Plaubel Makina 67 rangefinder

[Assaf]

Hi there,
I'm interested in knowing more about this camera.
What are the rangefinder base length and viewfinder magnification? How accurate and easy to use is the rangefinder when the lens is used wide open.

In general, how reliable is this camera with respect to other 6x7 rangefinders, (such as the Mamiya 7)?
Images would also be welcome, especially in wide apertures.
I'm not going to buy this camera in the near future, but I always like window shopping...
Thanks
Assaf

 

[sevo]

By memory, the magnification might be around 0.75ish, at 6cm base length. More than enough - indeed the focus action is unusually long for a camera with fixed normal lens.

The Makina 67 has excellent optics, and is (or at least was, pre Bessa III) the most compact large medium-format rangefinder camera. Reliability is so-so, the frame is rock solid, but many now have cracking issues on the outer plastics shell (more of a cosmetical issue), and the cable connection between body and lens has a strong tendency to get frayed once in a while. But Plaubel still does service them.

Sevo

 

[Assaf]

thanks a lot
Assaf

 

[35mmdelux]

I've been shooting with one for the past few months and the optics are indeed sharp. The bokeh looks pretty good too. Focusing is not a big deal because of the positive RF focusing. The shutter has a solid sound to it. Since they've been around for 20 yrs many are developing light baffle problems on the door. It took me a couple of weekends to get all the foam off cleanly and replace it. The new foam kit cost me $7.50 off the auction site and alot of elbow grease. For anyone wanting to buy a Plaubel Makina I would suggest you hold out for a good example and not one with problems unless the its reflected in the price as the cams can be expensive to repair.