Linhof 4x5 film holders...?

[Dave Swinnard]

I ran across a lady with a bunch of 4x5 film holders she doesn't want (inherited them) and noticed a few of them were a fancy Linhof sort that I've not seen before. They were thicker than the Fidelity and Lisco versions and seemed to have a spring loaded center section as well as some sort of lever affair on the side near the dark slide end.

I've not been able find anything after a quick search and thought I'd pose the question here.

So, can anybody tell me about them? Good points, bad, should I snag them?

Thanks

 

[acroell]

They're good and were actually quite expensive when new. Linhof stopped making them about 10 years ago. They are film AND plate holders, they take both thanks to a pressure plate - if you have any glass plates lying around, you could use them for those ;-). They are equally as good with regular film. The lever is for pushing the film/plate out initially for unloading, as this is more difficult without grabbing the film due to the pressure plate. They are a little bit heavier and bulkier than the standard ones, so make sure they fit your back. As with all holders, check for cleanliness and general conditions. The dark slides can break at the handle when bent too much.

 

[eumenius]

I have used these - they're quite good, but too thick and difficult to put in the back, on my taste. It's also more dfficult to load these. But take them, and give them a try - in 4x5 I've never seen these, only in 6x9 and 9x12 metric.

 

[Ted Harris]

I have used both the 4x5 and the 13x18 versions. Good holders albeit a bit heavy for my taste. Most of my experience with them is using them with Linhof cameras, I have heard that there may be a slight size issue with them and some other cameras.

 

[JG Motamedi]

I use them in both 4x5 and 13x18 for holding daguerreoptype plates. I have tried to use them for regular film, but have found them difficult to load. They are very well built. If you want to sell them, I am always looking for more.

 

[Capocheny]

I agree with JG... they are a bit more difficult to load than the standard versions. I purchased a few by mistake a short while back and one of them was missing the darkslide. It was like pulling hen's teeth locating replacements! But, Marflex finally came through for me. Thanks Marflex!

Anyway, they fit into the back of my Sinar X without any problems whatsoever.

These days... it seems like more of them are popping up on *ba* and people are paying pretty good dollars for them.

Personally, I prefer the standard version or the Toyo holders... just a preference!

Cheers