BRONICA ETR
The Bronica ETR came out in 1976. It was Bronica's first 6×4.5 cm medium format single-lens reflex (SLR) camera, and the company's entry into the fast-growing 645 format market. It was a compact, modular system camera with leaf shutter lenses, TTL metering and interchangeable components. It gave professional performance in a smaller package than the traditional 6×6 or 6×7 systems.
Overview
The ETR was developed while photographers were looking for something more portable than large format and 6×6 roll film systems, without giving up resolution. Released in 1976, it was Bronica's answer to the rising popularity of the 6×4.5 cm format, which balanced image quality with economy of film use and faster shooting. It sat between the compact 35mm SLRs and the bulkier medium format systems. The target buyers were semi-professional photographers, photojournalists, and advanced amateurs who wanted higher resolution than 35mm without the bulk of larger formats.
The design is modular. Film backs, viewfinders, focusing screens, and lenses all interchange, and the shutter is a leaf shutter built into each lens. That allows flash synchronization at all shutter speeds up to 1/500 sec. Focal-plane shutter systems were limited to 1/60 or 1/125 sec sync, so this was a big advantage. The ETR was the first Bronica model to use the ETR lens mount, later standardized across the ETR-S, ETR-Si, and EC-TL models. It formed the foundation of Bronica's 645 system lineage.
The body is mostly die-cast aluminum alloy. It is durable and still fairly light for a medium format SLR. It takes 120 or 220 roll film and makes ten 6×4.5 cm exposures per roll. Film advances with a manual crank, and there is a built-in exposure counter. The ETR also has a mirror lock-up function, which cuts vibration in long exposures and macro work. Accessories include motor drives, polarizing filters, and close-up lenses.
Specifications
| Specification | Value |
| Type | Single-Lens Reflex (SLR) |
| Film Format | 6×4.5 cm (120/220 roll film) |
| Years Produced | 1976–1980 |
| Lens Mount | Bronica ETR bayonet mount |
| Shutter | Leaf shutter (in-lens); speeds from 1 sec to 1/500 sec, plus B |
| Metering | TTL open-aperture CdS metering via viewfinder |
| Exposure Modes | Manual only (stop-down metering via AE switch) |
| Viewfinder | Interchangeable pentaprism or waist-level finder |
| Dimensions | Approx. 145 × 100 × 105 mm (w/ standard finder); weight ~950 g (body only) |
Key Features
- Leaf shutter lenses: Enabled flash sync at all shutter speeds up to 1/500 sec, a major advantage for studio and on-location flash work.
- Modular system design: Interchangeable film backs, viewfinders, and focusing screens allowed rapid adaptation for different shooting scenarios.
- TTL CdS metering: Through-the-lens metering provided accurate exposure readings with any lens, using open-aperture metering for bright viewfinder visibility.
- Mirror lock-up: Reduced camera shake during long exposures and macro photography, improving image sharpness.
- 120/220 film compatibility: Supported both film types via interchangeable film backs, doubling frame count with 220 film (20 exposures).
Historical Context
The Bronica ETR was launched at a pivotal moment in medium format history. The 1970s saw increasing demand for more portable, faster medium format systems, particularly from wedding, event, and documentary photographers who needed higher image quality than 35mm but found 6×6 systems like the Mamiya RB67 or Hasselblad 500C/M too cumbersome for rapid shooting. The 6×4.5 cm format, popularized by cameras like the Pentax 6×4.5 and later the Mamiya 645 series, offered a practical compromise—15% more negative area than 35mm with manageable camera size.
Bronica already had its SQ and RF series when it entered the 645 market with the ETR. The competition was the Pentax 6×7 (which also offered 6×4.5 with an adapter) and the emerging Mamiya M645. Mamiya used a focal-plane shutter. Bronica went with leaf shutters, putting flash flexibility ahead of high-speed mechanical shutter performance. That appealed to studio photographers and portrait artists who relied heavily on strobes. The ETR's release also predated Nikon's FM2 and Canon's AE-1, which shows Bronica was early with professional modular systems in the 645 space.
The ETR drew criticism for its manual film advance and its lack of aperture-priority automation. Those features came later in the ETR-Si (1981) and EC-TL (1987). It was still well received for its build quality, optical compatibility, and system flexibility, and it laid the groundwork for Bronica's dominance in the 645 professional market throughout the 1980s.
Collectibility & Value
Today the ETR is sought after by medium format film enthusiasts and collectors, especially those who like vintage system cameras with full modularity. It is not as rare as some of Bronica's later electronic models. Original bodies in working condition typically sell for $250 - $450 on the used market, depending on included accessories, film back condition, and viewfinder type. Complete kits with multiple lenses (especially the 75mm f/2.8 or 150mm f/3.5) and a functioning meter can command upwards of $800 - $1,200.
When buying an ETR, check the leaf shutters on all lenses. Corrosion or lubricant degradation can cause inconsistent speeds or complete failure. The CdS meter cells also tend to drift or fail over time. Some can be recalibrated, and others need replacement with modern equivalents. Film transport problems, such as misalignment or pressure plate wear, are common in heavily used bodies. The leatherette and foam light seals should be inspected and replaced if deteriorated. The ETR is still repairable through specialized medium format technicians, and parts are available through niche suppliers and online marketplaces.
Similar Cameras
- Pentax 6×7 – Though primarily a 6×7 camera, it offered 6×4.5 capability via frame mask; known for superb optics but larger size.
- Mamiya M645 (1000s) – Focal-plane shutter system with interchangeable film backs; lighter and simpler but limited to 1/60 sec flash sync.
- Hasselblad 2000 FC – A later 645 system from Hasselblad; more advanced electronics but significantly more expensive and less common.
- Konica Autoreflex TC 645 – A fixed-back 645 SLR with aperture-priority metering; less modular but more automated.
- Fuji GX680 – Though larger and technically a 6×8 cm system, it shared modularity and leaf shutter advantages in studio applications.
Repair & Maintenance
The ETR uses two PX625 (or equivalent 1.35V mercury) batteries for its CdS meter, typically housed in the prism finder. Modern replacements include Wein Cell MRB625 or adapters for SR44 batteries, though exposure compensation may be required because of the voltage differences. The camera body is mechanically operated and needs no batteries for shutter function.
Common maintenance problems include sluggish leaf shutters from dried lubricants, especially in lenses stored for long periods. These need professional CLA (clean, lubricate, adjust) servicing. The film advance mechanism can develop wear in the sprocket gears, which leads to inconsistent frame spacing. Check the mirror movement for smooth operation, and clean or replace the focusing screen if it is scratched or hazy. Periodic servicing every 5-10 years is recommended, along with regular use and proper storage.
eBay Listings
As an eBay Partner, we earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support our independent vintage technology research.