Bronica's budget leaf-shutter 6x6 SLR — in-lens shutters, interchangeable backs, 1996.
The Bronica SQ-B is a 1996 medium-format SLR, a simplified and more affordable body in Zenza Bronica's leaf-shutter square-format system. It removed some features of the SQ-Ai, such as TTL flash metering and multiple-exposure automation, to offer a lower-cost entry into the SQ line.
It is a medium-format (6x6) SLR producing a 56x56mm square frame on 120 or 220 film through interchangeable film backs. It uses leaf shutters built into the SQ lenses, giving flash sync at all speeds, and is electronically controlled and battery-dependent. The body takes interchangeable waist-level or prism finders and focusing screens and mounts Bronica SQ lenses; metering is external or via a metered prism.
The stripped-down feature set made the SQ-B a practical route into a leaf-shutter 6x6 system for students and photographers on a budget, while keeping full compatibility with SQ lenses, backs, and finders. It suits studio, portrait, and general medium-format work where the extra automation of higher models is not needed.
Confirm the electronic body fires on a fresh battery. Test each lens leaf shutter for accurate speeds, check film-back seals and the dark slide, and inspect the mirror, screen, and waist-level finder mirror. Because the SQ-B is late in the line, foam seals may still be intact but should be checked for hardening.