Linhof Information

A friend of mine has passed on to me a Linhof Super Technika V 4x5 camera, along with several lenses and other accessories. I consider myself a lucky man.

Now I am looking for Linhof information and have lots of stupid questions to ask. Does anyone know of something like a Linhof user forum, or websites specifically devoted to Linhof? I don't want to make myself a nuisance to Mr. Salomon at HP Marketing. I've already seen www.linhof.de and the HP Marketing sites, of course. What I'm looking for is more along the lines of practical information--user tips and advice, and that sort of thing.

I wasn't able to find a website for Marflex either, so I'm curious as to what services they offer and what they charge.

Thanks,

Charles

I've never run across a Linhof-specific user forum, but I think there are several Linhof users here. So, this is possibly as good a spot as any. The Large Format Photography Forum (http://www.largeformatphotography.info/lfforum/) is another possible resource.

A lucky man indeed.

Yeah, here an the LF forum that Ralph mentions would be the best places. I also have a Tech V. Marflex doesn't have a website, but they have a phone. They can cam new lenses, still service the Tech V, and can be a source for parts. Always call before sending them equipment, because not all lenses can be cammed, and if they need to wait for a part from Germany, it can take months (I've had a pair of fresnel clips on order for I don't remember how long now--meanwhile I've figured out how to make the fresnel work with the regular GG flange, but it's a bit precarious). They aren't cheap, but they have factory equipment and specs and lots of experience, and will get things right without question.

Feel free to post any questions in this thread, and I and others should be able to get you started.

When it comes to Linhof, we'll answer any questions. None of them are stupid - if you want to know how to close the camera with an oversize lens inside, I know how to do that too.

But sooner or later we're bound to give stupid answers. Bear with us - we're doing our best.

BTW, mine's a Tech III 5x7" with Tech IV back. It's still mine for a little longer...

Charles,

Congratulations,

In reading your message and the answers it is not clear to me if you know Marflex is the service and warranty branch of HP Marketing. They are literally next door to each other and Marflex does what Bob Solamon tells them to do. Down the road that information may be useful.

If your questions are very basic Marflex can sell you the owner’s manual. It is very limited, but if you are just starting it is meant for that. It and the catalog list all options available which can make eBay shopping easier.

I started looking at what you have and decided for my interests to buy the Technikardan. I’ve found much information about one applies with minor changes to the other. Many accessories listed for one fit the other.

Paul Butzi’s site was very helpful in learning about Linhof and many aspects of getting into 4x5. http://www.butzi.net/links.htm

Jim Andracki is a very helpful resource. He is at Midwest Photo Exchange, mpex.com, (614) 261-1264, sells both model Linhof cameras, accessories, new and used. His perspective is the individual customer where as Solomon’s is marketing all GepeGroup products to the US. Jim can afford to spend more time with you if you are willing to buy some accessory.

There is an equally popular Guru at Badger Graphics selling Linhof http://www.badgergraphic.com/search.asp?x=largeformat . His name escapes me but I’m sure someone else can provided it.

Good luck and enjoy.

John Powers

You have all been very encouraging about posting questions in this forum, so here is my first.

My impression, from studying the 1960s era Linhof catalogue that I have, is that Linhof lenses were being sold together with the matching cam, and that all the customer needed to deal with was installing the infinity stops and distance scale (unless he had an older model Technika, in which case he needed to send in the camera). And www.linhof.de still has a PDF of Linhof lenses on their website. I assume that Linhof is still inspecting these and rejecting the lenses which don't meet their quality control standards.

If all this is so, why don't I see Linhof lenses being sold on the major photographic websites, such as B&H, Adorama and Badger Graphic? Do they have to be ordered from Germany? I'm pretty happy with the lenses that came with the camera, so this isn't an immediate priority, but I'm just curious how this is supposed to work.

I have lots more questions, but I will try to ask them one at a time.

Thanks,

Charles

Linhof never made lenses, but selected among those produced by the major manufacturers and put their own brand on them. Since it is thought that Linhofs quality control was stricter than that of the lens makers, these lenses tend to go for (much) higher prices in the second-hand market. Whether there is any substance to this quality check I do not know.

Quality control isn't as much of a problem from the major manufacturers as it was, say, in the 1950s, so there isn't as much reason to order Linhof selected lenses as there once was, though B&H does sell them as special-order items at 2-4 times the price of the stock lenses.

Older 90/6.8 Angulons seem to be noticably better in Linhof selected versions.

I have several (!) Linhof select lenses from the 50's and 60's. They are exellent, but I have nothing to compare them against. I have somehow managed to have only different lenses! I know at least that a Linhof select Angulon 120 is exellent, as is the 165 Angulon. On the other hand I would expect nothing BUT exellence from a Zeiss Planar 135/3.5 - so what's the difference?

<hi there. Im new. I have a Tech III of the earlier version, and my RF is history. When I screw off the RF housing, how do I remove the mirror and stuff inside? Will I have to remove the bellows? (In my case, NOT a good idea). Also, do you know any way of getting replacement bellows?

As to the RF housing, I have no idea. I think it's all in one piece on mine, never thought of removing it. But I'm sure there are more differences between 4z5" and 5x7" than just the size.

The bellows on Technikas are very thin yet very strong. I would ask Linhof first, they are very polite people who give very precise answers.

I know that www.camerabellows.com can make Technika bellows, but that it expensive. But so is a new Linhof product...