Almost set on a Plaubel Makina, what other cameras should I consider?

[thegman]

Hello,
I'm just about set on getting a Plaubel Makina 67, but before I go for it, I'd like to know my alternatives.

I'm after a 6x6 or 6x7 rangefinder, with a built in meter, I would like a manual shutter though, not battery operated. That rules out the other front-runner, the GF670.

So, a RF, built-in meter, mechanical shutter. Anything I've forgotten to consider?

Cheers

Garry

 

[FrankS]

There is the Fuji GW670 ll or lll but it has no meter. Great lens.

For twice the cost, you can get a Plaubel Makina.

Is a meter worth that much? You can put a CV meter in the Fuji hotshoe.

The Fuji is more robust than the Plaubel Makina.


That being said, there is nothing quite like the Plaubel Makina.

I used to have a Plaubel Makina with 80mm lens. Now I have a Fuji GW670 ll and a Plaubel Makina W67 with 55mm lens. 🙂

 

[thegman]

There is the Fuji GW670 ll or lll but it has no meter. Great lens.

For twice the cost, you can get a Plaubel Makina.

Is a meter worth that much? You can put a CV meter in the Fuji hotshoe.

The Fuji is more robust than the Plaubel Makina.


That being said, there is nothing quite like the Plaubel Makina.

I used to have a Plaubel Makina with 80mm lens. Now I have a Fuji GW670 ll and a Plaubel Makina W67 with 55mm lens. 🙂

I'm just trying to really simplify my camera set up, no accessories I don't need, lightweight, easy to stuff into a bag etc.

Fuji looks nice, but maybe a little on the large side for me.

Cheers

Garry

 

[mfogiel]

If you haven't tried Bronica RF, it could be a good idea. It is only 645, electronic shutter and f4.0, but on the flip side it costs less, makes 16 shots on a roll, is very compact and the lens is astounding - you can also get a great 45mm (28mm equiv on 135), very compact too.
These are probably the best lenses for shooting into the light that I own.

MF20144710 by mfogiel, on Flickr

 

[FrankS]

I say go for the Makina. If you have the possibility/means financially, then why not. It will either be your dream camera, or if it doesn't work for you, just sell it on.

 

[benji77]

I will vote for the GF670 too. I own one, and its a joy to work with. The viewfinder is clear, the lens is sharp and contrasty. The portability is its strength, as compared to other 67 formats.

 

[DominikDUK]

I my opionion if your heart is set on a Makina nothing else will do. Some cameras have sharper lenses and some are more portable but the Makina lens is special. Color reproduction and overall character of the lens is unique the Nikon lenses (no wonder) for Bronica come somewhat close but are not identical.

 

[thegman]

Thank you for the suggestions everyone, I'll be honest, I wouldn't say my "heart" is set on a Makina, but it does tick all the boxes. The only other camera that does is the GF670, except for the electronic shutter, aside from which, it's perfect, and I prefer it to the Makina.

But I am getting more and more into the mechanical cameras, or rather more and more sick of batteries, to tell the truth.

I got a Bessa R3M not R3A because I wanted a mechanical shutter, and don't regret it. I'll think on it some more, but I think Makina is the only choice for me, mechanical, meter, 6x7, RF.

 

[f16sunshine]

I prefer the GF670 Gary.
Most other things being equal or equally excellent between the GF670 and PM67... image output that is 🙂
The crystal clear VF and silent operation are unmatchable.
Normally I prefer mechanical Cameras too but here the GF670 is worth having an extra battery in your film pouch.
Besides... the battery is a big CR2 Lithium and only operates the shutter timing and meter.
That's a really big battery doing a relatively very small job.
Something to consider.

The GF only gives up half a stop which in terms of DOF and subject isolation is not much.
The smooth silent operation is worth any compromise that carrying a battery might bring with it.

Cheers!

 

[thegman]

I prefer the GF670 Gary.
Most other things being equal or equally excellent between the GF670 and PM67... image output that is 🙂
The crystal clear VF and silent operation are unmatchable.
Normally I prefer mechanical Cameras too but here the GF670 is worth having an extra battery in your film pouch.
Besides... the battery is a big CR2 Lithium and only operates the shutter timing and meter.
That's a really big battery doing a relatively very small job.
Something to consider.

The GF only gives up half a stop which in terms of DOF and subject isolation is not much.
The smooth silent operation is worth any compromise that carrying a battery might bring with it.

Cheers!

You may well be right, the GF670 was my first instinct, basically because it is beautiful. The battery is offputting, but yes, it is just a tiny little battery for dozens of rolls, and it's easy to have a spare.

 

[FrankS]

It is a rather pleasant dilemma! 🙂

 

[thegman]

It is a rather pleasant dilemma! 🙂

Yes, it is, although no doubt I'll regret whichever I buy!

 

[FrankS]

Yes, it is, although no doubt I'll regret whichever I buy!

Be positive. You can't go wrong with either. 🙂

 

[bob338]

You won't regret buying the Makina! I've had 3 of them, and I'm considering buying another these days.

 

[Moto-Uno]

Must Pipe In Here,no Body's Mentioned The Mamiya 7. Haven't Replaced A Battery In Over A Year And You've Got A Stellar Selection Lens To Boot.
2 Out Of 3 Ain't Bad! No Gas Attack Should Come Without Too Many Choices.
Peter

 

[thegman]

I've had a Mamiya 7 before, can't say I liked the build, although it is otherwise, a practically perfect camera. Also, non-collapsible lens makes it a bit bulky for me.

 

[nanthor]

I've had both the GF670 and the Makina 67 and W67 (and I've had the Mamiya 7). I can say this and it's only my opinion. I think the GF 670 is a great camera, I especially like the AE meter, the metering in the PB is rustic in comparison, but the images are bland compared to what you get from the PB and Nikkor lens, there is a presence with the Nikkor that the perfect GF670 lens does not impart. Similar to comparing a vintage Leica lens with a modern one. I like the rendering that you get with both Makinas but if you don't see that in the image, the newer electronics in the Fujis wins out. Bob Nancarrow

 

[hkrieger]

I have the Fuji GF670 and the Super Ikonta B. I still like the Super Ikonta B, but the viewfinder and exposure meter of the GF670 are great. You can see result from both of them at www.efn.org/~hkrieger

 

[johannielscom]

I have the Fuji GF670 and the Super Ikonta B. I still like the Super Ikonta B, but the viewfinder and exposure meter of the GF670 are great. You can see result from both of them at www.efn.org/~hkrieger

For a while I lusted after a Makina, but set on the Super Ikonta B. Built as a tank, compact, Carl Zeiss Tessar 2.8/80mm, slightly wider than 6x6 (11 images on a roll of 120) and I don't mind carrying the Gossen meter with it.

I am lucky to own both a pre-war camera with an uncoated lens and a post-war camera with a coated one, and a close-focus portrait clip-on lens that lets me focus down to 2.5 ft. I love them and the results they get me.