Manufactured or assembled in Japan from 1980 to (After) 1980.
Index of rarity in France: Rare (among non-specialized garage sales)
Inventory number: 3352

See the complete technical specifications

Chronology of cameras Bronica 

This camera was never produced!

Introduction of the novelties at the 1980 Photokina by Phot'argus

At Bronica, it's a big event, with the showcase presentation of two 24 x 36 mm compact prototypes with rangefinders and interchangeable lenses. Such a surprise was not expected from a brand that was now classified in the photographic world as a specialist in medium formats.

The Bronica VX-1/VX-2 (the second differs from the first only by its viewfinder system) is intended to fit into the commercial niche opened by Minolta with its CLE (after the failure of the Leica CL). Despite not having the capabilities of the Minolta, including TTL automatic flash exposure, the Bronica VX-1/VX-2 will likely be serious rivals because their original technological choices will probably position them at an interesting price point in the market. Moreover, the compact Bronica cameras are very small, measuring 106 x 66.5 x 30 mm without a lens, compared to 124.5 x 77.5 x 32 mm for the Minolta CLE.

The Bronica VX-1 and VX-2 are automatic 24 x 36 compacts with pre-selectable aperture choices that can receive a manual adapter with a speed barrel (similar to the adapter of the Olympus 0M-10), allowing semi-automatic operation and the adaptation of a conventional electronic flash. The design of the exposure measurement system is unusual. Each lens has a CdS light-sensitive element on its front ring, the acceptance angle of which corresponds, of course, to the field covered by the lens on which it has been integrated. The idea is not new, as Fuji had already used it in 1972 on the Fujica 670 and 690 Professional. However, at that time, the entire exposure meter was installed on the right side of the 100mm lens, causing some size issues!
Only the sensitive element is integrated into the Zenzanon V lenses, with the measurement transmitted to the camera body by electrical contact pins mounted on the lens and body bayonet (a proven system on the Bronica ETR and subsequently adopted by the Mamiya ZE). The measurement is then sent to the central exposure determination system, taking into account exposure parameters (aperture and sensitivity) for shutter speed calculation. The aperture value is transmitted electrically to the body, while sensitivity must be displayed using a dial located under the base in line with the rewind crank (display from 25 to 1600 ASA). The speed chosen by the automation (or displayed on the speed barrel of the manual adapter) is transmitted to the shutter-diaphragm equipped with each Zenzanon V lens.
The VX-1 and VX-2 bodies have an exposure memorization button located on the rear. A very good point for Bronica, which understood the importance of this feature from the start. Thank you! The measurement coupling range extends from IL 2 to IL 17 for 100 ASA.
The lenses have a bayonet (with 4 fins) with a chromed release button located on the anatomical boss on the front right of the body. When removing the lens, a shutter with metal blades closes in front of the viewfinder window, protecting the film during lens changes. The system includes a standard Zenzanon V f/2.8 40mm lens and a f/4.5 85mm telephoto lens, both with a cam ensuring the modification of the collimated viewfinder frame. However, the wide-angle Zenzanon V f/2.8 28mm must be used with an additional viewfinder placed on the top of the VX-1 and VX-2 bodies. No exposure correction is necessary when using filters, as they also cover the CdS light-sensitive element window.
The Bronica VX-1 is equipped with a classic clear viewfinder magnifying X 0.56 times, similar to the Leica M4-2, with collimated frames depending on the focal lengths mounted on the body. The collimators move laterally depending on the focus, ensuring automatic parallax correction.
The Bronica VX-2, on the other hand, is equipped with a revolutionary viewfinder magnifying x 0.7 times without distortion according to Bronica (an exceptional magnification value for this type of viewfinder). The employed system remains secret, and since the devices were carefully kept under showcase throughout Photokina, the mystery remains unsolved. We will tell you more soon when additional information (or a VX-2 body!) comes to us. The viewfinder on the left side of the image has a speed scale with LED display from 2 seconds to 1/500 seconds with over and under-exposure marks at the top and bottom of the scale. It also includes an LED indicator for the charge of the Bronica V 1700 flash and correct flash exposure (see below). Only the viewfinder system differentiates the Bronica VX-2 from the Bronica VX-1.
The Bronica V 1700 flash is a small flash (NG 17 in meters) intended to be mounted on the VX-1 and VX-2. It attaches thanks to a screw base on the left side of the VX bodies. A set of electrical pins transmits exposure parameters to the flash: aperture displayed on the lens, film sensitivity, focus distance. The flash incorporates these parameters to deliver a flash of suitable duration. If the displayed parameters exceed these operating limits (focus distance too long, aperture too closed...), an indicator in the viewfinder signals their exceedance to the operator. Very good! The shutter-diaphragm is synchronized at all speeds.
A manual adapter with a speed barrel allows using the VX-1 and VX-2 bodies in manual or semi-automatic mode. It fits on the left side of the bodies with a knurled screw and has at its upper part a synchronized accessory shoe for the use of conventional electronic flashes. This adapter is electrically coupled to the body by 6 contact pins. The speed barrel has 11 standardized speeds from 2 seconds to 1/500 seconds and an A position allowing the use of the body in automatic mode. The selected speed on the barrel flashes in the viewfinder while the required speed for correct exposure is steadily lit. Just overlay them for a correct exposure.

Let's complete this quick description with the "more classic" features:
• Electronic self-timer, whose LED located on the front left is hidden at rest by the power switch.
• Trigger safety.
• Body powered by two button cells with silver oxide (type UCAR EPX 76) placed in the anatomical boss on the right side of the body.
• Film winding is ensured by a classic winding lever whose shape seems to have been cut with an axe!
An opening in the 24 x 36 that looks promising.

Let's wait for the first production models.

__________

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