* Item pictured for illustrative purposes only, actual item not pictured. See ‘Notes’ next to grade for included items.
Bronica SQ-AI Special Edition 1998 6x6 Medium Format Camera with 80mm f/2.8 PS Lens, 120 Film Back, Waist Level Finder
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All rental gear is between Excellent and Like New Minus condition
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Standard accessories included
Bronica SQ-AI Special Edition: 6x6 Medium Format, 1998 Release
The Bronica SQ-AI Special Edition pairs a 6x6cm 120 film body with a 80mm f/2.8 PS lens, the standard focal length for this system and a natural match for the square format. The waist level finder puts you at working distance from the scene while composing on the square ground glass, a setup that changes how you frame a shot compared to eye-level shooting.
This is a system built around the SQ mount, with a 120 film back that handles the 6x6 square natively than cropping a rectangular frame down. The f/2.8 maximum aperture on the 80mm lens gives you real subject separation and enough speed to work in available light without pushing film stocks.
Released in 1998 as a special edition variant, this SQ-AI represents a mature point in Bronica's square-format lineup, with the mechanical and optical fundamentals of the system already well established by that point. For anyone shooting film who wants the square frame without a digital sensor between them and the negative, this is a straightforward, purpose-built tool.
Who It's For
Portrait photographers get real use from the 80mm f/2.8 lens, since the wider aperture lets subjects separate from backgrounds while working handheld or on a tripod. Studio and location shooters who compose from the waist level finder benefit from the lower, more deliberate framing position it forces, which suits still-life and posed portrait work particularly well. Photographers committed to the square format, than cropping a rectangular negative down, will find the 6x6cm 120 film back handles that aspect ratio as its native output. Film shooters building or expanding a medium format kit around the Bronica SQ mount will find this body integrates into that existing system directly.
Key Features
- 6x6cm square format on 120 film
- Bronica SQ mount with interchangeable lens system
- 80mm f/2.8 PS lens included
- Waist-level finder for ground glass composition
- Mechanical film camera, 1998 Special Edition release
FAQ
- What format does the Bronica SQ-AI Special Edition shoot?
- 6x6cm square on 120 film. The body is built around the square format natively, so you're composing and shooting the frame the camera was designed for, not cropping a rectangular negative down.
- What lens comes with this camera?
- An 80mm f/2.8 PS lens. It's the standard focal length for the SQ system and sits right in the middle of the standard-to-short-telephoto range for 6x6 medium format.
- Does the SQ-AI have interchangeable lenses?
- Yes. The camera uses the Bronica SQ mount, so you can swap lenses within the SQ system lineup. The 80mm is included, but the body accepts other focal lengths.
- What's the viewfinding system on this camera?
- Waist-level finder. You compose on the ground glass while holding the camera at waist level, which changes how you frame shots compared to eye-level finders. You're looking down at the ground glass from above.
- When was this Special Edition released?
- 1998. By that point in Bronica's SQ lineup, the mechanical and optical fundamentals were well established.
- What aperture does the 80mm lens reach?
- f/2.8. That's enough speed to work in available light without pushing film stocks and gives you real subject separation when you want it.
- Do I need to use a specific film back with this camera?
- The 120 film back is included and handles 6x6 square format. The SQ system is modular, so backs are interchangeable, but this one is matched to the body.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Sensor | 120 Film (6x6cm) |
| Mount | Bronica SQ |
This description was generated using AI based on KEH's internal product standards, product expertise, and knowing what customers care about most. While we strive for accuracy, details may vary by individual item.
| Brand Name | Bronica |
|---|---|
| Film Type | 120 roll |
| Flash System | Bronica TTL |
| Focus Type | Manual focus (only) |
| Lens Mount | Bronica SQ |
Learn what to expect from each condition, cosmetically. Images are representative of each grade and may not show the exact item you receive. All equipment is guaranteed to work as intended, unless otherwise noted. We also occasionally offer items that fall .
Exceptions
- New
- New in box complete with manufacturer's USA warranty. Not previously owned or used.
- Like New
- Essentially new with no signs of use. “Open box.” In manufacturer's packaging with original accessories and instructions. 180-day warranty.
- As Is
- Non-functional or damaged. Equipment will not work. Usable for parts. Not covered under KEH warranty and non-returnable.
Like New Minus
Like New Minus
Barely used with virtually no traces of wear. Only the closest inspections will reveal slight use. Lens glass could contain light dust or debris. Excellent picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Excellent Plus
Excellent Plus
Lightly used with limited signs of wear. Exceptionally nice but may have slight wear on finish visible. Lens glass could contain light dust or debris. Excellent picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Excellent
Excellent
Noticeably used with average signs of wear. Shows moderate wear for the age of the item, with the possibility of blemishes and/or minimal dings. Lens glass may have average dust and zoom/focus ring tension may have slight looseness or tightness overall, but will not affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Bargain
Bargain
Frequently used with above-average wear. May have dents, dings, or finish loss. Lens glass may have small scratches, dust, and blemishes, and zoom/focus ring tension may have moderate looseness or tightness overall, but should not affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Ugly
Ugly
Heavily used with extensive visible wear. Equipment is rough, with multiple impressions in the finish, excessive finish loss and brassing. Glass will have marks, fungus and/or heavy/cloudy haze which could affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. Not covered under KEH warranty.
