New Bronica Camera SQ-Basic - SQ-B
A new Bronica camera, the SQ-Basic, is being unveiled at the Photo Marketing Association - PMA annual trade show. The camera is a simplified version of the popular 6x6 format SQ-Ai, and is targeted towards students and advanced professionals not needing some electronic features. This is the first new product introduced in the US since Tamron Co., Ltd. purchased Bronica last July, and Tamron Industries, Inc. assumed the US distribution of the line on February 1, 1996.
As the name suggests, the SQ-Basic, or SQ-B, has basic mechanical features that allow the camera to sell at a lower price range than the feature-packed SQ-Ai. The SQ-B accepts all of the original "S" and "PS" lenses, as well as a special 80mm PS/B lens made specifically for the camera. This lens is paint-coated, or alumite finished, similarly to the PG lenses for the GS-1, or the original "S" series, giving it a classy black matte color.
The SQ-B is a perfect choice for students who are being trained to use cameras without buil -in AE metering. The SQ-B will accept all of the SQ finders, including the AE, but does not activate the metering capability of any of these finders. Advanced pros who currently use their own specialized hand held meter will appreciate this more direct and cost effective approach.
The shutter release is completely mechanical, letting the user fire the camera with standard release at 1/500th second if the battery is unavailable, or exhausted. Normal shutter speeds range from 1/500th down to 8 seconds. The film winding crank is the SQ/SQ-A type, and the SQ-B will also accept Bronica's unique Speed Grip. In addition, it is mechanically compatible with all viewfinders (without AE features), backs, inserts (both 120 and 220), and focusing screens.
The SQ-B is packaged in an exclusive display box as a standard kit consisting of the Bronica SQ-B main camera body, a gold-imprinted SQ-B 120 film back without ISO dial, the new Zenzanon PS-B 80mm F/2.8 lens, and the SQ-B waist level finder. These components are not available individually as part of the marketing strategy.
