Bronica SQ-Ai
Have you ever known (or been) that person who was a little above average at everything, but not the best at any one thing? If you have (or if you are), then you'll be sympathetic to the Bronica SQ series of cameras. These medium format, 6x6, SLR cameras were first introduced to the market place in 1980 and were a complete redesign of the classic Bronica S, C, and EC cameras of the 1960s and 1970s.
The SQ series introduced electronically controlled shutters and a convenient multiple exposure switch, Plus, after years of using Nikkor lenses for its cameras, Bronica ushered in their own line of lenses for the SQ under the brand name Zenzanon. At first glance, the Bronica SQ series may look unremarkable compared to some of its competitors, but upon closer inspection, these cameras deserve being judged on their own merits.
Following its predecessors the SQ, the SQ-A, and the SQ-Am, the SQ-Ai retained the electronically controlled shutter and multiple exposure lever, neither of which existed on the Hasselblad 500 series. The SQ-Ai's incremental advancement allowed for an electronic motor drive specifically designed for the SQ-Ai, flash contacts for TTL flash metering, and film backs that had film speed adjustments in 1/3rd stop increments. The SQ-Ai line-up of accessories was also extensive and included seven different focus screens, five viewing finders, seven different film backs, and twelve Zenzanon lenses that ranged from 40mm to 500mm.
While other camera manufacturers were developing some of these features for their cameras, Bronica led the way in terms of integrating them into one camera system. When you think of popular medium format SLRs, Bronica may not be the first name to pop into your head, but keep in mind the smaller company that was always above average.
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