C41
Kodak Portra 400
Kodak Portra 400 is a professional C-41 color negative film known for flexible exposure latitude, natural skin tones, and fine grain.
View profileMedium Format SLR
Bronica GS-1 Black1985
- Mount
- Bronica GS
- Years
- 1985–
- Shutter
- 8s – 1/500s
The Zenza Bronica GS-1 Black is the black-finish body variant of the GS-1, introduced in 1985. The GS-1 was Bronica's sole entry in the 6x7 cm medium-format category and its largest-format leaf-shutter SLR. It shoots 6x7 cm frames on 120 film (10 exposures per roll) or 220 film (20 exposures). Like the ETR and SQ systems, the GS-1 houses its shutter in each lens rather than the body, providing full flash synchronization at all shutter speeds up to 1/500s. The body requires batteries for shutter operation; there is no mechanical fallback. Metering requires an accessory AE prism finder. The black-finish variant was produced alongside the silver body and is the less common of the two on the used market.
Reference
Find film for your Bronica GS-1 Black
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Before you buy used
- **Battery dependency** - shutter is fully electronic; no mechanical fallback. Carry spare AA cells.
- **Shutter leaves in lenses** - leaf shutters can develop sticky blades, especially in older glass. Test each lens at slow and fast speeds.
- **Flash sync contacts** - the body-to-lens electronic sync path should be tested with a flash.
- **Film back light seals** - expect deteriorated foam on all backs at this age; factor in replacement cost.
- **Mirror damper foam** - universally deteriorated; inspect for debris on the screen and mirror.
- **AE prism meter** - if purchasing a kit, verify the meter is functional.
- **Parts scarcity** - the GS system had a smaller installed base than ETR or SQ; parts and technicians with GS experience are harder to find.
- Black-finish bodies show wear as paint chips rather than chrome brassing; inspect edges and grip areas.
About this camera
Bronica's only 6x7 leaf-shutter SLR in black finish - the largest frame in the Bronica system, with full flash sync at all speeds.
Key Specs
Frequently asked questions
- What battery does the Bronica GS-1 Black take?
- The Bronica GS-1 Black uses a 4x AA battery.
- What lens mount does the Bronica GS-1 Black have?
- The Bronica GS-1 Black uses the Bronica GS mount.
- What shutter speeds does the Bronica GS-1 Black offer?
- The Bronica GS-1 Black's shutter speeds range from 8s to 1/500s.
