Film photographers are still obsessed with the Plaubel Makina 67 – in fact, this medium format camera is worth far more today than when it was new!
From Germany to Japan: The strange, but brilliant history of Plaubel Makina cameras
Founded in 1902 by Hugo Schrader and his brother-in-law Karl Plaubel, Plaubel & Company became a renowned German camera manufacturer. The Plaubel name originated from Karl Plaubel, while the company initially produced lenses and sold other firms' cameras. In 1912, they introduced the Plaubel Makina, a compact folding press camera that defined their reputation.
The Makina evolved into one of Europe's best professional cameras for the press, even during World War II. Production shifted to Japan in 1975, resulting in the Plaubel Makina 67 in 1978. This medium format rangefinder camera featured a superb Nikkor 80mm f/2.8 lens and built-in metering. In 1981, the Makina W67 was introduced with a wider 55mm f/4.5 lens, followed by the Makina 670 in 1984.
The Makina 69W Proshift, featuring a 47mm Schneider Super-Angulon lens, produced eight 6x9cm exposures per roll. Despite production ending in 1986, the Plaubel Makina 67 remains highly sought-after among film photographers, with a well-maintained example worth significantly more than its original price.
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