SQ-Ai Congratulations on your choice of the Zenza Bronica SQ-Ai single lens reflex camera; based on the technology and experience gained with the Zenza Bronica SQ-A. Developed for the professional photographer, the Zenza Bronica SQ-Ai also retains the full System of Photography of the earlier SQ-A, as well as having extensive interchangeability with the full range of accessories available for the SQ-A.
Contents Specifications of the ZENZA BRONICA SQ-Ai Parts of the ZENZA BRONICA SQ-Ai 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33.
Specifications of the ZENZA BRONICA SQ-Ai Type 6 x 6 cm format lens shutter single lens reflex camera, with interchangeable lens, film back, finder and focusing screen systems. Frame Size Film 55.6mm x 55.6mm 120/220/135 roll film and Polaroid Land pack film, with exclusive film backs. Lens Interchangeable type. Standard lens Zenzanon-PS 80mm F2.8; 6 elements in 5 groups; multi-layer anti-reflection coated; 50.
Specifications of the ZENZA BRONICA SQ-Ai (con’t) Flash Synchronization Film Back Finder Focusing Screen Battery Checking Battery Dimensions Weight X-setting (up to 1/500 sec.); auto-flash control based on direct light measurements at the film plane with optional SCA System Adapter and SCA 300 System compatible electronic flash units.
Parts of the ZENZA BRONICA SQ-Ai Flash synch socket Aperture ring Depth of field scale Distance scale Focusing ring Lens alignment dot Waist-level finder Focusing hood catch Magnifier release lever Shutter speed dial Shutter speed scale Magnifier Film speed contact Back cover release button (left) Shutter release button Back cover release button (right) Shutter release button locking ring Exposure counter Film winding crank Multiple exposure lever Finder release button Lens release button Batt
1. Loading the Battery The electronically controlled leaf shutter and the electro-magnetic shutter release system will not work without loading the batteries. Four 1.5-volt alkaline-manganese (LR44) batteries must be used. * The batteries may be obtained at any photographic equipment or electrical appliance dealer. A. Push the battery chamber cover release button on the base of the camera main body in the arrow-indicated direction and the battery chamber cover will spring open. B.
2. Battery Checking (con’t) * When the Motor Drive SQ-I is attached to the SQ-Ai main camera body, battery power for the main camera body is supplied from the Motor Drive SQ-I. In other words, the electrical circuit is switched so that the batteries of the motor drive operate the main camera body. Thus, it will not be possible to check the battery status (four LR44) loaded in the main camera body with the motor drive attached.
3. Attachment and Removal of Film Backs (con’t) B. To remove the film back from the main camera body, insert the dark slide into the dark slide slit, as illustrated, with the mark on the dark slide at the top end. Push it all the way in. C. Depress the film back release button and the lower end of the film back can be removed, as illustrated. Simply shift the film back up slightly and pull it away.
5. Film Loading A. To open the back cover, squeeze the left and right back cover release buttons, in the arrow-indicated directions, at the same time and the back cover will open. B. The film holder can be taken out for film loading upon opening the back cover. C. There are two spool holders on the film holder. The top one is for the fresh film spool while the bottom one is for the empty take-up spool.
5. Film Loading (con’t) F. The starting point, or arrow mark, of the unexposed film, can also be aligned with the start-mark, with the film insert loaded in the film back. Simply rotate the film-winding crank on the main camera body. This method is preferred since there will be coupling with the main camera body mechanism, from the beginning.
6. Film Speed Dial To set film sensitivity of the film loaded in the film back, rotate the film speed dial with a slight lifting action, as illustrated, and set the film speed scale to the index. There are click-stops at 1/3rd increments, in this case. * The film speed dial is automatically coupled to any finder with a built-in exposure meter, when attached. 7. Exposure Compensation Dial Exposure compensation up to +2 and -2 stops is possible at 1/3rd increments.
10. Exposure Counter The exposure counter shows the number of frames exposed or, in other words, is an additive type. Starting from "S", the counter on Film Back SQ-I 120 shows numbers from 1 to 12, while Film Back SQ-I 220 shows numbers from 1 to 24. The letter "S", and numbers "12" and "24" are orange-colored while all other numbers are white. 11. Film Unloading A.
12. Setting the Shutter Speed Dial (con’t) B. The numbers on the shutter speed scale are divided into red and white colors. Red-colored numbers are full number settings of 1 second and longer while white-colored numbers are from ½ to 1/500 second. * The shutter speed setting can be changed before or after the film is advanced. * When the ME Prism Finder S or MF Finder S is attached, the settings "16S" and "B" (bulb) cannot be used.
13. Shutter Release Button (con’t) * The shutter release button of the main camera body should be locked, when the camera is not being used. The shutter release button may be depressed accidentally while the main camera body is being carried in a bag, which could lead to discharge of the battery power. To lock the shutter release button, rotate the locking ring and coincide the orange dot to "L". 14.
. Exchanging Lenses (con’t) B. To detach the lens, the film-winding crank must also be rotated to cock the lens shutter first. Then, press the lens release button down and at the same time, rotate the lens in the clockwise direction until it makes a full stop, at which point it will be possible to detach the lens. 16. Interchanging Finders A. The waist-level finder can be interchanged with other optional finders, to match shooting conditions to photographic conditions.
17. Waist-Level Finder and Interchanging Magnifiers (con’t) B. The magnifier is flipped into viewing position, by simply sliding the release lever in the arrow-indicated direction. To store the magnifier, simply push it down until it catches. * The magnifier can be exchanged for one matching the eyesight of the user. C. To close the focusing hood, first, push down the magnifier (if it is in viewing position).
18. Setting the Aperture (con’t) * The aperture ring must not be adjusted while the depth of field preview is being depressed. * If exposure measurements are taken with the depth of field preview lever depressed, when using a finder with built-in exposure meter, the shutter speed setting indicated will cause over-exposure. This is because proper exposures are obtained with exposure measurements made at the full aperture. 19. Focusing Adjustments A.
20. Distance Scale and Depth of Field Scale (con’t) B. There is an apparent zone of sharpness, both in front and back of the focused subject, which is known as the depth of field. The depth of field scale shows the zone of apparent sharpness at any lens opening or distance and can be utilized for quickly and simply ascertaining the depth of field. The depth of field scale is next to the distance scales and is made up of identical pairs of apertures on both sides of the orange-colored distance index.
22. Flash Photography (con’t) B. The lens shutter of Zenzanon-S and PS series lenses have a X-setting for flash synchronization, which means that electronic flash units will synchronize at all shutter speed settings, up to the fastest 1/500 second. This means, of course, that flash fill-in for daylight shots can also be made easily. C.
23. Multiple Exposures (con’t) B. When set for multiple exposures, a black square with a round cutout will appear in the right-front area of the focusing screen, as shown. C. Upon completing the multiple-exposed picture, be sure to return the multiple exposure lever back to its vertical position and cover the red mark. Otherwise, there will be additional multiple exposures on the same frame. 24. Mirror Lock-Up A. The mirror lock-up switch lever has 3 settings: N, S, and C.
24. Mirror Lock-Up (con’t) D. When S is set to the index, with the mirror lock-up switch lever, the lever will automatically return to N, with the next film advance and shutter cocking action. All, following shots will, of course, be normal. E. When C is set to the index, with the mirror lock-up switch lever, the lever will not return to N with the next film advance and shutter cocking action. Therefore, shooting with the mirror locked up will be possible any number of times.
24. Mirror Lock-Up (con’t) b. Utilize film back interchangeability and expose the frame after removing the film back from the main body. Then, continue shooting, according to "a". (See 3. Attachment and Removal of Film Backs.) 25. Interchanging Focusing Screens A. The focusing screen can be exchanged, depending on the type of photographic work being undertaken. First, remove the finder attached to the main camera body.
26. Removal and Attachment of the Film Winding Crank Assembly (con’t) B. And, at the same time, slide the base outward and the film-winding crank assembly will become detached. C. To attach the film-winding crank assembly to the main camera body, align the 2 pins and 3 catches on the attachment base to the openings on the base of the film winding crank assembly. D. And the slide the film-winding crank assembly in the arrow-indicated direction. 27. Attachment of Neck Strap A.
27. Attachment of Neck Strap (con’t) C. Next, thread the neck strap through the plastic ring cover (and the U-shaped ring) and pull it out, as illustrated. D. After adjusting the length of the neck strap, pass the leading end of the strap through the buckle, as illustrated, which will fix it securely. * There should be no slack in the strap between the buckle and the plastic ring cover, or in "A" section, which means that both straps must be of the same length at this point. 28.
29. Pointers on Shooting The shutter cannot be cocked when film is not loaded in the film back. The use of the multiple exposure lever will, however, permit you to cock the shutter in such instances. This feature is very convenient for familiarizing yourself with the camera and for testing the shutter in flash photography. (See 23. Multiple Exposures.) Battery power is not consumed when time exposures are made. The voltage will drop when the camera is used for long shooting sessions in freezing weather.
30. Care of the SQ-Ai Protect your camera from temperature changes, which can result in moisture condensation, frost, etc., inside the body, leading to rusting of metallic parts. Protect your camera from impact and vibrations, too. Upon attaching the film back, always pull out the dark slide from its slit. Always protect the lens with its cover, when carrying the camera. Clean the camera and lens very carefully after using it outdoors in wet weather or at the seashore.
31. Depth of Field Table F/numbers 2.8 4 5.6 8 11 16 22 F/numbers 2.8 4 5.6 8 11 16 22 Distance (meters) oo 10 5 3 2 1.5 1.2 1.0 0.9 0.8 oo 12.9 5.62 3.20 2.08 1.54 1.23 1.02 0.91 0.81 43.5 8.17 4.51 2.82 1.92 1.46 1.17 0.98 0.89 0.79 oo 14.5 5.90 3.29 2.12 1.56 1.24 1.02 0.92 0.81 31.4 7.63 4.34 2.76 1.89 1.44 1.16 0.98 0.88 0.79 oo 17.9 6.38 3.43 2.17 1.59 1.25 1.04 0.93 0.82 22.2 6.95 4.12 2.67 1.85 1.42 1.15 0.97 0.87 0.
32. Interchangeable Lenses Zenzanon-PS 40mm F4 50mm F3.5 65mm F4 80mm F2.8 Macro 110mm F4 135mm F4 8 - 11 8 - 10 7-9 5-6 4-6 4-6 87 76 62.3 50.7 40 32.8 F4 ~ 22 F3.5 ~ 22 F4 ~ 22 F2.8 ~ 22 F4 ~ 32 F4 ~ 32 Minimum focus (m) 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.8 0.66 1.0 Filter Size (mm) 95 77 67 67 67 67 67.5 - 650 61.7 - 590 69.
33. Accessories for Increasing the Versatility Motor Drive SQ-i Compact and lightweight motor drive makes it possible for very speedy handling action, comparable to the 35mm single lens reflex camera. Fast operations are very easy with built-in shutter button and hot shoe, switching from single frame shooting to continuous shooting is possible, as well as incorporating a hand strap for single-hand operations.
Finder Interchangeability (con’t) ME Prism Finder S Provides TTL full aperture measurements, with full-area average readings, for manual exposure control. Intermediate shutter speed settings are possible for both diaphragm-priority and shutter-priority adjustments. MF Finder S Waist-level type finder with eyepiece adjustment ring and large rubber eyecup, for use in careful composition work.
Film Back Interchangeability One of the chief features of the SQ-Ai is complete film back interchangeability. Thus, extra film backs will let a single SQ-Ai do the work of several cameras. For example: 1. Take color and black-and-white shots of the same subject. 2. Reload without losing a shot, even when shooting fast action, by using pre-loaded film backs. 3. Choice of films widened with the use of 35mm films. Unique frame sizes, such as 6 x 4.5cm and 24 x 54mm (with 35mm format film) are also available.
Flash Accessories SCA 386 Adapter TTL auto-flash photography based on direct film plane metering is simple with the SCA 386 Adapter and a SCA 300 System electronic flashgun. Also, provides ready-flash signal and auto-checking confirmation in the camera's finder area. Mounting Bracket Specially developed accessory made for flash operations with the SCA 300 System electronic flashgun.