Got a Linhof Universal Sucher

[jaimeb82]

just got one of these and not sure what they are for, it came with a RB67 lens and a MF lens. I got it from the site and they sell for $150 and up! what the hell is this for? and most important how do I use it? Is it only for 4x5, can I use it in my Mamiya Super 23? I own a speed graphic, a super 23 and a RB67. The viewer has numbers from 90mm to 360mm. Are those to match the lenses focal length?

here is another link to a similar product from mine, almost the same one

http://cgi.ebay.com/Linhof-Technika...s?hash=item19b3df849e&_trksid=p3286.m20.l1116

 

[Frank Bunnik]

It is for the 4x5 Linhof Technika cameras. You use the rangefinder on the camera to focus and then you compose with this Universal sucher. The numbers 90-360 are indeed to match the focal lenght of these lenses.

 

[archphoto]

It is an older "Universal Finder" , the newer ones sell for much, much more.

You can use them 2 way's:
- as a view-finder on top of your Graphic's when you shoot hand held
- as a finder to determine where to put your camera + tripod and which lens is needed it get the pic you want.

I use the newer one with my Sinar P2 4x5 and 8x10

They are a great little expensive gadget I don't want to be without.

Peter

 

[junqbox]

I have one I use when I'm out and about to help determine positions to shoot from before i come back with the kit.
Although I had a pedestrian think I was taking photos of her one day with it and freaked out, despite showing her it was impossible to have film or anything else in it. People are getting paranoid these days.

 

[eddym]

Mine has an inner frame line for 6x7, which would make it somewhat useful with your 23, if yours has it. They are a wonderful tool for previewing scenes before setting up a camera and lens on a tripod. You can check various focal lengths and perspectives before mounting the camera on the tripod.

 

[jaimeb82]

I see your point, an inner frame will make it, I don't remember any inner frames in mine, I could look into DIY solution.