MPP VIII, approx value and polaroid question

Fintan · Nov 28, 2005

Just 2 questions for MPP experts;

What would you expect to pay for a "MPP MkVIII body with groundglass focus screen and 135mm F5.6 symmar S lens" in Good/Excellent condition?

Would the Polaroid 545 pro, fit this camera without any problems?

Thanks,

Fintan

David H. Bebbington · Nov 28, 2005

Simple answer - around £300, and yes, this Polaroid holder fits any 4x5" with spring back.

Make sure you really want a Mark VIII - these have an on-axis front lens tilt which is theoretically better but the movement mechanism is not as robust as the earlier Marks. I had a Mark VIII and soon traded it for a Mark VII as the Mark VIII had metallurgical problems (embrittlement of the alloy [I presume duralumin] leading to thread stripping). MPP's glory days were fast receding by the time they built the Mark VIII. For comparison, check out how much you would pay for a Linhof Technika III.

Fintan · Nov 28, 2005

Thanks David, I'm easy on the model, FFordes had this VIII one on their site. A lot more expensive though.

As for Linhof, I've given up trying to get one with my budget and not sure I really need one for my first LF.

I'll keep looking thanks.

Helen B · Nov 28, 2005

The MPP S92 (the MoD/RAF version of the Mk VI) was the first 5-4 camera I bought back in '73 along with a 545 holder, and I still use them. I had to file down the tips of the lugs on the spring back to fit the 545 holder. No big deal. I have no idea if the same applies to the Mk VIII or to the 545 pro holder.

Best,
Helen

Fintan · Nov 28, 2005

Thanks for posting Helen, much appreciated.

pauldc · Nov 28, 2005

I have the Mark VIII and it works great - lovely camera and very solid. Great fun to play around with. The polaroid holder works fine and I use it all the time. When I got my camera the bellows were full of holes but I took it to Birmingham to Camera Bellows and they fitted new bellows within about an hour - really nice, old fashioned and friendly service.

The MPP Club is great fun and has a nice quarterly news letter called the Gaz - their website is www.mppusers.freeuk.com where there is loads of info. Members are helpful and they provide lens boards and other things at low cost.

David H. Bebbington · Nov 28, 2005

Fintan said:
As for Linhof, I've given up trying to get one with my budget and not sure I really need one for my first LF.

Don't know what your budget is, but I currrently have one Linhof, which is Technika Mark III 5x7 with 5x7 and 4x5 backs, it came from Canada via e-bay and cost US$650 6 months ago. Some people ask crazy money for Linhofs, but not all!

Fintan · Nov 28, 2005

Thanks for the links and info Paul.

David, my budget is a meagre 600 for the camera/lens. I dont want an expensive camera with no film. For the right camera I might stretch it a little though.

P C Headland · Nov 28, 2005

You should be able to get a MKVII or later (or modded MK VI) for that budget.

The MK VII and MK VIII have graflok backs.

I recently got a MK VII with accessories and guarantee in excellent condition from a dealer for well under your budget. Seems like quite a good multi-purpose camera.

Paul

Fintan · Nov 28, 2005

P C Headland said:
You should be able to get a MKVII or later (or modded MK VI) for that budget.

The MK VII and MK VIII have graflok backs.

I recently got a MK VII with accessories and guarantee in excellent condition from a dealer for well under your budget. Seems like quite a good multi-purpose camera.

Paul

Any links for your camera dealer Paul?

MPP VIII, approx value and polaroid question

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