Linhof branded shutters end date? Linhof engravings

[Deleted member 88956]

As I've been looking for some "period correct" Linhof select lenses to complement Technika 70, I've noticed all kinds of different Linhof engravings. Early on those lenses had Linhof branded Compur shutters too. Then at some point it appears they moved away from it and shutters became standard looking Synchro Compurs (eventually Copals of course).

Is there a clear date/period when Linhof branded shutters were replaced by run-off-a-mill ones?

Similarly, Linhof and Technika engravings were all over the place, initially so prominent, one could not miss it, then slowly fading into scantier style. I just came across a nice looking Tele Arton and all it has is small Linhof on outer barrel, nothing seen from the front, with standard Synchro Compur shutter.

Is there some reference source to trace these changes? Serial number data base, preferably with photos?

 

[Bob S]

As I've been looking for some "period correct" Linhof select lenses to complement Technika 70, I've noticed all kinds of different Linhof engravings. Early on those lenses had Linhof branded Compur shutters too. Then at some point it appears they moved away from it and shutters became standard looking Synchro Compurs (eventually Copals of course).

Is there a clear date/period when Linhof branded shutters were replaced by run-off-a-mill ones?

Similarly, Linhof and Technika engravings were all over the place, initially so prominent, one could not miss it, then slowly fading into scantier style. I just came across a nice looking Tele Arton and all it has is small Linhof on outer barrel, nothing seen from the front, with standard Synchro Compur shutter.

Is there some reference source to trace these changes? Serial number data base, preferably with photos?

No, their marking on lenses/shutters have changed over years. Currently the name is on the lens only. Usually on the front but sometimes there isinglass enough room so then on the back only. It’s been this way since the very early 70s.

 

[Deleted member 88956]

I suppose I'm looking for brochures that cover most of modern Linhof years, by modern I would say from 1950'. Shutters changed look, engraving font or size, and location. There were black faced and silver faced shutters, eventually becoming just standard ones with no Linhof/Technika on them. Looks like there may not be a place that has it all already collected in one place.

 

[Ian Grant]

There was a very good history of Prontor and Compur in English somewhere online, it had a history of both companies and the eventual take over of Compur by Prontor. It mentioned how the Deckel Compur factory was badly damaged during air raids on Munich which severely restricted production after the War. The Gauthier Prontor factory had largely escaped and quickly dominated the market with shutters for 35mm and 120 cameras. It took a few years for Compur to rebuild/repair their factory re-equip and catch up. At some stage both companies were taken over by Zeiss and eventually merged some years later in 1984 to form the Prontor Shutter division. The article gave more deatils about times and the changes. I'll try and find it

Bob, was the end of the Linhof marked shutter when when Compur shutters were no longer manufactured ? Did you ever come across the Compur shutters that took bayonet fitting cells, they were available in the old Dial Set Compurs and also the Rimset Compurs before WWII and Deckel made them for Meyer Silar camera - actually made by Linhof. This allowed quick use of Meyer's Triple Convertible Plasmat and also a Meyer WA to be used with the same shutter that's if I'm reading the German correctly. I wondered if Shcneider's short lived special convertible Symmar lens sets used a similar fit, I don't mean the regular Symmar's that could be slit.

Witold, Cameraeccentric.com has brochures on Linhofs.

Ian

 

[Deleted member 88956]

@Ian Grant That link is great, will keep me busy when I'm not, thanks.

 

[Bob S]

There was a very good history of Prontor and Compur in English somewhere online, it had a history of both companies and the eventual take over of Compur by Prontor. It mentioned how the Deckel Compur factory was badly damaged during air raids on Munich which severely restricted production after the War. The Gauthier Prontor factory had largely escaped and quickly dominated the market with shutters for 35mm and 120 cameras. It took a few years for Compur to rebuild/repair their factory re-equip and catch up. At some stage both companies were taken over by Zeiss and eventually merged some years later in 1984 to form the Prontor Shutter division. The article gave more deatils about times and the changes. I'll try and find it

Bob, was the end of the Linhof marked shutter when when Compur shutters were no longer manufactured ? Did you ever come across the Compur shutters that took bayonet fitting cells, they were available in the old Dial Set Compurs and also the Rimset Compurs before WWII and Deckel made them for Meyer Silar camera - actually made by Linhof. This allowed quick use of Meyer's Triple Convertible Plasmat and also a Meyer WA to be used with the same shutter that's if I'm reading the German correctly. I wondered if Shcneider's short lived special convertible Symmar lens sets used a similar fit, I don't mean the regular Symmar's that could be slit.

Witold, Cameraeccentric.com has brochures on Linhofs.

Ian

I sold lots of bayonet mounted lenses for Compur shutters. Contaflex lenses, Kodak Retina lenses, Braun Paxette lenses, Voightlander Prominet lenses, Hasselblad lenses, etc.. but none for LF. LInhof stopped marking shutters well before Prontor Werke discontinued Compur shutters.

 

[Ian Grant]

@Ian Grant That link is great, will keep me busy when I'm not, thanks.

I know it lists the Linhof you bought, Look under Zeiss as well I think there's something on the Linhof lenses, Quick tip it's slow to navigate click on page 2 and in the URL change the end 2 to 17, I was looking at the Linhof Precision earlier, it's essentially similar the Meyer Silar but with the extension back movements and front swing. I had a chance of one for £40 a few years ago.

Ian

 

[Deleted member 88956]

@Ian Grant The site owner should really get security certificate, this stuff is free and kicks out some browsers from going all scared plastering screen with Armagedon style warnings But I have no complaints, great to have a resource like that. There is so many pubs on old photographic equipment which is all in my line of interests.

 

[Deleted member 88956]

I sold lots of bayonet mounted lenses for Compur shutters. Contaflex lenses, Kodak Retina lenses, Braun Paxette lenses, Voightlander Prominet lenses, Hasselblad lenses, etc.. but none for LF. LInhof stopped marking shutters well before Prontor Werke discontinued Compur shutters.

Any idea when Linhof stopped marking shutters? A ball park?

 

[Ian Grant]

It may be when Compur became part of Zeiss, Bob may know a rough date and more precise details but at that point the common shareholding/shareholder link between Linhof and Deckel, it may not have been large but enough for Linhof to get slightly better made Compur shutters. Another question would be when did Zeiss stop making LF lenses for Linhof.

I only have one Linhof Zeiss lens a 1954/5 150mm f4.5 Tessar and despite looking near mint it's almost impossible to focus, I was given to me for the cost of postage. I have a few Linhof select Schneiders and they are superb, as is my 150mm 1953/4 150mm f4.5 CZJ Tessar made at the point Linhof dropped CZJ lenses.

Ian

 

[Deleted member 88956]

This LInhof stuff is all knew to me. Never had I envisioned jumping into this brand, but so far no regrets. Just received a few film holders for 6.5x9 and 9x12, a different category of holders compared to Fidelity or even Toyo. And the Super Rollex roll holders? Horseman/Wista seem similar in quality until you get a Linhof in your hands. Just got a cheap one for 40EUR as it was looking "ugly", but it's really mostly about missing Linhof's crest, some grime, but working perfect and will end up looking excellent. At least Linhof sells new crests in 3 sizes

Why is your Tessar difficult or near impossible to focus?

When I got Kardan Bi I got a Linhof Angulon convertible and a Super Angulon 90 and am happy with these two. For Technika 70 I also have Tele-Arton 240/5.5. Not much on coverage, but am looking to use it for portraits anyways.