Bronica SQ-A build quality

[chris_buchman]

I am holding a Bronica SQ-A right now, and am shocked at how much

nicer it feels and looks than the brand new SQ-AI that was

demonstrated to me by a Bronica rep earlier today. The metal shutter

button, chrome trim around the crank, even the glass covering the

shutter speeds looks nicer. Can anyone comment on this? Has Bronica

cheapened their cameras since the SQ-AI was introduced? If the old

SQ-A looks nicer and better made, does that mean it actually is? I

was planning on buying a new SQ-AI but now I'm not so sure...Could

this 15 year old camera be made more solidly than a brand new one?

[ted_brownle]

Chris,

 

I own an ETRSi & went through the same thing when I bought mine. I had borrowed a friend's ETRS & it had many of the differences that you describe for the SQ-A vs SQ-Ai.

 

I have been using my ETRSi since 1995 & am very happy with the quality. There may be similar improvements that you really want: Look for TTL flash metering, spot metering with the latest prism (AE-III for the ETRSi), mirror lockup, & gold plated lens contacts (a reliability improvement). There are probably more subtle improvements, but you get the idea. Another thing: the polycarbonate body panels may seem like a cheap shortcut at first, but after 6-1/2 years of continual use including a lot of work along the coast (ie, salt spray), my camera still looks new. The only sign of wear is the inside of the wind crank arm. the anodizing is worn off from clipping something during handling (not normal shooting).

 

I would opt for the SQ-Ai without a second thought.

 

~Ted