Bronica's motorised leaf-shutter 6x6 SLR — built-in winder, in-lens shutters, 1983.
The Bronica SQ-Am is a 1983 medium-format SLR, a motorised version of the SQ within Zenza Bronica's leaf-shutter square-format system. It integrates a built-in motor drive into the body for automatic film advance, aimed at studio and repeatable shooting rather than manual winding.
It is a medium-format (6x6) SLR shooting a 56x56mm square frame on 120 or 220 film through interchangeable film backs. Like the rest of the SQ system it uses leaf shutters built into the lenses, giving flash sync at all speeds, and it is electronically controlled. The integral motor advances film and cocks the shutter using battery power. The body takes interchangeable finders and screens and mounts Bronica SQ lenses; metering is external.
The built-in winder suited studio photographers wanting hands-free advance and quicker sequences within a leaf-shutter 6x6 system. It keeps the modular backs, finders, and full flash sync of the SQ line, making it useful for portrait and product work, though the motor adds weight and battery dependence.
Test the built-in motor drive and battery contacts, as the body will not advance without power and drive faults can be costly to repair. Check each lens leaf shutter for accurate speeds, film-back seals and the dark slide, mirror and screen condition, and the waist-level finder mirror. Confirm foam seals have not perished.