The Bronica EC-TL, and its later revision the EC-TL II, was introduced in 1975 and set a new benchmark for medium format SLR cameras. The EC-TL was the first 6x6 SLR camera to feature a built-in TTL light meter, something not commonly seen in medium format cameras. Additionally, the EC-TL was capable of aperture priority metering, in addition to standard manual exposure setting. The EC-TL can make use of the same lenses as the Bronica S system (S, S2 and S2A), giving the user access to a wide variety of incredibly good Nikkor optics. Like previous Bronica cameras, the EC-TL also has interchangeable film backs and finders, although these are not interchangeable with previous Bronica S cameras. The Bronica EC-TL's shutter is electronically governed and has a shutter speed range from 4 seconds up to 1/1000, with mechanical Bulb and 1/60 flash sync settings as well. The later EC-TL II revision shortened the shutter speed range from a maximum 4 second speed down to a 1 second speed.
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Ward Shortridge's Bronica EC-TLII
As you likely know, we do a lot of consignment here at Blue Moon Camera. In fact, most of our used inventory comes from consignments. It may surprise you to learn of the variety of reasons that equipment is brought in for consignment. Sometimes its photographers trying to finance a new camera. Some folks are liquidating cameras that they don't use much anymore. A lot of the cameras have been inherited. Some have been found. On more than one occasion, we have had divorce cameras brought in. It is not uncommon for us to see estates, as well.
Generally, these are the estates of strangers - photographers who were never known to us. It is still a poignant experience to be sorting through the cameras left over by a photographer who is no longer with us, even if we never knew them. It is much more emotional when it is a photographer we did know. In the spring of 2020, we took in two consignments from the estates of photographers who we had known well and seen frequently. One of them passed away almost a year ago and the other died just in January. This Bronica was one of Ward's first medium format cameras and he shared fond memories of acquiring and using this camera, way back when. He loved this camera.
Handling equipment such as this is no small task and one that we take seriously. In spite of the tragic circumstances, there is some joy to be found in knowing you will help well-loved cameras find new homes. It is an odd place to be in, we admit, but we do the best job we can and, oftentimes, that is by just showing that we care about the equipment and the legacy it brings with it. We offer what help and solace we can.
As photographers, we should give some thought to what could happen to our treasured cameras and exposed film after we are gone. Sometimes you get advance warning of when this will be and sometimes you don't.