Linhof Rangefinder View

[Jessxi]

Hello!

I am new to Large Format and I have a camera question. I recently purchased a Linhof Master Technika RF and I am wondering if what I am seeing in the rangefinder is a defect or whether this is the view when one is not cammed. I have a halo in the view finder that disappears when I cover the lower front lens. I am wondering if this is normal to see for it being unfocused? I have attached a picture.

I have googled with every search term possible to find out what I exactly should be seeing in the rangefinder when it is unfocused but haven't found much.

Thanks in advance for any help. I look forward to being a part of the community here going forward!

Jess

 

[Philippe-Georges]

Als you are located in the USA, you have the privilege to be 'close' to one of the very best Linhof repairmen on the N-American continent : http://www.laflexcamera.com/.
He knows almost everything about Linhof, I think you better call hem and explain your issue.

PS: I am NOT affiliated with this firm.

 

[Jessxi]

Thank for your reply, Philippe-Georges!

This is an interesting issue that I have not encountered before. I've only experienced rangefinder focusing with my medium format rangefinders and that was with a double image convergence for focusing. Just trying to figure if I need to return the camera or keep it since I will eventually get cams made for it.

 

[Philippe-Georges]

Perhaps this camera can be the foundation of a vast and good working set.
And, perhaps, Laflexcamera can provide you the appropriate cams?

You need to start somewhere, and if that camera is well repaired/adjusted you will have a good reason to trust it as a sturdy fundament which might please you for a long time...

 

[xya]

In the old days, any cam would have been made by Linhof itself. You had to send them your camera and your lens (there was an US service in those days) and they would make the cam and inscribe the lens number on the cam. So the lens and the cam are a match. There were even triple cams. I live in Europe, so I can't say anything about Laflex. Maybe they can do this.

If you have cams for similar lenses that do not match exactly, it has worked for me without problems.

 

[blee1996]

I don't have the Master, but I do have the Super Technika V. Hope they are similar.

If you search the Linhof user manual, it will show you where to install the focusing cam. There you can find the focusing cam linkage to the the rangefinder. If you move the focusing cam linkage, the double image in the rangefinder should move. Then you are fine.

Regarding focusing cam: I bought two from eBay/KEH, none of them comes with the lens. The 135mm does not work with Symmar 135 convertible at all, while the 150mm works perfectly with my Xenar 150/4.5. Both lenses were Linhof select. I read there are compatibility between different Linhof models (and maybe between lenses as well).

 

[Sharktooth]

The Technika rangfinder is a typical double image style. You don't need a cam to check if there is image forming. You can even do it with the front cover closed.

The upper lens gives you the full view, while the lower lens gives you only the view for the central patch. Cover the upper lens with your hand, and you should still see an image in the central patch. If you can't see an image in the central patch, then the rangefinder optics in the lower section are damaged or missing.

You only need to have a cam to check that the two images line up during focusing.

 

[Jessxi]

Thank you, everyone! I truly appreciate the help!

I will try all the solutions in the morning. Hopefully, everything works as it should.

 

[Philippe-Georges]

The user manuals of nearly all the cameras and accessories ever made by Linhof can be found on their website, and if not, just send them an e-mail.

They published very detailed books on the practice of their cameras, these can still be found used, even in English.

PS: I began working with Linhof cameras in 1991 (till 2022) and they always guaranteed me a perfect service (although it wasn't that cheap).

 

[Jessxi]

I was able to verify that is works by moving the cam linkage. It is not defective after all!

Thanks everyone!