richard_urmonas

If you have the time, look for a secondhand Rowi UKW (they are not made any more). This is a "kit" of parts which can be assembled into 101 combinations to provide an amazing array of camera support solutions. It can be a tripod, shoulder pod, monopod, copying stand... and it all packs away into a box about the size of a larger paperback.

Phew. It has been a busy week. OK I checked my SP. The lens has

more movement than I originally thought, but there is nothing loose

(all movement is in the focus helix). For interest I compared some similar cameras. The worst was a Canonet QL17 GIII. My SP lens also

moves when turned over. Look at the lens and gently wobble it. Look for where the "flexing" happens. If the base of the lens stays still, but the front part of the lens moves then it is probably similar to mine. If the base shows any movement at all, then something is loose.

I have recently aquired a similar camera. On mine there is some movement in the lens, but it is very small (i.e. just enough to

"feel" movement when wobbling the lens). I have not had time to look if this is due to loose screws etc. If I get a chance to look

at it more closely (perhaps this weekend?) I will let you know.

Brian,

 

You got an incredible bargain. Worth probably around US$500 at the current rates. Ok to identify the models:

 

Plaubel I - No RF, "small" lens mount.

 

Plaubel II - RF, "small" lens mount.

 

Plaubel IIS - RF, "large" lens mount.

 

Plaubel IIa - RF, fixed lens, speeds to 1/200 from memory.

 

Plaubel IIb - RF, fixed lens, speeds to 1/400 from memory.

 

Plaubel III - RF, "large" lens mount, one button and one knob to left

of lens (when holding in shooting position).

 

Plaubel IIIR - labelled in grip on right side of lens panel (when

holding in shooting position).

 

The differences between mounts:

 

"small" mount. The lens is in two parts. One screws in from the

inside, one fronm the outside.

 

"large" mount. The lens is mounted from the front. It has a large

knurled grip to help screw/unscrew it.

 

As for film backs, both roll film and sheet film backs were made. The roll film back is more useful. These are generally 6x9 though 6x6 and 35mm backs were made.

 

 

If you have any other questions feel free to contact me and I will see if I can help.

 

Richard

I have an old camera whose bellows appear dry(?). When the

bellows is extended it makes a "cracking" noise.

I guess the bellows are leather (unsure).

 

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What should I do to restore the bellows?

What should be done to maintain similar bellows?

 

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Thank you.