Linhof Technika 4x5"

[Skott]

Hi!

I have been offered a 4x5" Linhof Technika with a Voigtländer Heliar 1:4,5/150 from the 50s'. Se picture on: http://www.usefilm.com/photo_forum/9/425854/

Does anyone know which model it is? Is the lens ok? I am very glad for any information about the camera!

/ Fredrik

 

[Ole]

That looks like a technika III to me. A very nice camera, even if the lens boards are getting difficult to find. Some pop up every once in a while on ebay.de.

The Heliar lenses are exellent. I have one on a folding plate camera from 1934. The newer 50's lens should be even better - especially as it's coated. It is a very sought-after lens, which some people are willing to pay ridiculous sums for. It's the precursor of the even more legendary APO-Lanthar, the main difference is the lanthanum glass element in the latter.

The III's had to be cammed for every lens and every camera body, a specially made cam was necessary for the rangefinder to work properly. None of my lenses are cammed, but I don't really miss it. Especially as mine's a 13x18 model and not very well suited for reportage-style photography. No poblem as long as there's a ground glass!

Whether or not it's a good buy depends on the price, of course.

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

Yes, that's a Tech III. Look at the camera reviews on lfphoto.info and the Technika pages at cameraquest.com for more info on the camera and which of the five versions of Tech III it is.

Linhof service will no longer grind cams for Tech III's but I think there are a couple of independent repair shops that will do this. You don't need a cam to focus with the groundglass, but being able to use the rangefinder is a big plus.

From the picture it looks to be in nice shape, but check the bellows for leaks.