BRONICA GS-1

The Bronica GS-1, introduced in March 1983, was Bronica's largest 6x7 format SLR and the first medium format camera with TTL flash metering capability. The modular system featured electronic Seiko #0 leaf shutters in all lenses, allowing flash synchronization at all speeds, with a complete PG lens lineup from 50mm to 500mm focal lengths. Its design prioritized portability over the competing heavy Mamiya RZ/RB systems by rejecting rotating backs, though this meant accepting smaller maximum apertures due to the #0 shutter limitations. The camera offered multiple viewfinder options including a unique rotary AE-prism for vertical shooting, and supported various film formats (6x4.5, 6x6, 6x7, Polaroid) through interchangeable backs. Production ended in June 2002 with approximately 22,500 bodies manufactured, making it a relatively rare professional medium format system.