.

It isn't the brightest lens in Bronica's lineup, since a 150mm f/3.5 variant also exists. The f/4 version trades that extra stop for potentially tighter tolerances. According to available documentation, the f/3.5 model has a slightly brighter viewfinder image and better wide-open performance, which suggests the f/4 may have been optimized for consistency and cost. Aperture control is reported to have half-stop detents from f/4 to f/32, standard across the PG-series lenses. The iris uses five blades, which may give slightly polygonal bokeh at smaller openings. Optical details like sharpness, flare resistance, or distortion are not documented in available sources.

Specifications

Manufacturer	Bronica
Product type	Camera lens
Focal Length	150mm
Maximum Aperture	f/4
Minimum Aperture	f32
Lens construction	conflicting reports: six elements in six groups or 6 elements in 4 groups
Minimum Focusing Distance	1.5 m
Angle of view	29.5°
Filter Thread/Size	72 mm
Mount	PG mount (for Bronica GS-1 series)
Aperture Blades	5 blades
Item/Part Number	BG3204

Collectibility & Value

The Bronica 150mm f/4 originally carried a list price of $1,515.00, according to period catalogs. On the secondary market, prices vary significantly by condition and seller location. Units graded EX (Excellent) list between $186 and $210 in the U.S., while European sellers offer similar condition models for around €129. These figures cover the PS and PG variants specifically. Lower-priced listings, such as one at $85.60, may be the f/3.5 version or lenses in lesser condition. No common mechanical failures or optical defects are documented, which suggests reliable long-term performance when properly stored. Collectibility is moderate. It's not a rarefied grail lens, but Bronica system users sought it to maintain or expand their kits.