Plaubel Makina IIS: Current Value?

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Phil Orchard
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Mods, feel free to move this thread if it isn't the right forum

I have a gorgeous vintage Plaubel Makina IIS that I'm thinking of selling. I inherited it from my Swiss grandfather, who was a press photographer in his day. He had a "daily driver" Contax II which I'm working on restoring, and this Plaubel was for special occasions only. He bought it brand new and took very good care of it over the years, and it's in beautiful working condition. Here's the rundown:

-Compur shutter is accurate at all speeds and works perfectly
-Anticomar 10cm 2.9 Lens is scratch and blemish-free with a smooth aperture
-Rangefinder patch is in good condition (see picture)
-Film back accepts 120 film
-Camera is light-tight
-Original leather case is in great condition, with a strong leather strap and beautiful blue velvet interior

Lots of pictures here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/porchard/sets/72157626889420725/detail/

Because of the superb condition and because it was my grandfather's, it's hard to let this go. Realistically though, I would rather focus on fixing and using his Contax II, and I'm more comfortable with 35mm than these 120 folders. The Plaubel is gorgeous, and it deserves better than to sit on my shelf as a second camera. I really want to send it to a home where it will be more appreciated.

I really have no basis for pricing the camera, so I'm throwing this question out to those who know better: What do you think would be a reasonable listing price? I will be posting it on RFF classifieds.

Thanks in advance ;)
 
That's a very nice, very clean Plaubel. I can't help you on a price, but I'm curious to know if you have any photos FROM the camera as opposed to OF the camera.
 
Plaubels look gorgeous but the Anticomar is one of the worst lenses ever fitted to an expensive camera (I've owned two and tried a couple more). Of course I'd be tempted at (say) $250 (which is only about 175€), but equally, having owned two, I'd not want to own another. You'll have to rely on someone who wants a REALLY PRETTY camera and isn't too worried about taking pictures with it.

In your situation I'd be more inclined to hold on to it as a souvenir of my grandfather, but then, I'm notoriously sentimental. As you get older you may find that you get more sentimental too.

Cheers,

R.
 
Plaubels look gorgeous but the Anticomar is one of the worst lenses ever fitted to an expensive camera

There is a slower one which is a fairly average performer - but I agree, the common f/2.9 one may be the worst among widespread Tessar types.
 
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