Linhof Kardan 8x10

[fdonadio]

I went to a flea market today and found this Linhof Kardan 8x10, very worn. It was so ugly that I didn't really got excited in looking more closely.

It was lacking several parts: bellows, ground glass, and tripod block. Maybe some more parts. Included was this Scheider Tele-Xenar 360mm f/5.5 — which I didn't look more closely either, but looked ugly. I didn't check which shutter was included with the lens, if at all.

The seller was asking $500 (USD), but seemed to be willing to negotiate. I am not really sure it's worth it.

The camera looked (in style) like the one in the attached picture. I mean, the standards, knobs, locking levers, were more or less like this:

What do you guys think?


Flavio

 

[KenS]

What do you guys think?
Flavio

Well..... I have a 4x5 Kardan... built like a tank... solid, secure and well worth the investment.
If I ever have to 'dispose' of my cameras, the Kardan will be the last one 'out the door'

Ken

 

[bdial]

That seems like a lot if it's in poor condition and there are major parts missing.

 

[BradS]

Seems like too many missing parts to be worth much at all.

 

[fdonadio]

Seems like too many missing parts to be worth much at all.

That's what I was thinking. Also, it's easier to find parts for Sinar and Toyo/Omega than Linhof, at least on that famous auction website...


Flavio

 

[gone]

No bellows, no GG, no tripod block, and a lousy lens. Hmmmm.

 

[Ari]

The Tele-Xenar won't cover 8x10, and as others have said, there are too many missing parts to warrant that price tag.
Figure $175-$250 for new bellows and another $75-$150 for a new, quality GG.

 

[fdonadio]

Ari, thanks for the figures. I am taking a look at the big auction site and I am getting less and less interested in this Kardan. I would buy it for $100 without the Schneider, just for the sake of getting it... But I would have to spend a lot to get it into good shape. It's really a shame people can be so reckless to these beautiful pieces of equipment!