Plaubel Peco Profia

[Ed Bray]

Got my new camera today a Plaubel Peco Profia with both 5x7 back and 5x7-4x5 reducing back. I'm just waiting for some 5x7 film holders to arrive now and I can go out shooting 5x7. It's beautifully engineered and surprisingly light when compared to my Horseman LX.

If anyone has any information on these cameras I would be grateful, the internet seems very light on information.

http://i332.photobucket.com/albums/m338/EdBray/Plaubel5x7.jpg

[Jimi]

Yes, it looks really good! And everything is light compared to a Horseman LX (used to have an LE 4x5"). :)

[Leigh]

I have one in 4x5, and have found it to be a very good studio camera. Plenty of movements and quite sturdy.

The company is still in business, in Frankfurt, and they have a website (though not a very good one).

BTW... Your front standard can be turned around 180°, to accommodate shorter focal-length lenses.

- Leigh

[Ed Bray]

Thanks for the suggestion Leigh, I did look at that earlier as most images I've seen seemed to have the swing controls on the outside of both standards.

I am having Mike Walker (of Walker Cameras) adapt a Plaubel lensboard for me to take a Horseman/Sinar board. I already have a Linhof to Horseman adapter so will be able to use all my lenses (all my 10 lenses are in Linhof mounts) on all my current cameras (except for the Horseman Woody I bought tonight) and even better I will be able to use my Sinar shutter on the Plaubel too.

[Leigh]

OK. Not sure how you would use a Sinar shutter. It requires a standard to support it.

The shutter mounts on the back of the standard, between the standard and the bellows.

The db lenses rely on the thickness of that standard to keep the rear cell out of the shutter.

- Leigh

[Ed Bray]

OK. Not sure how you would use a Sinar shutter. It requires a standard to support it.

The shutter mounts on the back of the standard, between the standard and the bellows.

The db lenses rely on the thickness of that standard to keep the rear cell out of the shutter.

- Leigh

The Sinar shutter has a male side and a female side so to speak, normally you would fit the male side of the shutter into the front standard and the female side would accept the bellows. If you turn the shutter around (and I'm just surmising here) could you not fit the male side into the front of the standard and then mount a lensboard into the female side. I have no DB lenses, I bought the shutter to have a play with old lenses (petzvals and the like) and would just mount them onto the front of the lensboard in some way, perhaps using a flange?

Just a thought I had, I'll find out more when I pick my shutter up from the Sorting Office in the morning.

[Leigh]

...could you not fit the male side into the front of the standard and then mount a lensboard into the female side.
You could do that, but the rear cell of the lens would protrude significantly through the shutter, probably damaging it beyond repair.

It would work with a front-mounted lens, anything that does not protrude through the lensboard.

- Leigh

[Ed Bray]

You could do that, but the rear cell of the lens would protrude significantly through the shutter, probably damaging it beyond repair.

It would work with a front-mounted lens, anything that does not protrude through the lensboard.

- Leigh

Sorry Leigh, did you just miss this bit: and would just mount them onto the front of the lensboard in some way, perhaps using a flange?

[Ed Bray]

You edited your post whilst I was typing

[Leigh]

Nimble fingers. :D

- Leigh

[Frank Petronio]

I've played with them too, good solid cameras on par with Sinar, Arca, Linhofs. Hard to find accessories but it looks like you're nicely set!

[Kuzano]

If you want to see a huge inventory of Plaubel cameras and accessories, go to the web site www.ebay.de The German eBay. Search Plaubel, or Plaubel Peco.

You can translate the german pages to english in the alta vista translator babelfish or go to babelfish and insert the page address you want to translate and tell the tranlation service to translate from German to english, or any other language.

Lots of Plaubel there, as made in Germany.

[andresnika]

I'm a little late, but I show you an adapter that I made to use Sinar / Horseman shutter in Plaubel cameras.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/12825097@N08/albums/72157653921092434

[Daniel Unkefer]

I have three Plaubel 4x5 Peco Profias, plus a lot of accessories and extra parts. I like Plaubel, I also have three Makiflexes, and a Makina III and IIIR.
In my studio I have the Peco Profia camera stand. This will easily support the front end of a car.

I have manufactured an adapter to put my Sinar Norma shutter and lensboards on the Peco Profia. It's really quite a great camera.

[Daniel Unkefer]

Here's my studio (I am cleaning and organizing it!) with my Plaubel Peco Profia Camera Stand. Two of my Plaubel Makiflexes are attached.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4233/35138517615_8cc5dbf893_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Vx565B)DSC05778 (https://flic.kr/p/Vx565B) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

[Daniel Unkefer]

Updating an old thread. Anybody else enjoy using this camera?


https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49251058611_e9be04de91_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2i39xQX)Peco Profia to Norma Shutter Adapter (https://flic.kr/p/2i39xQX) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr


Many years ago a friend Clockmaker/Camera Repairman built me this Plaubel Peco Profia to Sinar Norma Shutter Adapter. I have renewed interest in using my 4x5 Plaubel Peco Profias in my studio. These are center tilting cameras built like brick houses. Really really solid which I really really like.

[jonesp]

Plaubel Peco Profia w/13x18 and 4x5 backs.

198666

[Daniel Unkefer]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49259099513_1d5f3864b6_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2i3RL8c)Plaubel Peco Profia Eye Candy (https://flic.kr/p/2i3RL8c) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

I just picked up another Peco Profia Front Standard for $29 on Ebay. The Peco Profia Sliding 4x5/9x12 back I bought recently for $50. There are many many versions of the Peco Profias, depending on vintage, so do your due diligence with these. The Peco Profia Pan/Tilt Head is a good idea, really I consider it to be part of the camera design. Worth getting for a good price.

That's a 300mm Sinar Norma auto aperture Symmar on the left, and a 120mm Schneider Angulon Compur on the right. I'm also interested in the Komura LF shuttered lenses as they were marketed for the Peco Profia in the 70s. Highly regarded lenses different from anything I have ever owned.

[Daniel Unkefer]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49282423296_5a5ca04932_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2i5Vito)Makiflex to Peco Profia Adapter 1 (https://flic.kr/p/2i5Vito) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49281932623_207fa086ee_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2i5SMBv)Makiflex to Peco Profia Adapter 2 (https://flic.kr/p/2i5SMBv) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

This morning I made this Makiflex to Peco Profia Lensboard Adapter. The light grey adapter board in my Plaubel junk box fit the earlier Profias (flat board dosen't fit Peco Profia) so I carefully trimmed off the board edges with my Mini Band Saw, and filed the edges smooth. I then carefully lined up the two boards, and drilled four holes with my Mini Drill Press. I used hobby modeling screws to hold it all together, and redid the light trapping with new foam, on my new board.

I'm glad I didn't throw these pieces away! The black Peco Profia board had part of a Graflock Back attached, which I cleanly removed.

Something useful from two pieces of junk!

[Daniel Unkefer]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49875203921_46c0feec7f_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2iZisuZ)New to me Plaubel Peco Profia (https://flic.kr/p/2iZisuZ) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

This arrived here from Germany within the last couple of weeks. The lens is a Schneider 270mm Tele Arton and the 4x5/9x12 sliding roll back makes this fast to use. I am going to use 4x5 Graphmatics in it for now.

This is all original Plaubel Peco Profia from the 70s.

[Daniel Unkefer]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50817915261_a55a86c8a2_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kqB6JM)Plaubel Peco Profia 6.5x9cm Makina Film Plate Back restored (https://flic.kr/p/2kqB6JM) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

I have over fifty of these 6.5x9cm Plaubel Makina Sheet Film Holders. I want to be able to use these plates in my Plaubel 4x5 Peco Profia view cameras. I like shooting single sheets, although these holders are surprising heavy when stacked together! BTW this unit came from a shop in France.

Yesterday I finished partially restoring this 70's vintage original Plaubel 6.5x9cm holder. I cut a piece of thick cardboard to go on top of the rear groundglass frame area, and secured it tightly with a lot of layers of black photo masking tape. I then taped the black Peco Profia Bag Bellows Viewer to the cardboard frame. This is good enough for now but next I will cut something out of some nice hard wood that I can paint black. I can see 100% ground glass at once and see more than enough detail to obtain perfect focus. I bought a 3x4" fresnel and cut it with bench grinder to precisely fit behind the ground glass and it works a treat. Good as new as far as I can tell.

Right now I have J Lane Glass Dry Plates, ORWO NP20 (very old from Bulgaria), FOMA 100, Fresh FP4+, and some other B&W emulsions loaded and ready to be exposed.

[RivetGun]

Daniel, Great work! I wish I had something like the bag bellow viewer for my Plaubel 4x5 Junior. Your work is way over my head and skillset but I love your Plaubel. Everything on my Junior is cleverly engineered but not over engineered. Things that are supposed to click, click. Things like the focus that are supposed to slide, slide like butter with no wiggle even when locking. The Junior can even tolerate a fair amount of dirt & grit and still work perfect. Obviously a lot of thought by a gifted designer. It is a kind of a portable hybrid between a folding and rail type camera.

I know it took a lot of dedication and time to put your superb outfit together!

[Daniel Unkefer]

Daniel, Great work! I wish I had something like the bag bellow viewer for my Plaubel 4x5 Junior. Your work is way over my head and skillset but I love your Plaubel. Everything on my Junior is cleverly engineered but not over engineered. Things that are supposed to click, click. Things like the focus that are supposed to slide, slide like butter with no wiggle even when locking. The Junior can even tolerate a fair amount of dirt & grit and still work perfect. Obviously a lot of thought by a gifted designer. It is a kind of a portable hybrid between a folding and rail type camera. I know it took a lot of dedication and time to put your superb outfit together!


RivetGun,

Thanks for the encouraging words! :) I'm a Plaubel Guy and this has been fun to do and the best is ahead I think.

You might enjoy the original catalog. They did make a bag bellows and I have one which I have adapted to Makiflex.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50825175328_efcf21684c_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2krfiUm)Peco Junior Catalog (https://flic.kr/p/2krfiUm) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

[RivetGun]

Daniel, thanks for the catalog. I am scared to ask if you have the catalog for the larger Junior 9x12 - 4x5. Finding accessories can be tough without part numbers although I am slowly finding the stuff I need. I wonder how many hours of research it took to put your rig together? It's all part of the fun and watching the parts come together is like finally finding a lost treasure!

[tomwilliams]

Greetings. I bought a Profia 4x5 about a year ago, and have shopped around for a recessed lens board for about half that time. I see one occasionally on the German auction site, but, as is often the case, the seller has not been willing to ship to the US (my location). There is a recessed board currently on the US auction site, but the description of the board isn't explicit about the corresponding camera model. The sales header is "Plaubel peco recessed lens board + adapter for junior", which implies to me that the board is not for a Junior. The board seems to have been 'customized' at some point, hard to say if that was a constuctive alteration or not. I've pinged the seller, but so far without reply. Would anyone care to weigh in on the likelihood that the board in the image will fit a Profia? I've attached an image of the board in question.

211473

[RivetGun]

Does your Profia needs a 120mm or 160mm lens board?

This expired listing shows the same board as 121mm:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Schneider-Super-Angulon-Linhof-Technika-121mm-f8-7611381-PLAUBEL-je087-/203136060797?nma=true&si=0upRcWEOnDS2e9F9nfUqd3P%252Fszc%253D&orig_cvip=true&nordt=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

The board you referenced was offered by the same seller earlier with better pictures. It has the same part number (SG5/356) as the first link. I believe it is 120mm wide but you have to have a suitable opening for the square portion also.

https://www.ebay.de/itm/Plaubel-Peco-eingelassenes-Objektiv-Board-Adapter-fuer-Junior-/254687581580?hash=item3b4c90158c%3Ag%3A88wAAOSwyN5fNpIm&nma=true&si=aB2Ggpw3QzFTTUugqePcD2UKmtE%253D&orig_cvip=true&nordt=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

I believe the removable board is for the smaller 6X9 Junior and not the larger 9x12 Junior.
The outside dimension would fit my Junior 9x12 but I don't think the square part will fit the circular opening. I hope this helps!

[Daniel Unkefer]

That's a much earlier Reduction Adapter for the Universal III. ^^^

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50838442396_3f1a8ea2cb_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2ksqiJU)Peco Profia No 2 Wide Lensboard 135 Symmar (https://flic.kr/p/2ksqiJU) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

This is Plaubel Peco Profia #2 with 4x5 Graflock Sliding Back. PS1/356 165mmx165mm to 120mmx120mm Recessed Reduction Adapter. Product Number 97441 $22.00

PN1/344 Lensboard 120mmx120mm for 75mm Super Angulon lens used with PS1/356 Recessed Reduction Adapter Product Number 97301 $4.50

[tomwilliams]

RivetGun, Daniel, thanks for your replies. My Profia uses a 166mm square lensboards. The board pictured below is marked PS1/344, however another board in black, but otherwise nearly identical, is marked PS2/344. Are the meanings of the PS1 & PS2 markings clear to either of you? Three of the 4 lensboards I have are each a bit different than the others, though all seat and fix properly on the standard.

I had a go at approximating the sizes of the boards in the two auction links you referenced, RivetGun. One of the auctions gave a diameter for the hole in the pictured adaptor lensboard, and also a diameter for the hole in the adjacent recessed board. I measured those holes on my desktop screen and compared them to the stated diameters, and got a ratio of 0.86 in both cases. Applying that factor to the width I measured for the pictured recessed board, I got a width of 178 mm. Pretty dicey, I know, but I would guess it lets me know that the recessed board is too large for a Junior, anyway. I took the 121mm figure in the first link to refer to the focal length of the lens, rather than to the width of the lensboard.

The auction site boards look different than the recessed board you attached an image of, Daniel, and my flat boards look a bit different that either of those in the details that are comparable. I am starting to believe that the lack of an exact match in basic features, excepting seating and fixing features, is not disqualifying.

About the catalog numbers, have either of you seen a catalog for the Profia?
211491

[tomwilliams]

Daniel, sorry that I missed completely the line above your image of the camera on flickr. You're saying the part I supplied an image of is for a Universal II?
chers
Tom

[Daniel Unkefer]

Plaubel Universal II or III I'd say with some assurance. Those II and III are the tan colored boards with flat edges, not pressed out edges, like the boards for the later Peco Profia. I have some black boards too, they came later I think and are all marked PS3. All my earlier Peco Profia boards are the medium grey color that matches the camera color. Plaubel went through a lot of phases of production and there is generally some overlap regarding accessory compatability. I've ordered the wrong thing several times :) Check what you already have versus internet pix.

The recessed Peco wide angle boards are all two piece affairs. Peco Jr/Makiflex boards fit into the larger frame, so just make sure you get the grey one. They all look similar so ask for measurements to make sure it will fit what you already have. I've made that mistake several times.

[Daniel Unkefer]

Here is what I have. Study it before buying :)

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50839101291_2c43e38927_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kstFBa)Plaubel Peco Profia Catalog 1 (https://flic.kr/p/2kstFBa) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50839103096_1e5d48777e_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kstG9h)Plaubel Peco Profia Catalog 2jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kstG9h) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

[tomwilliams]

Daniel, thanks for the catalog .. that is a big help. I changed my search criteria and came up with three new recessed boards for sale, two of which do have Plaubel code numbers marked.

[RivetGun]

tomwilliams - sorry for my late reply. The Plaubel part numbers are bewildering to say the least. I am sure Daniel's catalog will be a huge help. I believe in general some of the 1960's cameras started with a PN/ prefix and the later cameras use a PS/ prefix. I am sure you know there are many other prefixes unique to each camera!

I should have posted pictures and not the eBay links. I forgot the forum rules but I am glad the moderators left the links in place. I have learned a great deal about obscure parts and machinery from eBay pictures.

[Daniel Unkefer]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50845556412_b053b81f2a_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kt3Lum)Plaubel Brochure 1 (https://flic.kr/p/2kt3Lum) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50844745503_d267050eb4_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2ksYBra)Plaubel Brochure 2 (https://flic.kr/p/2ksYBra) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

[RivetGun]

Thanks for posting the rare Plaubel literature Daniel Unkefer!

[Daniel Unkefer]

No prob Rivitgun. Thought you would enjoy it.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50859593702_04d7e6eba6_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kuhHhA)Restored Peco Profia no 2 and Norma No 6 (https://flic.kr/p/2kuhHhA) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Here is my nearly restored Peco Profia #2 with bag bellows front and back, and 210mm Sinar chrome Symmar. Plaubel Peco Profia Pan Tilt Head provides solidity and precision with new tripod just arrived. FOBA AFLAE tripod is perfect match to Profia surprisingly light. Incredibly expensive but I got super deal so why not? This will be great in the field even in wind. Infinitely extendable leg height with FOBA Combitubes which I have in varying lengths.

The clamping mechanism on this 4x5 Profia film back is amazingly designed and clamps the plate very tightly. WOW it's smooth and secure to use. Recommended if you can find one.

[Michael Graves]

I have a Plaubel Peco 5x7, and it uses these strange 1-sided film holders. Did they ever make a standard 5x7 back for my camera?

[Daniel Unkefer]

Can you post a picture? There are many variants around. Somebody here should know. I've seen Peco Profia 5x7s complete so I would guess they did make something for your camera.

In Europe single sided plate holders were very popular. I have quite a few varieties for various Plaubels. These are most likely 13x18cm, things are metric over there. Film should be available for your holders through European dealers

Recently I have cut Fuji HRU XRAY film into 13x18cm sheets to go into some of my old holders. Very economical and makes nice sized contact prints.

[Gord Robinson]

I have a Plaubel Peco 5x7, and it uses these strange 1-sided film holders. Did they ever make a standard 5x7 back for my camera?

I ran into this issue when I got my 5x7 Peco Profia from Germany. It came with both a back for the one sided holder as well as the back for double sided holders. The back for the single sided holders is a PR 1/337 and accepts RADA sheet and plate film holders. The term "million rail" ? is used with these holders. I have no idea what that term means or refers to. The standard back with the spring loaded ground glass accepts the double sided holders and is identified by PR 1/333.
Hope this helps.
Gord

[Michael Graves]

Thanks, Gord and Daniel. Both answers are helpful. I think I just learned that I have 13x18 and not 5x7 holders. I'll try to put some film in tonight and see what happens. Now that I have a part number to look for, maybe I can finish my camera.

[Daniel Unkefer]

"I ran into this issue when I got my 5x7 Peco Profia from Germany. It came with both a back for the one sided holder as well as the back for double sided holders. The back for the single sided holders is a PR 1/337 and accepts RADA sheet and plate film holders. The term "million rail" ? is used with these holders. I have no idea what that term means or refers to. The standard back with the spring loaded ground glass accepts the double sided holders and is identified by PR 1/333.
Hope this helps.
Gord"

https://galerie-photo.com/manuels/dos-rada.pdf

The RADA Plate Catalog.

The Millionfalz is on page 12 of the catalog and is a "Universal Holder for plates and cut film". Looks pretty elaborate.

RADA Cutfilm Sheaths on Page 18. 9x12 and 13x18 available. These are used for modern sheet film in the holders.

Plaubel Makiflex uses the Normalfalz type of holder. I have many RADA, Voigtlander also works, even some from Russia. The plate edges are all the same, that is the biggest difference. And of course the overall dimensions.

I read somewhere that RADA started out making stamped out metal children's toys. Later they hooked up with Plaubel.

[Gord Robinson]

Thanks Daniel. The RADA system does look rather elaborate. I am glad my Plaubel Peco had the standard back included with it and didn't have to try and modify things for the single holder system.

[Daniel Unkefer]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50979833166_aaaae4e607_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kEUYhN)6x9 Rollex Restored Compendium Russian Filter 2 (https://flic.kr/p/2kEUYhN) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50979831626_ce78a15e85_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kEUXQf)6x9 Rollex Restored Compendium Russian Filter 1 (https://flic.kr/p/2kEUXQf) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

I want to highly recommend the original Linhof Rollex 6x9 Back on the Makiflex. The knobs and the tactile "feeling" of using the equipment combined create a smooth and closely matching sense. And a total "brick house" approach which fits well on the Makiflexes. So I picked up three backs, some extra parts as well. I would like to pick up some 6x6 same Rollex backs but so far none have appeared. Several of the backs needed some work but now all is well. Here is the completed Pecoflex Adapter Back for the Makiflexes. I custom made the bag bellows using one from the Peco Jr View Camera, a lot of brass modeling screws and nuts, Pliobond Cement, and a lot of time spent figuring exactly how best to do it. Essentially this a Peco Jr Front with bag bellows on an Automatic Makiflex. Extreme movements beyond what is necessary in a lightweight package (could be handheld!) are possible. But I use a tripod with this Beast. Going through my box of Plaubel Odds and Ends, I found this Peco Jr Filter Holder, which fits the Compendium Hood/Connecting Rod. I have only one Yellow Green Filter which Is from Russia, I have used teflon tape to attach it to the Filter Holder. So something new and useful for the upcoming SPRING shooting sessions around here

I use this camera mostly with 4x5" and 9x12cm sheet film and glass plates. That lens is a 240mm chrome Schneider Xenar that looks great on the groundglass. I showed the design to Geoff Berliner and he thought it was a cool idea

[Daniel Unkefer]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51009731127_41d478057e_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kHycUT)New Plaubel Peco Profia Reflex Viewfinder Repaired (https://flic.kr/p/2kHycUT) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

I got this Plaubel Profia 45 degree Reflex Viewfinder for a low price, I think this is a little later one and it wouldn't fit the above 4x5 back with the amazing Peco Profia holder clamping mechanism. I removed the end part of the finder, and checking my Plaubel parts box, I found two Grey Plaubel bars with central metal pin which simply screws into the wooden body of the reflex viewfinder. Taped it together tightly, then drilled four small holes precisely, then attached tiny brass hobby modeling screws and brass nuts from the hobby shop. Works great like new, it only fits vertically, but I'm OK with that. Glad I found this fun project.

[Daniel Unkefer]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51008921978_0943898687_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kHu4o3)New Peco Profia 9x12 Plate Back PS1-337 (https://flic.kr/p/2kHu4o3) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

I ordered this from a shop in France it was a good price. It is the 9x12cm One Sided Plate Back Plaubel Peco Profia PS1/337. As it turns out it fits my RADA, VOIGTLANDER, and a couple other manufactured plate Normalfalz type holders. I have been using them a lot with J Lane Dry Plates and Ilford 9x12cm Commercial Ortho, in my Plaubel Makiflexes. Like these so very useful to have this :)

Will do a quick focus test target next

[RivetGun]

I saw that listing and wondered how good it would work.
I guess it must be pretty sweet!

[Daniel Unkefer]

I will be testing it soon and will post here. I already have a collection of the correct plate holders so I am suspecting it work will work well.

[Daniel Unkefer]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51013300542_e8ce00e204_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kHSuYw)Peco Profia 4x5 Graflock Sliding Back TTL Metering Lunasix (https://flic.kr/p/2kHSuYw) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

This Peco Profia 4x5 Graflock Sliding Back arrived from Germany recently. There is a 4x5 Graphmatic in the camera ready to go. The lens is a chrome Schneider 240mm Symmar in Compur shutter. The TTL Plaubel Profia Meter uses the Lunasix to Read TTL on the ground glass, which is the way I prefer. I need to calibrate the meter, compensating for viewing system light loss. I have two interchangeable black discs which read tiny and teeny tiny parts of the glass. The eyepiece enables you to see everything sharply as you meter.

[Daniel Unkefer]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51133023562_a4e9f5672c_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kUs7sw)Plaubel Peco Profia Kompendium 1 (https://flic.kr/p/2kUs7sw) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51133911198_36d7dc05d8_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kUwEjA)Plaubel Peco Profia Kompendium 2 (https://flic.kr/p/2kUwEjA) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51133021682_c341473f9f_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kUs6U7)Plaubel Peco Profia Kompendium 3 (https://flic.kr/p/2kUs6U7) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51133688926_fcf8d65b4d_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kUvwfj)Plaubel Peco Profia Kompendium 4 (https://flic.kr/p/2kUvwfj) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Those of you out there with Plaubel Peco Profias might like this original literature from 1970. Enjoy!

[Daniel Unkefer]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51191269997_c17cb5654d_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kZAD6p)Plaubel Makina Rail Sliding Roll Back Peco Profia GX680 Mag Hood Hack (https://flic.kr/p/2kZAD6p) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

This Back takes Plaubel Makina Rail Roll Backs and Plaubel Makina Plate Holders. I wanted a better viewfinder system, I finally came across this Fuji GX680 Magnifying Hood, and I wondered what I would do with it, it dosen't really go with my Makiflexes. So here it is adapted with some generic aluminum angled strips and held together with self tapping brass screws. The eyepiece swivels around the center of the hood, and you can sharply see all four corners. Alternately you can simply lift the back straight up to a 45, and directly view the groundglass screen that way. I like it :)

BTW the adjustable GX680 eyepiece is incredibly sharp; the image is enjoyable to view through this

[Daniel Unkefer]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51868362730_154947bab1_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2n2qVb3)Wide Angle Plaubel Peco Profia sawed off rail Komura 90mm (https://flic.kr/p/2n2qVb3) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

For now I am not cleaning up my original Tiltall. For grab n go wide angle 4x5 the Plaubel Peco Profia with Bag Bellows and second Bagg also with Profia Monocular is a good combo. I sawed off the long rail (using my band saw) to make a shortie Profia rail. I will glue the Plaubel emblem back onto the end of it. The lens is a Komura 90mm F6.8 with the original humungeous lens hood. Mounted onto a 120x120mm Peco Board with Wide supplemental wide angle board. Also works well with my 75mm F6.3 Komura, these lenses are in the original catalogs with the Plaubel stuff so appropriate. Very Very Good Lenses! Easy to look through, too being F6.3's. This setup is ideal for Architectural Interiors and Exteriors, without carrying around the kitchen sink. LOL just a small padded bags for holders and stuff and this thing. Will work with a lens out to 150mm so that covers prolly 90% of what I want to do.

[Daniel Unkefer]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51872418565_4412428e20_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2n2MGQe)Tiltall Peco Profia (https://flic.kr/p/2n2MGQe) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

4x5 Plaubel Peco Profia with 90mm F6.3 Komura. Fun to use and a center-tilting alternative to the base tilting Sinar Norma

[arnoud bakker]

hello, I'm new here,
I like to experiment with the camera, and I do own a Plaubel 8x10 and a horseman L45
and a Linhof color and some useful parts of a cambo and LF polaroid stuf! I like it,
but now I bought myself a DB shutter for the (Plaubel 8x10") and the horseman, but it won't fit because the lock of the horseman is to..'Big' any thoughts?

[abruzzi]

I assume by "DB Shutter" you mean the Sinar Copal shutter that mounts between the front standard and the bellows?

If so, that is sized the same as a Sinar Lens board, i.e. 14mm square. My Plaubel is older than the Profia (Universal II) and I haven't looked at the bellows mount size all that closely (its not like the Sinar where both sides mount identically) but I don't think it is close to 140mm, more like 120-125mm. And I don't know anything about Horseman 4x5s.

[Daniel Unkefer]

Which 8x10 Plaubel is it? Plaubel made a lot of different versions, can you post a photo?

A Clockmaker friend made me an adapter to put the Sinar Norma Shutter onto a Peco Profia Standard. I can dig it out and show you in you want. No downsides will hold heavy lenses easily, but does add a lot of bellows extension. So only works good with longer lenses

L Horseman takes Sinar Norma Boards. Have no idea on Linhof. Kardan Color, those were -beeg-.

[arnoud bakker]

hello, thanks all, for now I managed to connect a Sinar DB copal behind the lens shutter on my horseman.. it's upside down, and I even think my camera is 'left-handed ' now.. the knobs are on the left side.. but hey.. it fits...
now I need to find a proper way to get the Shutter connected to my Plaubel profia Peco 8x10
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51599788294_4775b22de4_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2mBGpmj)DSC_9374 (https://flic.kr/p/2mBGpmj) by defotobakker (https://www.flickr.com/photos/64179389@N08/), on Flickr

[Daniel Unkefer]

Arnoud,

Here is what I had made by a Friend many years ago. Takes Plaubel Peco Profia to Sinar Norma. Modern Sinar pieces might be easier and more plentiful and cheap.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51900174744_b21e6145c5_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2n5eXM3)Plaubel Peco Profia to Sinar Norma Adapter 1 (https://flic.kr/p/2n5eXM3) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

That's a Norma Auxiliary Frame cut down with my machinist's band saw; I picked up a lot of the Auxilary Frames and they have a lot of useful parts on them

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51899948563_290418e85b_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2n5dNxn)Plaubel Peco Profia to Sinar Norma Adapter 2 (https://flic.kr/p/2n5dNxn) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51898891757_565212ea5e_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2n58ooz)Plaubel Peco Profia to Sinar Norma Adapter 3 (https://flic.kr/p/2n58ooz) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51898893622_64fed8dfe6_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2n58oWJ)Plaubel Peco Profia to Sinar Norma Adapter 4 (https://flic.kr/p/2n58oWJ) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Don't put a very heavy lens directly on the front of the shutter. Good chance you can cause some damage or something fall off. The shutter was not made for that purpose. Some day I will finish this by painting it with Sinar Norma green paint. Hopefully this gives you some ideas and you could repurpose what you have

[arnoud bakker]

well Daniel! that looks good!
thanks for the input! very helpful.

[owlgreen]

Will Plaubel Peco Universal lensboards fit on the Peco Profia if one removes the top center screw on the front standard? The 166mm width is correct, no? If they don't work, what is the problem? Thanks for your insights.

[Daniel Unkefer]

Plaubel made different styles of boards, I have gotten it wrong several times, even looking closely at photos. I have no idea on your Universal question. Peco boards were made (stamped) on a hydraulic press, some of the earlier Universal ones are flat and different

[abruzzi]

I don't know, but I can say that I have several Peco Profia boards that mount on my Universal II just fine. I don't know if the reverse is true.

[Daniel Unkefer]

This cool original brochure just arrived from Germany. Enjoy.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52216876982_10b86bcb7a_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nye9js)Plaubel Peco Profia Brochure 1 (https://flic.kr/p/2nye9js) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52218366000_b20273d29c_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nymLXb)Plaubel Peco Profia Brochure 2 (https://flic.kr/p/2nymLXb) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52218155054_4ff4c7649c_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nykGfb)Plaubel Peco Profia Brochure 3 (https://flic.kr/p/2nykGfb) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52217897188_2381bdb80e_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nyjnAd)Plaubel Peco Profia Brochure 4 (https://flic.kr/p/2nyjnAd) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52216873217_7ffb915b50_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nye8cx)Plaubel Peco Profia Brochure 5 (https://flic.kr/p/2nye8cx) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52216872172_03472e20a0_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nye7Tw)Plaubel Peco Profia Brochure 6 (https://flic.kr/p/2nye7Tw) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

[tomwilliams]

Good stuff Daniel - Thanks for showing it.

[Daniel Unkefer]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52247597111_d9c47fc487_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nAWAkR)Plaubel Profi Stativ 1 (https://flic.kr/p/2nAWAkR) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52246623602_1ef268f816_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nARAXd)Plaubel Profi Stativ 2 (https://flic.kr/p/2nARAXd) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Collecting camera literature is fun sub-hobby. Twenty five years ago I wandered into MPX Photo on High St and they had SIX of these Profi Stativ camera stands. I was offered one for a hundred bucks, so into the back of my white Aerostar Minivan it went. Needed helpers to deal with the weight at each end. Mine was too long for my studio apartment ceiling, so I cut it down with a manual hacksaw. Has some surface rust I need to deal with on the column. And now I see I need an ACCESSORY TRAY installed (can be generic) to hold 8x10 and smaller planfilm holders. I want to restore it to original as possible BTW I two of the Plaubel Pan-Tilt Heads you see here. These are the best Heads for anything Profia or Makiflex. Equal to, and in some ways superior to, the olde Norma Pan Tilt Heads which are my favorite. These Plaubel Profia units will hold up a brick house LOL

[Daniel Unkefer]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52394252557_5d3f20b323_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nPUeU2)4x5 Plaubel Peco Profia 90mm F6.3 Komura Original 90mm Komura Hood (https://flic.kr/p/2nPUeU2) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

The lens hood cost nearly as much as the lens! LOL

Plaubel Peco Profia 4x5 ready for shooting architectural, Profia Bag Bellows, ingenious clamping 4x5 film holder (best I have seen!), Profia Monocular Magnifier/Bag Bellows on the back for stylish comfortable viewing. In the original Profia catalog is the 90mm F6.3 Komura in Seiko Shutter. The Lenshood for this lens is humungeous and attention getting. The Julius Shulman inspired modded Leitz Tiltall tripod is perfect, quick and dependable to use, quite solid after a few seconds. Sharp enough to make big prints. I also have the matching 75mm F6.3, the humungeous companion to this lens. Both of these lenses recess into the Profia Recessed board, this board will also accomodate all of my Makiflex boards, and also my Peco Jr boards, with the additional stepdown board, which I cobbled together with stuff from the parts box.

[Daniel Unkefer]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52395448194_01814b4ae9_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nQ1njs)Plaubel Peco Profia 75mm f6.8 Komura (https://flic.kr/p/2nQ1njs) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Plaubel Peco Profia 4x5 ready for shooting architectural, Profia Bag Bellows, ingenious clamping 4x5 film holder (best I have seen!), Profia Monocular Magnifier/Bag Bellows on the back for stylish comfortable viewing. In the original Profia catalog is the 75mm F6.3 Komura in Seiko Shutter. The Julius Shulman inspired modded Leitz Tiltall tripod is perfect, quick and dependable to use, quite solid after a few seconds. Sharp enough to make big prints. I also have the matching 90mm F6.3, the humungeous companion to this lens. Both of these lenses recess into the Profia Recessed board, this board will also accomodate all of my Makiflex boards, and also my Peco Jr boards, with the additional stepdown board, which I cobbled together with stuff from the parts box.

I'll bet they made a hood for this I've never seen one.

[Daniel Unkefer]

I think this is 97307 Camera Back 4x5 with spring loaded ground glass frame, for U.S. double sheet film holders and the Polaroid P500 holder PS 1/333 $86


https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52397308123_dd22190fbd_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nQaUdc)Peco Profia 4x5 Graflex Plate Holder 1 (https://flic.kr/p/2nQaUdc) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Plaubel Profia Graflex Plate Holder. Step 1: Squeeze the tabs together, pull outwards until the mechanism is fully open, at which point it locks in open position. At that point it will accept plate holder.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52397241260_0392d244f7_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nQayko)SONY DSC (https://flic.kr/p/2nQayko) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Plaubel Peco Holder Step 2: The mechanism is locked fully open ready to accept Graflex plate holder

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52396297422_1754f97656_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nQ5HLj)SONY DSC (https://flic.kr/p/2nQ5HLj) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Peco Profia Step 3: Graflex Plate Holder inserted which releases spring tension, clamping around the holder. When the rear portion closes down onto the holder, it is not going anywhere, very tight arrangement. The spring loaded tabs have snapped back to original position.

[Daniel Unkefer]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53368319772_c2eaaf5f5d_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2piYA9m)Komura 75mm F6.3 Peco Profia Darkroom Store Viewing Hood (https://flic.kr/p/2piYA9m) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr


Komura 75mm F6.3 Seiko had a bad cable socket, which Mac at Camtronics was able to replace. So now the cable release fits tightly with no wobble, and I can use the lens. Nice and bright and very sharp to look through. It is in the Plaubel catalogs so it was recommended for the Peco Profia. To complete using it, an Ednalite Magnifer, and a vinyl lightproof hood, from Fred Newman/Darkroom Store, make for very pleasant viewing. I can back my head up, and see the entire screen at once. This can be a feat with LF wideangle lenses. This one is SWEET to look through, plan to do some upcoming shoots with it. Octabox 150 David Maheu background. I just bought six new ones from David, he was closing them out.