Anyone have a Linhof?

[GarageBoy]

Ahh, the Technika Press aka Press 23 -
Pretty sure it was standard filter threads
My dad swore by the lenses on Linhof MF cameras, but hated the cameras (Linhof had select pick of Zeiss lenses) - the Press 70 is heavy and unreliable
http://www.arnecroell.com/zeissoberkochen.pdf Cool article about Zeiss MF and LF lenses

 

[HiHoSilver]

I keep checking this thread, hoping to hear you get some good input. 'Can't wait to see some images. 'Hope it puts a smile on your face for years.

 

[frank]

Just getting familiar with the thing and doing some tuneups. The dark slide was rusty in places, the viewfinder was cloudy, thought the film advance release slider was kaput (it's not), loosened up the stiff focusing helix, and loaded a roll of film. This thing is over the top in build strength, size, and weight. The mother of all beasts.

 

[HiHoSilver]

I'll trade some weight for build strength. There's more than a little satisfaction w/ quality & precision. I don't have experience w/ resurrecting cameras, but I love it when a noble old war horse gets some love & continues to amaze with performance. 'Can't wait to see stuff from it.

 

[LinhofCollection]

I would also like to share an early Linhof precision camera from around 1911 which appears to originate from the Valentin Linhof period in Munich.

The camera is still in remarkably complete condition with original accessories, lenses, plate holders, filters and carrying case.

I am currently researching the historical background and original configuration of this camera system and would be very interested to know whether other collectors have seen comparable early Linhof examples.

It is fascinating to see how many historical Linhof cameras are still preserved today.

 

[Shaps]

The brochure for this camera says it is a “Press Camera” which to me means it is designed to be hand held, used in mobile shooting situations. I would not try to use this camera for things it wasn’t designed for. No movements, no ground glass, etc. It would be good for weddings, group shots, some portraits, etc.

 

[LinhofCollection]

The brochure for this camera says it is a “Press Camera” which to me means it is designed to be hand held, used in mobile shooting situations. I would not try to use this camera for things it wasn’t designed for. No movements, no ground glass, etc. It would be good for weddings, group shots, some portraits, etc.

Thank you very much for your interesting assessment.

Yes, the compact construction and portability are also aspects that I found very fascinating compared to larger studio systems from that period.

I am still researching the historical background and original intended use of this early Linhof camera system and it is very interesting to hear different expert opinions from collectors here.

 

[KinoGrafx]

Maybe its a series thread? Series 8 I think is like 58 but diff thread pitch

 

[LinhofCollection]

Maybe its a series thread? Series 8 I think is like 58 but diff thread pitch

Here is a closer view of the lens system.

The lenses are not mounted with a threaded system but instead slide into the camera mount.

 

[KinoGrafx]

Sorry I meant for mounting filters on the front of the lens, maybe it’s a series8

 

[Valmidira]

I own several pre-war Linhof Technikas from 6,5x9 to 13x18 (cm) and a Technikardan 45s.

 

[LinhofCollection]

Sorry I meant for mounting filters on the front of the lens, maybe it’s a series8

It seems that the lens itself slides into the camera mount, but the original Zeiss filters are screw-in mounted on the front of the lens.

So the camera appears to combine a sliding lens mount system with threaded front filters.

 

[LinhofCollection]

I own several pre-war Linhof Technikas from 6,5x9 to 13x18 (cm) and a Technikardan 45s.

That is a very impressive collection of pre-war Linhof cameras.

It is fascinating to see how many different early Linhof systems and formats still survive today.

 

[Valmidira]

Yes, it is, and what is even more fascinating is the fact that they are still fully usable, just like any modern camera. In fact, I like the old pre-war Technikas more than the modern ones, as they are far smaller in a given format and can use wider lenses without hassle. The only downside is that they do not use modern film holders, but metal ones with "million falz" and metric plate sizes. But as far as I know, there were also variants for the US market in inch plate sizes (?).

 

[Hassasin]

Yoiu will likely need lens hood with drop-in filters. All Linhof's of that age had that as accessory.

They come in several sizes to fit lenses of different outer diameter front

Link for better view of the hood

And an example of drop-in filter - filters are made for specific size of lens hood, so there are several sizes on the market. These would be cheap if bought as part of the kit. Separately not so much.

 

[Hassasin]

And here is page with hood/filter set.

This to me is best option for Linhofs. It works really well, hood is well made as one would expect from Linhof, and changing filters is a snap.

 

[LinhofCollection]

Yes, it is, and what is even more fascinating is the fact that they are still fully usable, just like any modern camera. In fact, I like the old pre-war Technikas more than the modern ones, as they are far smaller in a given format and can use wider lenses without hassle. The only downside is that they do not use modern film holders, but metal ones with "million falz" and metric plate sizes. But as far as I know, there were also variants for the US market in inch plate sizes (?).

Yes, that is exactly what fascinates me as well.

My early Linhof cameras are still fully usable today and from time to time I still make photographs with them. It is remarkable to see that precision craftsmanship from more than 100 years ago can still function so well today.

 

[Hassasin]

Ahh, the Technika Press aka Press 23 -
Pretty sure it was standard filter threads
My dad swore by the lenses on Linhof MF cameras, but hated the cameras (Linhof had select pick of Zeiss lenses) - the Press 70 is heavy and unreliable
http://www.arnecroell.com/zeissoberkochen.pdf Cool article about Zeiss MF and LF lenses

Never heard of Linhof 70 being unreliable. I have 2, neither has had any problems. It surely is heavier than the press 2x3 as any 2x3 Linhof with standard bellows and front movements is. 70 also has extra weight on top with all encompassing body with rangefinder inside.

 

[LinhofCollection]

Yoiu will likely need lens hood with drop-in filters. All Linhof's of that age had that as accessory.

They come in several sizes to fit lenses of different outer diameter front

Link for better view of the hood

And an example of drop-in filter - filters are made for specific size of lens hood, so there are several sizes on the market. These would be cheap if bought as part of the kit. Separately not so much.

Thank you very much for this very interesting information and the example image.

The early Linhof accessory systems are fascinating and quite complex. I will now take a closer look at the filter holders and lens accessories that belong to my camera set to better understand the original configuration.