Linhof

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I just saw a Linhof Technika for sale at what seems like a very good price. I had never seen one before but it seems to be very well built and sturdy.

I would love a word or two from any users of this camera on what's good about it AND what the drawbacks are. When i was looking at this one I couldn't figure out how to make the front standard tilt. Linhofs DO tilt, no?

Thanks!

-- David G Hall (me@davidghall.com), December 26, 2001

Answers

The Technika III was made from 1946 to 1956. The Technika IV from 56 to the 60s. The Technika V from the 60s to 1976. The current master Technika from 1976 to today.

What were you offered?

If you are not sure get the serial number.

Technika IV and later all use the same accessories. There are no current accessories from Linhof for a III (that means accessories not made for over 20 years). There are no dedicated repair parts for all technika III and early Technika IV models.

Before you buy make sure what you are buying.

-- Bob Salomon (bob@hpmarketingcorp.com), December 26, 2001.


"I couldn't figure out how to make the front standard tilt. Linhofs DO tilt, no? "

IV, V and Master 45 cameras do. III cameras only have rear wards lens tilt.

All have drop beds.

-- Bob Salomon (bob@hpmarketingcorp.com), December 26, 2001.


I have a IV. To make the front tilt, use the two knobs at the top of the standard. One will loosen if you turn it counter clock wise. That is the locking knob. The other is a catch and must be pushed in to free the top of the standard.

The back is even more fun to play with.

Neal

-- Neal Shields (shields@ftw.com), December 26, 2001.


The weak point of the Technika is its bellows - it is very thin and goes bad much quicker than most similar cameras. Every few years it will cost about $400 to replace. Otherwise they are built like a tank. If I were going to the Gobi Desert for a year, I would take a Technika.

-- (bmitch@home.com), December 26, 2001.

David,

The Linhof Technika is, to my way of thinking, the benchmark LF field camera by which all others must be evaluated.

Build quality and capabilities are truly remarkable and for most field applications the range of possible adjustment is more than adequate; indeed it will even suffice for a lot of studio work. Although I had used Technikas for many years I did not buy one until 2000 and it quickly rendered my Sinar superfluous. I sold the Sinar and work faster and more easily with the Linhof.

You ask about disadvantages; there are some peculiarities that you quickly come to terms with but these are simply trade-offs for size, weight and construction technique.

1. I have long believed that the camera was originally idealised for the European 9x12 format resulting in a small mechanical vignette in the extreme corners of 4x5 caused by the rotating back track.

2. Similarly, the bellows is very tight on the edges of the 4x5 image area and precautions are essential to minimise the risk of bellows flare.

3. To acieve lens fall with short focal lengths it is necessary, at times, to mount the camera upside down. Later models have a threaded mount on the top plate to facilitate this. Earlier there was an outrigger arm for the same purpose.

4. There is a limit to the size of rear lens section that will fit the lens standard.

My camera is the Master Technika 2000. I use it with lenses from Apo-Grandagon 35mm to Nikkor-T 600mm. Although the size and weight of the 600mm stretch limits and necessitate the employment of a second tripod the camera still performs with considerable aplomb.

Biased? You bet, but with good reason.

Happy New Year ... Walter

-- Walter Glover (walterg@netaus.net.au), December 26, 2001.



"I have long believed that the camera was originally idealised for the European 9x12 format resulting in a small mechanical vignette in the extreme corners of 4x5 caused by the rotating back track."

Darned if there idn't. I thought that was the film holder. Now I know why my work doesn't hang in Museums. Think there is a class action in this? Anybody a lawyer?

Neal

-- Neal Shields (shields@ftw.com), December 26, 2001.


Hi, David I'm not a Technika user, but, as I was looking for informations before purchasing a LF camera, I found a good review about those cameras. Just have a look on www.cameraquest.com, it's a Technika 4X5 used buying guide, pretty well done. regards

-- Daniel Luu Van Lang (daniel.luu@worldonline.fr), December 27, 2001.

Hi...

I own a tech V and have been using it for a while. Itīs a great camera almost as sturdy as a battle tank.

It sets up quite fast (actually faster that my father in lawīs wista), and itīs quite easy to use. The movements are very complete (all but front drop).

The only draw back (besides itīs not a cheap camera) is that back movements are not as easy to do as in other cameras (but are more flexible). You should unscrew four knobs (one on each corner) and the back releases for movement in any direction, you place the back in the desired position and then tigth the knobs.

IMHO is a very good camera and donīt regret to have it.

Enrique.-

-- Enrique Vila (evilap@hotmail.com), December 27, 2001.


I have a tech V 2x3 and am now considering a 4x5...esp with the sale on at this time. You cant go wrong with this camera...a real gem.

-- Emile de Leon (knightpeople@msn.com), December 27, 2001.

Check these out, if you have not done so already...

http://www.cameraquest.com/techs.htm

http://www.cameraquest.com/tech3pic.htm

-- Mani Sitaraman (bindumani@pacific.net.sg), December 27, 2001.



I believe there's a review, and a lot of user comments, about Technikas under the camera review section of this web site. I use the Technika V. I like it very much. I've had better luck than the person who said the bellows need to be replaced every couple years. Mine has the original bellows and it still is in great shape. I generally like the camera a lot, mainly its rigidity, sturdy construction, precise focusing and movements. My only real problem with it is, as someone else mentioned, the PITA back. I use the BTZS dark cloth. To move the back I first have to remove the dark cloth, then loosen the four corner knobs, then put the dark cloth back on and adjust the back, then take the dark cloth off and tighten the knobs, make the picture, then remove the dark cloth, then loosen the knobs, then return the back to its fixed position, then tighten the knobs. In case you're not counting, that's sixteen knob tightenings/untightenings. The other back problem is that it's a "floating" back. By that I mean that it can move in two directions at the same time, so it's difficult to be sure everything is parallel unless you move the back to its extreme left, right, top, or bottom postion. Fortunately I don't use back movements to any great extent so these problems haven't been a big deal and the camera's advantages, for me, outweigh this back difficulty.

-- Brian Ellis (bellis60@earthlink.net), December 28, 2001.

"The weak point of the Technika is its bellows - it is very thin and goes bad much quicker than most similar cameras. Every few years it will cost about $400 to replace."

So naturally we asked the technician who has been repairing these daily for decades.

his answer? With heavy use maybe replace every 5 to 10 years assuming no abuse, of course.

If you would like to verify you can contact them directly in the U.S. at 973 808-9626.

-- Bob Salomon (bob@hpmarketingcorp.com), December 28, 2001.


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