Linhof 2x3 questions

[msbarnes]

I recently purchased a Linhof 2x3 from Keh.com. More specifically, a Linhof Super Technika IV with two cammed lenses.

I plan on using this camera as a 6x9 rangefinder, on a tripod, and I want to focus on the ground glass.

I just realized that this may not come with a roll film back. I called Keh and the sales person wasn't sure either and so I assume that it will not come with the back. They have none in stock. I still think this is a sweet camera and so I will now pursue the back.

Are all of the backs interchangeable? I believe that the backs are called Rollex? I'm not sure if the backs for the 4x5 Linhof cameras are the same as the 2x3 Linhof cameras. I don't' want to screw this up.

Are the backs easy to find and reasonably priced? 2x3 cameras are less common than 4x5 cameras and so if the 2x3 backs are difficult to find and/or expensive if found, then maybe I'll forget about the camera.

Is there anything else that I need to add? I've never shot with a camera like this (large format, sorta). I got the tripod, light meter, I will have the back and with the camera/lens, supposedly. I figured that the only thing that I need to add is a good loupe. Any suggestions for one?

Thanks!

 

[Oren Grad]

4x5 Rollexes and Super Rollexes have a different mount from the 2x3 versions - you need the 2x3 versions. Unlike the 4x5 ones, the 2x3 Linhof rollholders are not compatible with standard Graflok/"international" fittings - you must use a Linhof-branded rollholder. They shouldn't be too difficult to find, but in general they'll be more expensive than Horseman or other standard rollholders for 2x3/6x9 cameras. On the plus side, they're more robustly built.

IIRC there may be some issue with the older Rollexes giving proper frame spacings with modern 120 films. Perhaps a Linhof expert here can chime in.

A final point - it's not clear to me what you mean by "I plan on using this camera as a 6x9 rangefinder, on a tripod, and I want to focus on the ground glass." Do you want to use both the rangefinder and the GG, or just the ground glass? If the latter, a 2x3 Linhof is perhaps not the best choice - you pay a price in size, weight and money for the Linhof name and the rangefinder mechanism.

 

[Xmas]

It might come with a rollfilm back but no ground glass...
Two rollfilm backs are useful, as are cut film holders.
Sinar and calumet may make compatible backs that slide in and have a better film run not sure about 2x3 google
An infinity of pleasure...

 

[Oren Grad]

Sinar and calumet may make compatible backs that slide in and have a better film run not sure about 2x3 google

Sinar and Calumet slide-in rollholders are for 4x5 cameras only. The 2x3 version of the Linhof Rapid Rollex is a slide-in holder designed for the 2x3 Technikas. Although it is designed to fit the 2x3 cameras, it makes 6x7cm pictures only - there is no 6x9cm version. Be careful not to confuse it with the 4x5 version of the Rapid Rollex.

 

[Xmas]

Sinar and Calumet slide-in rollholders are for 4x5 cameras only.

That means if I don't need the movements Id be better off with a Mamiya Unversal Press, with the 6x9 backs and compatible with RB backs?

 

[xya]

yes, if you don't need the movements, you would be better off with the mamiya. don't get it mixed up again. the mamiya universal normally has an M adapter and 6x9 or 6x7 backs that are compatible with the mamiya 23 (which has some limited movements). they are nice holders, easy to load and extremely good in holding the film flat.

there is a rare G version adapter which will accept the rb holders. but they are not as easy to handle. the rb is 6x7, not 6x9.

 

[Xmas]

Hi

Thanks Ive got lots of RB backs but they don't hold film that flat...

Noel

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

The rollfilm backs for the 2x3" Technikas attach differently from rollfilm backs for 4x5" Technikas. You want to be sure you have a groundglass back, at least one rollfilm back, and a viewfinder with a mask that corresponds to the format, if this is a model that doesn't have the top-mounted finder, and if it does have a top-mounted finder, you want to be sure you have all the masks you need for the lenses that are included and the format(s) you are shooting.

Super-Rollex backs have a lever wind, and old Rollex backs have a knob wind. The old ones will have frame spacing problems with certain films, due to the way they are designed. The Super-Rollex backs meter the actual film travel, and don't have this problem.

You also should have a grip--either the leather strap or the ergonomic grip.

The lenses should be serial number matched to the cam. A cam has three lobes and can support three lenses, usually in a combination like 65/100/180.

I like a Schneider 6x loupe on the 2x3" Tech. For larger cameras, I use a 4x or Toyo/Omega 3.3x long loupe.

 

[Len Robertson]

You don't want what is called a Cine Rollex back since these are designed for 70mm film rather than 120. It looks like most of the Super Rollex backs on eBay are 6X7cm, not 6X9cm, if that makes a difference to you.

Len

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

Most of the Linhof rollfilm backs you find on eBay are for the 4x5" camera. Here's an example of one for the 2x3" camera. Note the round flange on the side that faces the lens. That's how you know it's for a 2x3" camera and not a 4x5" camera. The 4x5" backs are Graflok/International style.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Linhof-Supe...?pt=US_Film_Backs_Holders&hash=item336ebaa76b

Linhof backs for 2x3" cameras are less common than for 4x5" cameras, but there is also less demand for them, since they only fit Linhof 2x3" cameras, which are relatively rare themselves, while the 4x5" backs fit any 4x5" camera with a Graflok/International type back, which is most 4x5" cameras. The film flatness in a Linhof Super-Rollex back is as good as it gets for rollfilm, with the possible exception of vacuum backs for 220 and 70mm.