Zenza Bronica SQ-A
Part Two
Back to Part One
15. Time (T) Exposure
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Time exposures are made with the time exposure lever on the
lens, regardless of the setting on the shutter speed scale. However, the lever is locked to
prevent accidental movement and, therefore, must be unlocked for use.
Except when using the lever for time exposures, always shift it
so that the letter "A" is visible on the lens barrel and tightly lock its set screw to prevent
accidental movement. |
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A. Unscrew the set screw on the time exposure lever until further
revolution is not possible, which will permit the lever to be moved freely.
B. Slide the time exposure lever and expose a red-colored "T"
on the lens barrel. Depressing the shutter release button, in this condition, will open the
shutter. The shutter is closed by shifting the time exposure lever and exposing the letter
"A" once more. However, since the film will not be advanced to the next frame, in this case depress the drive button to advance the film. |
16. Setting the Aperture
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A. The aperture ring is rotated, in either direction, to set the required f/number opposite the
white index dot. The aperture ring click-stops at the numbered settings. Intermediate settings
are also possible.
* Intermediate settings cannot be used when the finders with
built-in exposure meter are used.
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B. All interchangeable lenses for the Zenza Bronica SQ-Am have fully automatic lens diaphragms which means that the
focusing screen is always viewed at the full aperture, with the brightest possible image. However, depressing the depth of
field preview lever will stop the lens diaphragm down to the preselected lens opening and permit the photographer to check the depth of field effect on the
focusing screen.
* The aperture ring must not be adjusted while the depth of
field preview lever is being depressed.
17. Interchanging Finders
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| A. The finder can be interchanged, with other optional
finders, to match shooting conditions to photographic conditions. To attach the finder,
align the front end of the finder with the front end of the finder frame on top of the camera
main body, as shown. Then, gently lower the finder and, when well-seated, slide forward
until it locks. |
B. To detach, simply depress the finder release button, while,
at the same time, sliding the finder backwards where it can be taken up.
|
18. Waist-Level Finder and Interchanging Magnifiers
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A. The focusing hood of the waist-level finder is opened by
pushing up on the focusing hood catch at the rear end of the folded waist-level finder.
* There is no standard finder for the Bronica SQ-Am, with the
user having a choice of several finders. Instructions are based on the waist-level finder because
of its popularity. |
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B. The magnifier is flipped into viewing position, by simply sliding the release lever in the
arrow-indicated direction. To store the magnifier, simply push it down until it catches.
* The magnifier can be exchanged for one matching the eyesight of the user. |
C. To close the focusing hood, first, push down the magnifier
(if it is in viewing position). Next, press in both side frames, as illustrated, and, at the same
time, press the front frame back towards the rear. The focusing hood will automatically be folded down. |
D. The standard magnifier supplied with the waist-level finder
has a power of -1 .5 diopters, which can be exchanged for others with powers of
-4.5, -3.5, -2.5, -0.5, +0.5 and +1 .5 diopters. These optional accessories should be purchased
to suit the user's eyesight, if necessary.
Simply rotate the magnifier frame in the counter-clockwise
direction to unscrew.
Attach in the reverse manner |
19. Focusing Adjustments
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| A. The lens is focused on the subject, by rotating the focusing
ring in either direction, while checking the effect on the microprism / split-image rangefinder spot in the center of the
focusing screen (standard type). |
B. The central split-image spot splits the image into two, with
the upper and lower halves separated horizontally when the lens is out of focus. When in focus,
however, the two halves will coincide with the displacement disappearing. The microprism
ring surrounding the central spot can also be used for checking the sharpness of the focused
image, since the image will glitter when the lens is not focused. The surrounding full-area matte
surface can also be used for checking image sharpness. |
20. Distance Scale and Depth of Field Scale
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A. Distance scales on the Zenzanon-S lenses can be used for focusing at the required distance
or finding the distance actually focused. Simply rotate the focusing ring and set the required distance opposite the orange-colored index, which will
adjust the lens for the required distance. |
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B. There is an apparent zone of sharpness, both in front and
back of the focused subject, which is known as the depth of field. The depth of field scale shows the zone of apparent
sharpness at any lens opening or distance and can be utilized for quickly and simply ascertaining the depth of field.
The depth of field scale is next to the distance scales and is made up of identical pairs of
apertures on both sides of the orange-colored distance index. These identical
pairs of apertures indicate the distance that will be in focus at these lens openings. For example, if
the 80mm lens is focused at a distance of 3m, it can be seen
from the depth of field scale that the zone will extend from 2 to 7 meters (6
ft. to 23 ft.), when a lens opening of F22 is used.
* See the depth of field table for the Zenzanon-S 80mm lens, on page 40. |
21. Infrared Photography
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In infrared photography, some adjustment must be made in the
focus in order to retain sharpness on the film, because the invisible infrared rays are longer
in wave length than the visible rays used for focusing. For
infrared photography1. Use a R filter or equivalent
with an infrared (black-and
white) film. |
2. The red-colored line, next to the orange-colored distance index, is the infrared index.
3. After focusing in the normal manner, re-set the distance
indicated by the orange colored distance index to the infrared index, by shifting
the distance ring.
4. Follow instructions enclosed with the infrared film and
filter and, to be on the safe side, make several bracketing shots. In general, more exposure rather than less seems
to be a safe guide.
22. Flash Photography
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A. Always use flash cords with a standard PC type plug. When
detaching the flash cord, grip the plug firmly and pull it out straight, instead
of using a twisting action.
B. The lens shutter of the Zenzanon-S lens has a X-setting for flash
synchronization, which means that electronic flash units will synchronize at all shutter
speed settings, up to the fastest 1/500 second.
This means, of course, that flash fill-in for daylight shots can also
be made very easily. |
23. Multiple Exposures
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 |
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| A. To make multiple exposures, turn the multiple exposure lever
in the arrow-indicated direction before exposing the first shot. When the shutter release button
is depressed, in this condition, the shutter will be released any number of times without advancing the film. |
B. Upon completing the multiple-exposure picture, be sure to return the multiple exposure
lever back to its vertical position and depress the drive button to advance the film one frame.
If the drive button is not depressed, the next frame will also be a multiple-exposed one. |
24. Mirror Lock-Up
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A. The mirror lock-up switch lever has three settings
- N (normal) - For shooting with
out mirror lock-up.
S (single frame) - For shooting
single frame with mirror
lock-up.
C (continuous) - For shooting continuously
with mirror lock-up.
* Always use the AE Prism Finder S in the manual mode, when shooting with the mirror
locked up. |
B. For shooting with the mirror locked up, rotate the mirror
lock-up lever in the arrow indicated direction and coincide S or C to the index. The lens
shutter will close completely and the reflex mirror and film safety plate will swing up. |
C. The shutter will be released when the shutter release button
or electro-magnet release is depressed. |
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D. When S is set to the index, with the mirror lock-up switch
lever, the lever will automatically return to N, with the next film advancing and shutter cocking action. And, following shots
will, of course, be normal.
E. When C is set to the index, with the mirror lock-up switch
lever, however, the lever will not return to N with the next film advancing and shutter cocking
action but will stay locked up any number of times. |
D. When shooting is suspended,
after mirror lock-up, and the mirror lock-up switch lever is rotated from S or C to N, shutter release and motor operation
will take place but the film will not be advanced with the result that the next exposure
will be double-exposed. Double exposure can be prevented, in the above case, by the
following methods.
* After completing the 12th exposure or 24th exposure, the
film only will be advanced automatically and the motor will suspend its operation.
Should new film be loaded and the drive button depressed, with the mirror lock-up switch lever
at C, the film will be placed into position for exposing the first frame with the mirror locked
up. The mirror lock-up switch lever must always be returned to N, before loading film.
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a) Cover the lens and then use the mirror lock-up switch lever
to return to N.
Then, continue photography in the normal manner. |
b) Utilize film back interchangeability and detach the film back before rotating the mirror lockup switch lever to N. Attach the
film back after motor operations take place and is suspended. |
25. Remote Control Operations
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Remote control shutter release operations will
be possible by inserting a 2.5mm mini-plug into the remote control terminal
on the Zenza Bronica SQ-Am. Equipment which can be used, in this case, are remote control
extension cord, wireless remote control equipment, interval meter, etc., which are available
in most photographic equipment stores. However, always check operation of the equipment before actual use. Resistance of the extension cord
should not exceed 30 ohm, too.
*The mini-plug of the' remote control equipment must be attached or removed with the
mode selector switch at OFF, as otherwise the shutter will be released if the mode selector
switch is at Sm or Cm. |
26. Use of External Power
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Inserting the plug of an external power source into the external
power terminal automatically switches power supply to the motor drive system from the
internal battery power (six AA size batteries) to the external power. The battery holder must
be left inside the battery chamber even when taking power from an external source. The NiCd batteries cannot be recharged
inside the battery chamber but must be recharged externally and then used. |
Optional accessories, such as external power source plug,
NiCd battery recharger, AC adapter, etc, are not supplied but equipment meeting the following specifications and conditions will be
acceptable.
1. External power plug: Plugs used for transistor radios and tape recorders
are acceptable.
2. External power conditions: Voltage - DC 9
Volt; Current - 5 Ampere. |
3. Cable conditions: The cable from the external power to
the SQ-Am should be as short and thick as possible, or -
Less than 2 meter length with cable of 0.3
sq.mm area, or
Less than 5 meter length with cable of 0.75
sq.mm area.
* Do not mistake the polarity (+ and -) marks, when using the
plug.* An optional External Battery Pack S (six UM-2 or C-type batteries) is also available as an
external power source for continuous shooting sessions. |
27. Interchanging Focusing Screens
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A. The focusing screen can be exchanged, depending on the
type of photographic work being undertaken.
First, remove the finder attached to the camera main body.
Then, move the screen removal levers on both sides in the arrow-indicated directions, as illustrated. Then, using a pincer or similar tool, lift up the screen with the protrusion at the rear
end.
Click here to see
different screens. |
B. To install the focusing screen, nest the protrusion at the rear end of the screen in a
corresponding groove on the camera main body. Then, slide both screen removal levers
forward to secure the focusing screen.
* Seven types of focusing screens are available.
28. Attachment of the Neck Strap
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| A. First, insert the U-shaped ring into the neck
strap eyelet, as illustrated. |
B. Next, place the plastic ring cover over the U-shaped ring, as
illustrated. |
C. Next, thread the neck strap through the plastic ring cover
(and the U-shaped ring) and pull it out, as illustrated. |
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D. After adjusting the length
of the neck strap, pass the leading end of the strap through the buckle, as illustrated, which will
fix it securely. |
29. Facts about the Battery
"There should be no slack in the strap between the buckle
and the plastic ring cover, or in "A" section, which means that both straps must be of the same
length at this point.
The batteries supply power for the various electronic control
mechanisms and motor drive mechanisms incorporated in the Zenza Bronica SQ-Am. When
used incorrectly, there is possibility of the wrong exposure being set to the camera and/or
the camera not operating. Be sure to use and store the battery correctly for obtaining
optimum performance from it at all times.
• Take the battery out of the battery chamber, and set mode
selector switch to "OFF" position when storing the camera.
• Leaving the battery in the camera for a long time, without
using it, can lead to leakage problems and result in poor contact.
Discard a battery with leakage or corrosion and thoroughly
clean out the battery chamber, before inserting a new battery.
• Clean the contacts of the battery chamber and battery with a soft cloth. Don't use
sandpaper or emery cloth.
• For motor drive system, use fresh batteries with same brand
name. When replacing the batteries, replace all six batteries at the same time.
• Don't throw the battery into a fire, or hit it strongly, as there is danger of explosion.
• Either a silver oxide battery (No. 544/PX28) or an
alkaline manganese battery (A544/ 4LR44) for shutter control as well as "AA" size
alkaline manganese or NiCd batteries for motor drive are used with the Zenza Bronica SQ-Am. Both
have very good cold weather resistance. However, there is a tendency for performance to drop when the temperature falls
below 0°C (32°F). Therefore, make it a rule to use a new battery and/or keep replacement batteries on hand for
shooting outdoors in freezing weather. Keep the battery (and camera) under cover, next to the body, and load just before
beginning the session and/or, preferably, use the optional Remote Camera Battery Pack E
and External Battery Pack S.
30. Pointers on Shooting
• The shutter cannot be cocked when film is not loaded in the film back. The use of the
multiple exposure lever will, however, permit you to cock the shutter, in such instances. This feature is, of course, very
convenient for familiarizing yourself with the camera and for testing the shutter in flash
photography. (See "23 Multiple Exposures".)
• Battery power is not consumed when time exposures are
made.
• The voltage will drop when the camera is used for long shooting sessions in freezing weather.
Insert new batteries or keep a spare on hand, for such occasions. Furthermore, keep such batteries in an inside
pocket.
• The focusing screen is detachable, for exchanging with
other types. Do not place trimming masks or tapes on the bottom surface of the screen, as
this will lead to inaccurate focusing.
• If the mode selector switch is set to OFF when the AE
Prism Finder S is attached to camera main body, battery power will not be consumed
even the power source switch of the AE Prism Finder S is set to ON.
• In case the voltage of 6 volt battery for the shutter operation drops and the battery
checker LED does not light up, the shutter will be mechanically controlled at 1/500 sec. and
there will be no automatic film winding by the motor. In such case, if the battery is removed,
then the shutter will be released at 1/500 sec. and the film will be advanced automatically by
the motor.
• It should be remembered, when taking pictures, that the
final print will not be a square format, especially in the economy size, but will be cut down
on both sides or at the top and bottom.
31. Care of the ZENZA BRONICA SQ-Am
• Restrict cleaning of the reflex mirror to blowing or brushing with the blower brush or a soft camel hair brush. Don't
touch the surface with your fingers or a cloth.
• Use lens cleaning tissue and liquid to clean the surface of
the lens. Do not use silicon coated cloth for this purpose, as it will prove detrimental to the
lens coating.
• Clean the plastic focusing screen in the same manner.
Don't touch the surface as you may leave fingerprints.
• Protect your camera from temperature changes which can
result in moisture condensation, frost, etc., inside the body, leading to rusting of metallic parts
and troubles.
• Protect your camera from impact and
vibrations, too.
• Upon attaching the film back, always pull out the dark
slide from its slit.
• Always protect the lens with its cover, when carrying the
camera.
• Clean the camera and lens very carefully after using it outdoors in wet weather or at the
seashore.
• Wipe the camera carefully with a well-wrung damp cloth,
using fresh water, if the exterior is effected by salty air. Then, wipe it dry with a soft, dry
cloth. If necessary, send it out for a quick inspection at an authorized repair station.
• If the equipment is not being used for a long period, store
everything in tin-lined containers, with plenty of desiccant, such as silica gel.
Finally, store the equipment in a cool, dry and well-ventilated (but not windy) place.
• Do not thread too strongly, when using a
longer-than standard tripod screw, as you may damage the body.
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• Both camera main body and lens must be in the "cocked"
condition to attach or remove the lens. I n other words, when "cocked" the cocking pin of the
lens will be set between the red band and green dot, while the cocking pin of the body mount will be set to the green
colored dot.
When not set in the above manner, the cocking pin of the detached lens (also Automatic Extension Tube) can be set by
moving it manually to the green colored dot, while the cocking pin of the SQ-Am main body is
set by depressing the drive button. |
• Always clean all exposed contact points before attachment, as otherwise there will be
faulty contact which will lead to improper operations.
• See that exposed contact points are not short-circuited with a metal object.
*When using the flash synch socket on the camera body, always cover the hot shoe with
its protective cover.
On the other hand, when using the hot shoe, cover the flash
socket with its cover. Otherwise, an electric shock may be received from the uncovered contact.
• Never insert/remove the mini plug
of the remote control equipment with the mode selector switch set at Sm or Cm.
• Do not use the external terminal with external power exceeding 10 volts.
*When a finder with a built-in exposure meter is attached for
photography and a film of different sensitivity is loaded in the film back, always remember
to readjust the ASA/ISO film speed dial for the new film.
33. Specifications of Zensanon-S Lenses
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40mm F4
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50mm F3.5
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80mm F2.8
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105mm F3.5
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150mm F3.5
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No. of group-element
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8 - I I
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8 - 10
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4- 6
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4- 6
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5- 5
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Angle of View
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87°
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76°
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51°
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41°
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30°
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Apertures
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4 -22
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3.5-22
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2.8-22
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3.5-22
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3.5-22
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Minimum focusing
distance (M)
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0.4
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0.5
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0.8
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0.85
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1.5
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(1.3ft)
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(1.6ft)
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(2.6ft)
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(2.8ft)
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(4.9ft)
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Filter size (mm)
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95
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67
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67
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67
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67
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Overall length (mm)
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83
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62
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52
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60
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61
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Weight (grams)
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660
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560
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470
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540
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590
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Equivalent focal length in
35mm format camera (mm)
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21
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28
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45
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58
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85
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200mm F4.5
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250mm F5.6
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500mm F8
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Tele-Converter S 2X
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No. of group-element
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5 - 5
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5- 5
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6 - 7
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5 - 6
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of View
_Angle
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22°30"
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18°
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9°
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Apertures
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4.5-32
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5.6-32
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8 -45
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Minimum focusing distance (M)
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2.5
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3
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8.5
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(8.2ft)
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(9.8ft)
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(28ft)
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Filter size (mm)
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67
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67
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95
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Overall length (mm)
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97
|
129
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255
|
53
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Weight (grams)
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740
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870
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1 ,890
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500
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Equivalent focal length in
35mm format camera (mm)
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105
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135
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280
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Zenzanon-S Variogon 75-150mm F4.5 Zoom Lens Lens construction: 13 groups in 15 elements
Angles of view: 53°30' - 30°6'
Apertures: 4.5 -32
Diaphragm: Fully automatic
Minimum focus: 1.8m (0.25m in macro mode)
Filter size: Series 9a (diameter 93mm) Size: 100mm x 152mm
Weight: 1,800 grams (3.96 Ibs)
Accessory: Filter retainer, lens hood, lens case,
front lens cat) & rear lens caps |
Zenzanon-S Variogon 140-280mm F5.6 Zoom Lens Lens construction: 14 groups in 17 elements
Angles of view: 30°42' -16'12' Apertures: 5.6 '- 32
Diaphragm: Fully automatic
Minimum focus: 2.5m (0.76m in macro mode)
Filter size: Series 9a (diameter 93mm) Size: 94mmo x 221 mm Weight: 2,000 grams (4.4
Ibs)
Accessory: Filter retainer, lens hood, lens case, front lens cap & rear lens cap. |
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Zenza Bronica SQ-A System
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