Plaubel Makiflex Standard.

Nokton48 · Jun 14, 2023

SONY DSC by Nokton48, on Flickr

So what is new around here? Discovering the qualities and capabilities of the Pecoflex Attachment (for the Auto Makiflex). Firstly, what lenses work good with it? Well the Automatic Diaphragm 360mm F5.5 Makiflex, the full range of the lens can be utilized from infinity to super close-up. Additionally, yesterday I mounted up my favorite (barrel mount) 360mm f5.5 Tele-Arton, ditto it works with equal precision and ease on this camera. The flat board on the Tele-Arton come new from Tracy Storer at Mammoth Camera. Shorter lenses (shorter than 210) will only work in close-up mode, due to the additional extension from the Pecoflex Adapter. Plaubel had the PECOFLEX which works with shorter lens, it has a regular leather bellows glued to the camera front, you use the Peco Junior Front Standard to focus shorter lenses out to infinity. Sneebot has a PECOFLEX I misssed it when it came up on Ebay. So the Makiflex Automatic works good with 210mm Makiflex Automatic Iris lenses from 210mm to 360mm Tele-types. I tried the Auto Iris 270 Maki Auto lens I have, it won't focus to ininfity with the Pecoflex Adapter. But it would work good on the Pecoflex!

You have front swing, front tilt, front rise, and lateral displacement with the Pecoflex Adapter on the Auto Makiflex. So you can do view camera movements hand held, I have done it!

Nokton48 · Jun 14, 2023

Pecoflex Brochure by Nokton48, on Flickr

Color version of Pecoflex Pamphlet

lensretro · Jun 14, 2023

Nokton48 said:
Alex,

If I could have only one modified finder, it would be the RB67 Stovepipe Viewfinder. That one I have had the meter in it, I removed all that, and recovered the finder with black leather. I bolted it to the base of a Makiflex Popup Hood, which was "huffed" as we say, not popping up right. Then I used adhesive grey foam rubber cut with razor blade, to light-tight the finder. It's very good to look through, the adjustable ocular is fantastic. The GX680 finder I have not used as much, it works well on a tripod. I did cut a piece of circular black adhesive foam rubber to cover the top of the RB67 Eyepiece, so it won't scratch my eyeglasses.

Geoff Berliner made a base for his 2x3 Arca Swiss Stovepipe, cutting a pile of metal sheets (the right thickness) he uses for making tintypes. Then he used velcro to attach the viewfinder to the pile of cut metal plates. Nice thing about the Arca finders (I have a 2x3 and the 4x5 one works way better) is that the eyepiece can rotate 45 degrees and the eyepiece screws down tightly. The 4x5 Arca Swiss Finder is very high-eyepoint.

SONY DSC by Nokton48, on Flickr

SONY DSC by Nokton48, on Flickr

Thanks for the advice. I do have a spare waist level finder for my Makiflex. I will purchase the Mamiya stovepipe and I’ll let you know how I go getting it adapted!

amerz · Jun 14, 2023

lensretro said:
Hi amerz, this is very exciting. I would like to also have one made up too if you don't mind me tagging along! Did you manage to find the dimensions?

Hey, yes, please do tag along—the more the merrier, and cheaper! Another photrio member is lending his adapter to this effort and will be dropping it off at sk grimes in the near future. I’ll keep you in the loop!

lensretro · Jun 15, 2023

amerz said:
Hey, yes, please do tag along—the more the merrier, and cheaper! Another photrio member is lending his adapter to this effort and will be dropping it off at sk grimes in the near future. I’ll keep you in the loop!

FANTASTIC! That's the best news I've had all day. Please let me know the costs via DM.

Nokton48 · Jun 19, 2023

360mm Tele Arton Makiflex Agfa APX100 Legacy MicX by Nokton48, on Flickr

Infinity focus test of the 360mm F5.5 Tele-Arton on the Makiflex. A lazy Saturday morning at the local park, my wife and her birding friends were waiting for something to swoop in. Agfa APX100, Microdol-X straight 24 minutes at 18C Jobo Multitank 5 on a Unicolor Uniroller.

Nokton48 · Jun 19, 2023

Makina3 #2 by Nokton48, on Flickr

Plaubel advertised the Makinas as "The Worlds Smallest View Camera". Using a Makina in some ways is like that in terms of use. Foma 200 developed in replenished straight Microdol-X. Exposure bracketed in half stops to give myself a choice. Plaubel Makina IIIR with 100mm F2.9 Anticomar Plaubel 6x9cm back Arista #2 RC paper Omega DII laser aligned Multigrade dev Omegalite diffusion head

lensretro · Jun 22, 2023

I have emulated Dan and successfully mounted a Mamiya RB67 chimney finder on my Makiflex. I chose to leave the light meter intact, and now I have a built in working light meter!

I ended up getting a very reasonable deal on this photodiode chimney finder on ebay - only $70USD. I then cannibalised a spare Makiflex waist level finder hood I happened to have. This was a destructive process, I don't think I'll be able to reassemble it again. However, I don't think I'll want to, this finder has a diopter, the built in light meter, and much better light tightness.

The only downside is it takes up a lot more room than a collapsed waist level hood finder. I will have to remove it for travel.

Thanks for the inspiration Dan!

OrientPoint · Jun 23, 2023

amerz said:
Hey, yes, please do tag along—the more the merrier, and cheaper! Another photrio member is lending his adapter to this effort and will be dropping it off at sk grimes in the near future. I’ll keep you in the loop!

I delivered my Makiflex + adapter to SK Grimes today. We should know sometime in July what pricing and timing would be for a run of new production 4x5 adapters.

lensretro · Jun 24, 2023

OrientPoint said:
I delivered my Makiflex + adapter to SK Grimes today. We should know sometime in July what pricing and timing would be for a run of new production 4x5 adapters.

This is most excellent news!

lensretro · Jun 26, 2023

An image made with the Makiflex and Schneider Xeonotar 2.8/150 on 6x9 Kodak Portra 400.

Nokton48 · Jun 26, 2023

OrientPoint said:
I delivered my Makiflex + adapter to SK Grimes today. We should know sometime in July what pricing and timing would be for a run of new production 4x5 adapters.

I guess I should buy one too? How many new things can you buy new for the Makiflexes? Well, another new thing is the CNC boards from Tracy Storer.

Nokton48 · Jun 26, 2023

lensretro said:
View attachment 342290

An image made with the Makiflex and Schneider Xeonotar 2.8/150 on 6x9 Kodak Portra 400.

Amazing Rendition with the Auto Makiflex Xenotar Nice. Looks Retro to me. Distinctive bokeh kinda -Jagged-like it. Good job on the Stovepipe Metering Viewfinder. I put rubber padding on the top of mine for eyeglass protection. Used thick foam rubber sheeting

OrientPoint · Jun 26, 2023

Nokton48 said:
I guess I should buy one too? How many new things can you buy new for the Makiflexes? Well, another new thing is the CNC boards from Tracy Storer.

The larger the order, the lower the unit price will be. Maybe I should create a thread for people to register interest in buying these adapters? It would be really helpful to gauge interest. As we would sell them at cost we would only order what could be sold.

lensretro · Jun 26, 2023

Nokton48 said:
Amazing Rendition with the Auto Makiflex Xenotar Nice. Looks Retro to me. Distinctive bokeh kinda -Jagged-like it. Good job on the Stovepipe Metering Viewfinder. I put rubber padding on the top of mine for eyeglass protection. Used thick foam rubber sheeting

Mine came with a rubber protector around the glass. Thanks for the inspiration, I can’t believe how much better it is for focus!

Nokton48 · Jun 28, 2023

Makiflex JLane 9x12 Glass Plate EI 1 Key Day by Nokton48, on Flickr

Jason Lane Dry Plate 9x12cm Makiflex Plate Adapter Makiflex Automatic Key Day Full Sun. Legacy Mic-X tray developed under safelight. I'm in the process of setting up a film digitizing setup Minolta SRT Copy Stand Minolta Bellows Minolta 100mm F4 MC Bellows Rokkor at F13.5. Sony Nex 7 with SRT Adapter.

lensretro · Jul 2, 2023

Dan, which was the widest of the Fuji GF680 lenses which you were able to focus to infinity without hitting the mirror? The 4/100? Or the 125?

Nokton48 · Jul 2, 2023

Alex, Using the Makiflex Standard Body, a Peco Junior Deeply Recessed Board, and the 125mm F5.6 (or the F3.2) both of these lenses focused to infinity. Unfortunately the Plaubel Recessed board won't mount on the Automatic Makiflexes; but they will fit the Makiflex standard bodies.

001 by Nokton48, on Flickr

However, Durst made an enlarging recessed board, called the IXOTUB, which will fit the Automatic Makiflex bodies, I attached a few to slightly recessed 120x120mm Plaubel boards. It's very difficult to get your fingers in there to adjust aperture, but can be doable!

I have had good luck with a barrel mounted chrome 120mm f6.8 Schneider Angulon, it will fit the Auto Makiflex. This will work on your camera but it's about the only option I'm aware of. BTW the barrel Angulon is a great lens and usually not expensive.

Picture above shows a 135mm Symmar on Auto Makiflex, but the 120mm works and fits about the same.

Durst recessed boards and 150 Apo Ronar by Nokton48, on Flickr

These Durst Recessed Enlarging Cones work good for smallish barrel lenses on the Auto Bodies. The Durst IXOTUB is on the left, sometimes substantial metalworking is required to create your Makiflex Frankenlens. I told Geoff Berliner about the IXOTUBS and he bought a few I believe. They are great for building and not 'spensive

GX680 Completed 180mm 125mm F3.2 Makiflex by Nokton48, on Flickr

The 125mm F3.2 on the right only fits my Makiflex Standard bodies.

Nokton48 · Jul 2, 2023

Hey All,

If you need Makiflex replacement parts, see here:

Makiflex Camera for sale | eBay

Get the best deals for Makiflex Camera at eBay.com. We have a great online selection at the lowest prices with Fast & Free shipping on many items!

www.ebay.com

I have bought a few odds and ends here.

lensretro · Jul 3, 2023

Nokton48 said:
Alex, Using the Makiflex Standard Body, a Peco Junior Deeply Recessed Board, and the 125mm F5.6 (or the F3.2) both of these lenses focused to infinity. Unfortunately the Plaubel Recessed board won't mount on the Automatic Makiflexes; but they will fit the Makiflex standard bodies.

001 by Nokton48, on Flickr

However, Durst made an enlarging recessed board, called the IXOTUB, which will fit the Automatic Makiflex bodies, I attached a few to slightly recessed 120x120mm Plaubel boards. It's very difficult to get your fingers in there to adjust aperture, but can be doable!

I have had good luck with a barrel mounted chrome 120mm f6.8 Schneider Angulon, it will fit the Auto Makiflex. This will work on your camera but it's about the only option I'm aware of. BTW the barrel Angulon is a great lens and usually not expensive.

Picture above shows a 135mm Componon on Auto Makiflex, but the 120mm works and fits about the same.

Durst recessed boards and 150 Apo Ronar by Nokton48, on Flickr

These Durst Recessed Enlarging Cones work good for smallish barrel lenses on the Auto Bodies. The Durst IXOTUB is on the left, sometimes substantial metalworking is required to create your Makiflex Frankenlens. I told Geoff Berliner about the IXOTUBS and he bought a few I believe. They are great for building and not 'spensive

GX680 Completed 180mm 125mm F3.2 Makiflex by Nokton48, on Flickr

The 125mm F3.2 on the right only fits my Makiflex Standard bodies.

Thanks for that detailed advice Dan! I have a 135mm f/4.5 barrel mounted Ysarex which I think I'll try in an IXOTUB. The difference between 135 an d 120 isn't that great.

Cheers again!

Alex

Ron (Netherlands) · Jul 3, 2023

Nokton48 said:
Makina3 #2 by Nokton48, on Flickr

Plaubel advertised the Makinas as "The Worlds Smallest View Camera". Using a Makina in some ways is like that in terms of use. Foma 200 developed in replenished straight Microdol-X. Exposure bracketed in half stops to give myself a choice. Plaubel Makina IIIR with 100mm F2.9 Anticomar Plaubel 6x9cm back Arista #2 RC paper Omega DII laser aligned Multigrade dev Omegalite diffusion head

although the Makinas have a ton of useful technical capabilities, do you consider this picture really (tack) sharp and exposed well?

Nokton48 · Jul 3, 2023

Exposed well? I picked the best negative after bracketing in half stops to have a best choice. Tack Sharp? LOL The F2.9 Anticomar has a distinctive "look" and some don't care for it. The corners do get quite soft. Actually some times I like that. The F4.2 Anticomar is their "sharp" commercial reportage lens. Roger Hicks did not like the "Makina" look as I remember. And it was difficult to handle too. It's sharp in a few places and I kind of like that sometimes. In this photo selective focus was the whole point of it.

I see it's been liked 22 times on Flikr so far so some like it, and I enjoy it. And it was fun to shoot Photographic tastes are subjective Ron (Netherlands).

Scan-161104-0001 by Nokton48, on Flickr

BTW Here's the sharp Makina lens, the F4.2 Ortho. I see one of these for every hundred of the F2.9 lenses

Nokton48 · Jul 4, 2023

lensretro said:
Thanks for that detailed advice Dan! I have a 135mm f/4.5 barrel mounted Ysarex which I think I'll try in an IXOTUB. The difference between 135 an d 120 isn't that great.

Cheers again!

Alex

Alex, I've adapted many of my barrel lenses to try out, that's one great thing about the Maki design. I've used up a lot of blue masking tape, prototyping things. LOL. Blue tape is your best friend.

Your Auto should be looking quite impressive by now.

Nokton48 · Jul 4, 2023

9x12cm J Lane Dry Plate Makiflex 210 Auto Heliar by Nokton48, on Flickr

Another selective focus. Uber thin depth of field here folks. New to me Auto Iris Makiflex Heliar 210mm from Vienna Shoppe. Uber deep cold conditions, Makiflex liked it. Jason Lane poured 9x12cm glass plate in Makiflex Plate Adapter. Normalfalz type plates hold perfect focus. The film or plate is clamped in place so very solid and flat. Good for using Plate exposed at EI 1 with cable release. Very sharp in the area I focused on; You can resolve the individual flakes of snow. A good example of why a finder that sees all corners is a good idea. Got some foreground I didn't want, couldn't see it. Oh Well. Could be cropped out. This was shot during during Covid Lockdown expressing isolation. And Deep Cold.

lensretro · Jul 5, 2023

Nokton48 said:
Alex, I've adapted many of my barrel lenses to try out, that's one great thing about the Maki design. I've used up a lot of blue masking tape, prototyping things. LOL. Blue tape is your best friend.

Your Auto should be looking quite impressive by now.

I'm eagerly awaiting the SK Grimes Graflex back to make use of some large format film! Another few months, apparently.

Plaubel Makiflex Standard.

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