- Introduction
- Differences between the EC and S series
- Differences between the TL and TLII
- Helicoid in the body
- Using the Bronica EC TLII: not the most ergonomic, but simple to operate
- Not the most common camera
Introduction
The Bronica EC TLII is the final iteration of the system that began in the early 1960s with the Bronica S.
As indicated by “EC,” unlike Bronicas beginning with “S,” the shutter is electronically controlled for greater precision.
“TL,” meanwhile, refers to the light-metering system, which measures light directly through the lens.
Released in 1978, its production ended as early as 1980 when it was replaced by the lighter and more compact Bronica SQ, which used a new mount for lenses with leaf shutters.
Photo of a Bronica SQ.
Differences between the EC and S series
The mount is the same and the lenses are interchangeable. However, they do not use the same film backs, focusing screens, or film winders.
The EC Bronicas allow the focusing helicoid to be separated from the camera body in order to accommodate long-focal-length lenses that have their own built-in helicoid.
Differences between the TL and TLII
There are no major changes between the TL, released in 1975, and the TLII (1978).
The TLII improves the reliability of the TL’s electronics and introduces a few minor improvements. It also sees the removal of some minor features, notably the slow shutter speeds below 1/2 second (the original TL went down to 4 seconds).
Helicoid in the body
The decision to integrate the focusing helicoid into the camera body rather than into the lens is a distinctive feature of the early Bronicas.
This choice was made for practical reasons, to simplify the design and manufacturing of the lenses (and therefore reduce their purchase cost).
One positive aspect of this decision is that the lenses are less likely to suffer from stuck diaphragms or dirty elements caused by grease from the helicoid threads. Appreciable.
Another advantage is the ability to more easily adapt projector lenses (for example), since the helicoid built into the camera can be used directly for focusing.
Using the Bronica EC TLII: not the most ergonomic, but simple to operate
The camera is heavy, weighing nearly two kilograms with a lens attached (about 500 grams more than a Kiev 60 or a Bronica SQ-A), and it is also fairly thick.
I recommend using a cable release if you do not have the grip, in order to reduce camera shake and avoid motion blur.
Otherwise, unless there is a mechanical or electronic problem, the camera is simple and pleasant to use.
It includes numerous safety features that make handling errors virtually impossible (forgetting to load film, forgetting to remove the dark slide, losing the dark slide, etc.).
The film backs, for their part, can be removed and replaced easily.
The back includes a slot to store the dark slide once it has been removed. It is impossible to remove the back until the dark slide has been reinserted.
Not the most common camera
There are relatively few Bronica EC TL cameras where I live (France), so you will most likely need to import one from Japan if you want to acquire one.
This also means that spare parts are rare and that it may be difficult to find a repair technician for this camera in France.
Sources:
https://www.collection-appareils.fr/x/html/appareil-3347-Bronica_EC.html
https://www.limage-latente.fr/les-collections/les-appareils-photo/bronica-ec-tl-ii.html
https://petapixel.com/bronica-history/
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