Bronica SQ/SQ-A
Noted as a workhorse for pros like wedding and portrait photographers, Bronica cameras were first introduced in 1958 as medium format SLRs that used Nikkor lenses. By 1980, Bronica ditched the NIKKOR lenses and replaced them with line of their own lenses along with the SQ camera. The SQ-A followed two years later. Both are manual focus but the latter offers features like mirror lock-up, multiple exposure capabilities and auto exposure (with the AE prism).

With the Bronica SQ/SQ-A cameras you can rock out 6 x 6 negatives, which is great for shooters wanting to try a square negative but don't want to shell out for a Hasselblad. With the exception of the AE prism, the SQ and SQ-A models take the same accessories including several different backs, including Polaroid.

In the mid ‘90’s Tamron acquired Bronica, bringing the optics company into the medium format arena. However, in 2004/2005, Bronica was history when Tamron halted production. That’s good news for photographers looking for used medium format cameras, lenses and accessories since there are plenty of great deals, particularly for SQ/SQ-A cameras. Check out some of the amazing prices for a Bronica body and for complete kits.

Sample prices:

KEH.com: Starting from $84 (SQ body only, “bargain” condition) on up for camera body and kits
Ebay: $124.95 SQ-A body only and user manual; $649.99 or $399.99 SQ-A with prism, 80mm lens, 120 (or 220) back
Craigslist: $550 for SQ-A body, two lenses, three backs, waist level viewfinder and regular prism