Bronica EC-TL

A medium format 6x6 SLR camera using 120 or 220 roll film, introduced in 1975 as the first automatic 6x6 SLR.

Overview

The Zenza Bronica EC-TL is a medium format (6x6) single lens reflex camera designed and manufactured in Japan by Zenza Bronica. Announced in June 1975, it was marketed as the first automatic 6x6 SLR camera, offering aperture-priority auto and manual exposure modes. It uses 120 or 220 roll film and features a focal-plane shutter with electronic control, supporting speeds from 4 seconds to 1/1000 sec, plus Bulb and a mechanically-controlled 1/40 sec setting. The camera has a Bronica bayonet mount with an 89mm flange focal distance and is part of the Bronica system family, compatible with most current Bronica interchangeable lenses except the 105mm.

Specifications

Announced	June 1975
System	Bronica
Maximum format	6x6 (Medium format)
Film type	120 roll film, 220 roll film
Lens mount	Bronica bayonet
Flange focal distance	89mm
Shutter Type	Focal-plane
Shutter Model	Electronically controlled
Shutter Speeds	4 sec to 1/1000 sec, Bulb, plus mechanically-controlled 1/40 sec
Shutter speed control	Stepless on AUTO; intermediate settings possible on MANUAL
Exposure metering	Through-the-lens (TTL), stop-down
Exposure modes	Aperture-priority Auto, Manual
Weight	1840g
Dimensions	139x117x170mm
Compatible lenses	All current Bronica interchangeable lenses except the 105mm

Design

The EC-TL uses TTL stop-down metering with two fast-response silicon blue cells measuring lens light and a third cell compensating for ambient light entering the viewfinder. The viewfinder includes a digital shutter speed scale with over/under-exposure warnings, illuminated by LEDs. It features a two-piece split-type instant-return reflex mirror (main and sub-mirror) designed to reduce mirror shock during operation.

Context

Marketed as the first automatic 6x6 SLR camera, the Bronica EC-TL was the first 6x6 model to incorporate an unspecified new feature. It belongs to the Bronica system camera family, which includes models like the Bronica C, D, and EC.