Awesome video. Got mine GS-1 for 3 years now but rarely use it..wanted to sell but decided to keep it as my 'large' format camera(the largest I have) for any landscapes etc.
Nice, dense walkthrough. Just minor comments on the system: I think you might have confused the GS system with the SQ or ETR system in some remarks on the availability of items. There are a 35mm (fisheye) lens, zoom lenses and a motor drive for the SQ system (the latter SQ-Ai only), but none of these items are available for the GS-1 (unlike as mentioned in the video). I once saw a motor drive for the GS-1, but it actually was a modified version of the SQ-Ai motor.
Thanks for commenting - always appreciated. There were some adapted lenses available including the Schneider-made zooms. I’m not sure who did the modification, it wasn’t anyone in the UK, but the standard was very high. I heard there was a motordrive too but have never actually seen one! My guess is that this was only available in the Japanese or US markets?
Great walk-through! I have a Bronica GS-1 (two bodies technically) and while I do really love the images it can make, I feel like the Bronica Sq-Ai is just better designed in almost every respect. My quips: - A bit bulky but perhaps kinda expected given the 6x7 format - A non standard cable release - If you leave the dark slide in the film back, there is a chance the back will open and expose your film in your bag. Not sure why mine did that but I think the manual recommends not leaving a dark slide in unless you are changing backs - Needs to be turned on and actually takes a really long time for mine to be ready to shoot. Like almost a minute from on, and I am honestly not sure why (Also the batteries seem to quickly become unusable in slightly cold weather for some reason) Also you said there are lenses available from 30mm. I didn't think the lenses go wider than 50mm? Is there a 30mm???? that would be super sweet to have. Really wish Bronica had lasted long enough to make a 2nd gen gs-1, would have been killer with some minor improvements but alas.
@@broomwagon448 Don't assume that any of this equipment will be readily available. It hasn't been made for 20+ years. I've just searched on eBay and found three releases listed. Otherwise Canon makes a release with a similar plug and I've heard that they work (but I've not tested them myself).
@@broomwagon448 Well there are a few cables on ebay atm but they aren't really cheap (close to 50 bucks plus shipping from Japan)....sometimes if you are lucky they come with the gs-1....it is a very simple cable so I really wish someone had reverse engineered and made their own but I guess the camera isn't popular enough for that
Excellent video! Thank you Jonathan! Have just decided to buy from a repubtable vendor instead from some no-returns private seller. Just a quick question: If one attaches a 6x4.5 back, does the viewfinder show this in any way?
Wise decision. Bronica is generally very reliable but you still need a return option for testing or guarantee. Some screens have the 6x4.5 markings. Otherwise you can carefully mark them yourself.
Yes, relatively good, but it’s a 25 year old system so don’t expect it to be as reliable as modern equipment. It’s worth watching this: Camera buyers beware. The truth you MUST know about older digital and film equipment. th-cam.com/video/Icpe8tJqOIg/w-d-xo.html
By chronically I assume you mean more than 2 or 3 stops? In which case the answer is no. It could be both cameras had a timing issue (quite common) or weak battery which will cause the shutter to fire at 1/500th rather than the speed set. If this is happening exposures will be correct or underexposed.
Just got a GS-1 a while ago. I read that the black shutter release button is one of the latest that was produced. My question is that existing manual says that the winder needs to be removed when using a speed grip. I read it late and already had used the grip with the winder on. I didn't had and problem. I noticed that the winder get stuck on the strap lug but the inner part continues to turn when I advance the lever. Is this just a feature added on the latest models? Or am I ruining the camera?
I’d always recommend following the instructions. I’m not aware of any updates re. the winder but Bronica wouldn’t suggest removing the crank if it wasn’t necessary.
Hi! Thank you so much for your review. I’m doubtful about the mirror on this camera. Today I was watching a Bronica GS-1 with the 6x6 back, and noticed that after every shot the mirror stays up, and after I prepare the shutter it downs to normal position. Is it normal on this camera? Or should I send it to service?
Awesome video. Got mine GS-1 for 3 years now but rarely use it..wanted to sell but decided to keep it as my 'large' format camera(the largest I have) for any landscapes etc.
Thank you !
Nice, dense walkthrough. Just minor comments on the system: I think you might have confused the GS system with the SQ or ETR system in some remarks on the availability of items. There are a 35mm (fisheye) lens, zoom lenses and a motor drive for the SQ system (the latter SQ-Ai only), but none of these items are available for the GS-1 (unlike as mentioned in the video). I once saw a motor drive for the GS-1, but it actually was a modified version of the SQ-Ai motor.
Thanks for commenting - always appreciated. There were some adapted lenses available including the Schneider-made zooms. I’m not sure who did the modification, it wasn’t anyone in the UK, but the standard was very high. I heard there was a motordrive too but have never actually seen one! My guess is that this was only available in the Japanese or US markets?
Great walk-through!
I have a Bronica GS-1 (two bodies technically) and while I do really love the images it can make, I feel like the Bronica Sq-Ai is just better designed in almost every respect. My quips:
- A bit bulky but perhaps kinda expected given the 6x7 format
- A non standard cable release
- If you leave the dark slide in the film back, there is a chance the back will open and expose your film in your bag. Not sure why mine did that but I think the manual recommends not leaving a dark slide in unless you are changing backs
- Needs to be turned on and actually takes a really long time for mine to be ready to shoot. Like almost a minute from on, and I am honestly not sure why
(Also the batteries seem to quickly become unusable in slightly cold weather for some reason)
Also you said there are lenses available from 30mm. I didn't think the lenses go wider than 50mm? Is there a 30mm???? that would be super sweet to have.
Really wish Bronica had lasted long enough to make a 2nd gen gs-1, would have been killer with some minor improvements but alas.
Thanks for your comprehensive comments - always appreciated. And, yes, you’re right, there’s no 30mm lens. 50mm is as wide as Bronica goes on the GS1.
Hi, is the non-standard cable release readily available? I’m thinking of buying a GS-1 and I only ever use my SQ-Ai with a cable release
@@broomwagon448 Don't assume that any of this equipment will be readily available. It hasn't been made for 20+ years. I've just searched on eBay and found three releases listed. Otherwise Canon makes a release with a similar plug and I've heard that they work (but I've not tested them myself).
@@WorldwideCameraExchange Thanks for the info Jonathan. Really helpful! 👍
@@broomwagon448 Well there are a few cables on ebay atm but they aren't really cheap (close to 50 bucks plus shipping from Japan)....sometimes if you are lucky they come with the gs-1....it is a very simple cable so I really wish someone had reverse engineered and made their own but I guess the camera isn't popular enough for that
Excellent video! Thank you Jonathan! Have just decided to buy from a repubtable vendor instead from some no-returns private seller. Just a quick question: If one attaches a 6x4.5 back, does the viewfinder show this in any way?
Wise decision. Bronica is generally very reliable but you still need a return option for testing or guarantee. Some screens have the 6x4.5 markings. Otherwise you can carefully mark them yourself.
With the handle grip, the GS-1 becomes, albeit large, a point and shoot 6X7.
With the Bronica Speedgrip fitted it handles well.
Мужик, лайк тебе ставлю.
Thank you. Hope it was useful.
what about reliability?
Yes, relatively good, but it’s a 25 year old system so don’t expect it to be as reliable as modern equipment. It’s worth watching this: Camera buyers beware. The truth you MUST know about older digital and film equipment.
th-cam.com/video/Icpe8tJqOIg/w-d-xo.html
Do you find that the GS-1 consistenly underexposes your images? I've had TWO GS-1s and BOTH chronically underexposed my images. :/
By chronically I assume you mean more than 2 or 3 stops? In which case the answer is no. It could be both cameras had a timing issue (quite common) or weak battery which will cause the shutter to fire at 1/500th rather than the speed set. If this is happening exposures will be correct or underexposed.
Great overview. I agree that the hand grip is excellent
Thank you.
I like your explanation. Your voice is good and I'm happy watching your videos. Do you have videos photographing or filming with Leica D-Lux 7? Hug.
On the list to do!
Such a helpful video Thankyou
Glad it was useful - thanks.
Just got a GS-1 a while ago. I read that the black shutter release button is one of the latest that was produced. My question is that existing manual says that the winder needs to be removed when using a speed grip. I read it late and already had used the grip with the winder on. I didn't had and problem. I noticed that the winder get stuck on the strap lug but the inner part continues to turn when I advance the lever. Is this just a feature added on the latest models? Or am I ruining the camera?
I’d always recommend following the instructions. I’m not aware of any updates re. the winder but Bronica wouldn’t suggest removing the crank if it wasn’t necessary.
Hi! Thank you so much for your review. I’m doubtful about the mirror on this camera. Today I was watching a Bronica GS-1 with the 6x6 back, and noticed that after every shot the mirror stays up, and after I prepare the shutter it downs to normal position. Is it normal on this camera? Or should I send it to service?
Yes, that’s normal. It isn’t an instant return mirror. The mirror comes down and back into position when the camera is advanced and shutter cocked.
Is there a way to find the year of manufacture of the camera and lenses?
Not that I’m aware of. It would be good to hear from anyone who knows?