There has been some recent interest in sourcing new copies of the Makiflex MX 1/539 4x5 adapter (see the discussion starting at https://www.photrio.com/forum/threads/plaubel-makiflex-standard.69178/page-29). The MX 1/539 is a graflok adapter that allows the use of standard 4x5 film holders with the camera to produce 9x9 sized images. It's super useful and really unlocks the full potential of the camera. Unfortunately, original adapters are so rare as to be almost non-existent.
I am one of the lucky owners of an original 1/539 adapter. I recently lent my Makiflex and adapter to SK Grimes in Rhode Island to see if it would be possible to make copies. They've been back in touch and indicated that while replicating the original was not going to possible for them, an adapter with aluminum mounting board and 3d printed carrier might be. Likely cost would be ~US$530 per unit for a production run of five. It may be cheaper in a larger run but I haven't yet asked as I suspect the market for these is quite limited.
If you are interested in purchasing a copy please post here, or message me if you prefer. We are trying to gauge interest before we engage SK Grimes to create a prototype. If we do proceed all adapters would be sold at cost.
@Nokton48 Want to buy one or two for the fleet?![]()
There has been some recent interest in sourcing new copies of the Makiflex MX 1/539 4x5 adapter (see the discussion starting at https://www.photrio.com/forum/threads/plaubel-makiflex-standard.69178/page-29). The MX 1/539 is a graflok adapter that allows the use of standard 4x5 film holders with the camera to produce 9x9 sized images. It's super useful and really unlocks the full potential of the camera. Unfortunately, original adapters are so rare as to be almost non-existent.
I am one of the lucky owners of an original 1/539 adapter. I recently lent my Makiflex and adapter to SK Grimes in Rhode Island to see if it would be possible to make copies. They've been back in touch and indicated that while replicating the original was not going to possible for them, an adapter with aluminum mounting board and 3d printed carrier might be. Likely cost would be ~US$530 per unit for a production run of five. It may be cheaper in a larger run but I haven't yet asked as I suspect the market for these is quite limited.
If you are interested in purchasing a copy please post here, or message me if you prefer. We are trying to gauge interest before we engage SK Grimes to create a prototype. If we do proceed all adapters would be sold at cost.
@Nokton48 Want to buy one or two for the fleet?![]()
I recently added this weird beauty to my stable. I purchased it from Flints in the UK. It appears to be a mongrel made from at least two Makifkexes and a PX1/08 literally grafted on. The Makiflex front standard has been removed. The tilt shift standard bellows has been screwed to the front. A strange thing to do, but I guess it means shorter focal lengths can be utilised, it appears to be professional work.
The shutter was sticky but a little isopropyl judiciously applied seems to have it working again.
The back is also interesting and custom: a Linhof super Rollex 6x7 back with a Makiflex rear board attached. This is really nicely made.
I’m really glad I took the risk on this one! Given that there’s a Pecoflex currently on eBay for $4000USD, it was an absolute bargain too. I look forward to taking it out on the weekend for some shooting with the Aero Ektar![]()
Yes I will go in for one. I do have a Makiflex MX 1/539 4x5 Adapter (bought it in a Plaubel bundle in Germany), but I can always use another. So mark me down for one unit. Tracy Storer at Mammoth Camera once commented to me that he was pondering building some MX 1/539's. So perhaps another outlet for this?
Excellent. It's always nice to make a sale! (Even if the things are sold at cost)
If you want to share Tracy's contact email with me I can write and let them know what we're up to.
WOW A precision metal werk PECOFLEX! One of a kind, no doubt. What a Beauty
You can buy extra Peco Junior Rail, and it fits this camera, they are the same unit. I have sawed down rails to use them in Mini-Me versions of the 6.5x9cm Peco Junior also. A longer rail might be useful with longer lenses with this one. That Bellows you have is the legit Makiflex version, to use with the Pecoflex Adapter package, on the regular Maki's.
The huge advantage of the PECOFLEX, is to be able to use shorter lenses, with full reflex camera movements. You have something unique there LensRetro!
SONY DSC by Nokton48, on Flickr
You can see here I have the same Makiflex Bellows that you have, on the Pecoflex Adapter. This really only works with longer lenses, only..... What you have works with the shorter, or with a longer rail, longer stuff too, like your Aero Ektar.
Robert9x12cm J Lane Dry Plate Makiflex 210 Auto Heliar by Nokton48, on Flickr
Plaubel Automatic Makiflex 9x9cm SLR, 9x12cm J Lane Dry Plate developed 18 mins 20c in straight replenished gallon Acufine. Plaubel Makiflex Auto Iris 21cm Heliar. RADA Normalfaltz plate holder in Plaubel Makiflex Adapter. 8x10 Aristo RC #2 Omega DII black 180 Rodagon laser aligned. Iflord Multigrade dev
I really like this image. The texture, slight softness, rounded corners and somewhat low-fi aspects all work so well to me.
Thanks Dan, I will look out for a compendium. Perhaps when I find a Peco junior it will come with oneLensretro,
That little box with the hole in it, attached to the top of the front standard, is for a Bellows Rod, which with hold Plaubel Filters in their special holders, or a neat little tapered compendium from the Peco Junior. I have one, it looks cool and very effective, but I haven't used it much. It's worth having since you have the Bellows Rod Holder on your camera. It's all listed in the Peco Junior section of the Plaubel price lists.
Also BTW if you can find the Double Cable Release for the Makiflex (The Holy Grail!), you can shoot Pecoflex with Aperture Automation. I suppose one can be made.......
Pecoflex Brochure by Nokton48, on Flickr
Thank you Dan for the clear illustration, I can’t believe how much the SINAR cable releases are asking for on eBay!Original Makiflex Cable Release by Nokton48, on Flickr
This is an original Plaubel Makiflex Single Cable Release. It came to me with a Makiflex Standard I purchased from a shoppe in Vienna. Unfortunately the end was badly bent, I have tried to fix it with military grade electrical tape, but I don't use it, as it dosen't work properly. So I use the Sinar Releases on the Makis. It sure looks like PRONTOR releases I have seen around.
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