When the Haddenham Steam Rally appeared on my Facebook local events feed I thought that it would be a great opportunity to try out my latest addition to my analogue armoury, a Bronica SQ-A single lens reflex 6×6 medium format camera.
The SQ-A is a similar design to the famous Hasselblad 500 series. Costing less than half that of its better known counterpart it has a good quality modular body with superb lenses, interchangeable film backs and swappable viewfinders and was a popular brand being a workhorse for many professionals — best when buying to make sure your’s hasn’t been mistreated. My copy was manufactured in 1982 and cost £400 with a 150mm f/3.5 Zenzanon S portrait lens. Adding an 80mm f/3.5 standard lens and 50mm f/3.5 wide angle cost another £350, not too bad for a versatile portrait and landscape medium format system.
Haddenham Steam Rally is a traditional steam and country fair featuring a wide range of historic machinery and attractions. The event includes over 800 exhibits, such as steam engines, vintage cars, stationary engines, vintage tractors, and lorries, alongside an old-time fair. In recent years this has included Rules steam-driven Gallopers, regarded as one of the finest sets in the country. The rally is run entirely by volunteers and raises funds for local charities and causes.
I loaded the Bronica SQ-A with a roll of Ilford HP5+ and also put my Olympus OM-2N in the bag to shoot some colour on Kodak ColorPlus 200. I only took the 50mm Olympus lens, an error in hindsight as a wide angle would have made it easier to get in close and capture the machinery without the crowds.
