Using ME Prism Finder on Bronica SQ-Ai

[d.b. muir]

I recently purchased a used Bronica SQ-Ai as my first medium format

camera. It has the ME PRism Finder. I know the answer should be

obvious, however: is the shutter speed dial on the finder in anyway

connected to the camera, in other words if the shutter speed dial on

the finder is adjusted, does this change the shutter speed on the

camera? I think not, rather the dial on the finder is used only for

metering, after which the shutter speed number on the finder (after

a "green light" is achieved) must then be dialled on the camera

shutter speed. Is this right? Thanks.

[pen name above]

Hi DB

 

Welcome on board to the Bronica system! I too recall being flummoxed by the ambiguity in the instructions for the modular SqAi system.

 

The ME Prism Finder is a Manual Exposure metered Prism finder. Is this the ME Prism Finder S which you have? If so, this is coupled to the body and offers full aperture exposure readings, so hence you will not need to adjust the shutter speed on the SqAi body to set the correct exposure: this is achieved by the shutter dial on your finder which automatically couples the shutter with the prism finder dial.

 

The main task therefore, is to remember that the exposure on the body is overridden by the prism finder; particularly if you alternate between waist level work and prism finder metering.

 

Look at page 19 of your SqAi manual. There are limitations in the range of exposures (16s + B are not possible with the finder I believe).

 

Best wishes with your new system.

[roberto_lins]

Remember that the shutter speed dial on the finder does NOT work if the

dial in the camera is on B! So, just keep it in anything else.