Bronica's first leaf-shutter 6x6 SLR — in-lens shutters, interchangeable backs, 1980.
The Bronica SQ is a 1980 medium-format SLR that opened Zenza Bronica's leaf-shutter square-format system, a full redesign away from the earlier focal-plane S and EC bodies. It was offered as a modular 6x6 alternative to the Hasselblad V-system, with interchangeable backs, finders, and leaf-shutter lenses.
It is a medium-format (6x6) SLR producing a 56x56mm square frame on 120 or 220 film through interchangeable film backs. The SQ system places the leaf shutter inside each lens rather than in the body, so flash synchronises at all speeds. The body is electronically controlled and battery-dependent, takes interchangeable waist-level or prism finders and focusing screens, and mounts Bronica SQ bayonet lenses. Metering is done externally or through a metered prism.
The leaf-shutter design and full flash sync made the SQ a practical studio system for portrait and product work, and its modular backs allow film-stock changes mid-session. The square format with a waist-level finder gives a bright reversed image, and the system's lens range covers wide to telephoto for general medium-format use.
Since the shutter and body are electronic, confirm the camera fires on a fresh battery. Test each lens leaf shutter for accurate speeds across the range, check film-back seals and the dark slide for light leaks, and inspect the mirror, screen, and waist-level finder mirror. Verify foam seals in body and back have not perished.