Linhof service questions

[dslater]

Hi all,
I had a couple of questions about Linhof service. I currently have a Linhof color monorail camera. It's the one with the same front standard as a Tech IV. The little handle on the front standard that controls the front rise no longer works. Can I get this camera serviced at Marflex? On their site, they only mention warranty service.
Also, I am considering geting a Technika - either a Tech IV or a Tech V. I understand that with a Tech IV, lens cams have to be ground to match both the camera and the lens while for the Tech V, they're only ground to match the lens. Will Marflex also grind lens cams? Can anyone tell me about how much it costs to have a lens cam made for a Tech IV vs. for a Tech V.


B.T.W. - I tried calling Marflex to ask them, but their out until Monday.

Thanks,

Dan

 

[sjperry]

I had some minor repairs done on a Tech IV at Marflex a while back. I would imagine that they can handle the repair on your camera as well. I also had cams ground at the same time. Yes you are correct, with the Tech IV the cams match camera (and the specific lens, I believe). So if you sell the camera and keep the lenses you would have to have new cams ground. On the Tech V and later, the cams can stay with the lenses and be used on later cameras, if memory serves. They do good work but are not exactly cheap (what associated with a Linhof is?). I could probably look up how much it cost, but you may as well just phone or e-mail them to get current prices. You could also explain the problem you have with your camera to see what they can do for it.

Getting back to the Tech IV vs. V, the cam situation makes the Tech V preferrable, but they run quite a bit more than the IV because of that. I decided for the IV to see how I would like the system. Less initial investment and all. Also the IV's are getting so old they are sort of collectible (made 1956-63). But in the long run a V might be advantageous. Hope this helps.

Steve Perry

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

Only Marflex can tell you about what they can still fix on a Linhof Color. I find it's usually easiest to reach him in the morning.

They can grind cams for Tech IV and V, but not III. Richard Ritter grinds cams for the Tech III.

Even if you have a Tech V, it's a good idea to send the camera in when you have a new cam made, so Martin can install the stops and scales, check the rangefinder and groundglass calibration, and do a general CLA, if the camera hasn't had one in a while. It's probably best to ask Marflex what the current charge is, and it might depend on what else the camera needs, since he might find other parts that need to be replaced when you send it in, or he may be able to otherwise improve the setup of the camera by doing things like shimming two lenses so that they can use the same set of infinity stops (135/75 and 150/90 are common combinations).

 

[dslater]

Thanks for the replies. I guess what I was getting at about the cams is I want to know of Tech IV cams cost more that Tech V cams to make. I am currently looking at A Tech IV vs. a Tech V. The Tech IV has more lenses with it, while the Tech V has a single lens, but that lens already has a cam ground for it.
I'm just looking for approximate prices - i.e. about $50, $100, $200 per cam - nothing too precise.