5x7 Linhof Technika III or IV how to tell?

[rknewcomb]

In 4x5 technikas it is somewhat clear which is a model III and which is a IV. In 5x7 it seems not so clear to me.
Can anyone teach me how to tell the difference between a III and IV in 5x7 Techinkas by only looking at the camera on the web, ie: i don't have it in my hands and I don't have a serial number?
thank you!
Robert N.

 

[resummerfield]

There are many variations in both the III and IV versions of the 5x7 Technika. I used to think all the III’s were covered in black leatherette, but then I saw a III covered in the same tan leatherette as you find on the IV version. So my quick method is to look at the front standard—all the IV versions I’ve seen have red vertical lines on the front, 3 lines on each side, while all the III versions I've seen have no lines.

 

[Alden]

My 3 had no front tilt, and was machined later to allow it. The 4 has it.

 

[snallan]

It isn't so easy with the 5x7 Technikas, as they don't seem to have had such a clear evolution of features as the 4x5s. I have a IV (serial number checked with Bob Salomon, of HP Marketing in the States), and as Eric has said, has red lines on the front standard.

Other details of mine (whether they help, or not ) - Tan leatherette, single focusing knob on right-hand side of the bed, release knobs for the back - upper ones are on the top panel, lower ones are on the side panel. Really the only way to be sure, is to get hold of the serial number.

 

[rknewcomb]

Snallan,
So does your 5x7 IV have forward tilt on the front standard?

Thank you all for the help - I appreciate it.

Robert N.

 

[David H. Bebbington]

In 4x5 technikas it is somewhat clear which is a model III and which is a IV. In 5x7 it seems not so clear to me.
Can anyone teach me how to tell the difference between a III and IV in 5x7 Techinkas by only looking at the camera on the web, ie: i don't have it in my hands and I don't have a serial number?
thank you!
Robert N.

I have Linhof reference books - can you post a link with a picture?

Regards,

David

 

[snallan]

Hi Robert,
No, no forward tilt on the front standard, only backward tilt.

Cheers,
Steve

 

[rknewcomb]

Is this 5x7 Technika a III or IV?

That is the question, is this a III or IV?
Robert N.

 

[snallan]

With the exception that mine is a Super Tech, that does look very much like mine, i.e a IV.

I will see if I can beg, borrow, or steal a digi to get a quick shot of mine.

 

[David H. Bebbington]

That is the question, is this a III or IV?
Robert N.

I have consulted "The Linhof Camera Story" (published by Linhof itself). Your camera has one focusing wheel (at the front edge of the baseboard), which points to Technika III, also the book refers to the luxury version of the III available to special order with red leather covering and bellows. There seem to have been 2 models of the III, 1950 to 1954 and 1954 to 1956. The second of these is described as having an "engagement rack" for the rising front - I no longer have a Technika but I think this was a wheel and spindle which could be pushed sideways to lock this movement. As others have remarked, the development of 5x7 Linhofs was somewhat organic and gradual, with no really dramatic differences between models.

Regards,

David

 

[rknewcomb]

I thank all of you for the great help!
It seems like the one in the picture I posted is probably a III and from what I've understood, the IV doesn't have forward tilt. Sounds like I'd have to get a Tech V in 5x7 inorder to also have forward tilt - and that is out of my price range for sure.
thanks again,
Robert N.

 

[snallan]

It is possible to fudge forward tilt by dropping the bed, and using rise on the front standard to put the lens back on axis. The amount of "forward" tilt can then be varied using the backward tilt on the standard.

Whichever model this one is, the picture does show the release lever for tilt on the front standard (on the left hand side of the standard, just above the knurled knob (right hand side of the photo)). So it still might be worth considering.

 

[snallan]

5x7 Technica photos

Hah. I finally managed to get hold of one of those digi things, so here are a couple of photos of my Technika. From its serial number this has been identified as a 1960 Mk IV.

One is a front three-quarters, with the front tilt lever circled in red; the other shows forward front tilt achieved using the drop-bed.

 

[rknewcomb]

Linhof Tech 5x7 III or IV?

WOW, thanks for the great pictures! Your camera is very nice!
That is very clever the way you got the forward tilt - maybe there is hope.
Your camera looks very clean - I'm jealous I also see the tilt lever, wondered what that was for, and the red stripes.
regards,
Robert N.

 

[snallan]

Ta!

I know the Technikas can be cameras you either love or hate, but I love using this one. I also have a 4x5 Linhof monorail, but it does not get the outings nowadays because I have so much fun using the Technika!