Linhof Technika fast lens options?

[natertots]

I first got in to film in my high school photo class a few years back and I've gradually moved up in format size from 35mm to 645 to 67, and now I'd like to dip my toes into large format. At first I was looking at Speed Graphics due to the Aero Ektar but the craftmanship of the Technika's stole my heart away. My only gripe with the system is that due to the lack of focal plane shutter fast lens options appear to be limited. I'm hoping to get a complete system for under $2000, but I don't mind spending up to $3000 if it will really make a difference in the quality/longevity of the system.

Right now, it's looking like a 135mm f3.5 is my best option since 150 f2.8's seem to cost multiples of my budget. If I can score a good deal on a Xenotar I'll jump for it, but right now it's looking like I'll be eating ramen for a while to get a Zeiss Planar. Before making such a massive investment I'd like to know if there are any alternatives I haven't discovered that may be a better solution.

Side question: What are the main reasons to go with a Master over a IV or V? If I can save some $$ on the body I'll be able to get my hands on the system sooner, though I'm quite fine with sitting on my 67 system if it's worth the difference. Thanks for all the help!

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

There are some fast aerial lenses, but the easiest to deal with on a Technika is a Xenotar or Planar, since it fits on the lensboard in a shutter and can be cammed or may even come with a usable cam.

The Tech IV requires that lenses be cammed individually to the body and the lens. It also uses a knob to control the front rise.

The Tech V and Master Tech have a "zeroed" groundglass, so that cams are interchangeable between bodies. The V and MT have a ratcheting lever to control front rise, which is easier to reach with wide lenses.

The MT has a flap on the top of the body that can allow you to get a bit more front rise with a few lenses of around 65-90mm of recent vintage with enough coverage to take advantage of that feature.

 

[Dan Fromm]

Fast aerial lenses are a nice fantasy. For an incomplete set of data sheets on lenses that USAF used, see https://onedrive.live.com/redir?res...76&authkey=!AH46EQu8Ak7ppx4&ithint=folder,pdf No coverage of lenses after the late 1960s.

Most of the fastish lenses that might appeal to you, e.g., 4"/2 TTH, 100/2.8 Uran-27, 120/2 S.F.O.M. (none used by USAF), can't be put in shutter and don't cover 4x5. The relatively common 150/2.8 Elcan type C-138 (serial number 138-xxxx) covers only 6x6 and, again, can't be put in shutter.

 

[Patrick Robert James]

There were some fast Xenar and Tessars made (f/3.8 I believe) in the 135/150 range. Not quite the Xenotar, but probably cheaper. I have a friend that has the fast Linhof branded Xenar and it is a good lens. If you appreciate older lenses, I have a Rodenstock Eurynar 150 f/3.5. It is a good lens, although it isn't coated so probably not what you are looking for if you shoot color.

I frankly never saw the appeal of the Linhofs. Expensive, heavy and no focal plane shutter makes it worse as a tool than a lowly Speed Graphic. Yes Linhofs are well made but if you really want to shoot fast lenses then you should probably rethink the Linhof. The Speed Graphic can shoot anything you put in front of it.

Hope that helps you.

 

[EdSawyer]

As mentioned, Xentoars are the easiest option. I think the planar is a nice lens, but overpriced vs. 135/3.5 xenotar generally. Results will be similar from both those lenses. The only *really* great planar (which would be superior to the xenotar) is the T* one, an that's $3k+ just by itself, at least.

There are f/2.7 tessars also (the 165 comes to mind) but not sure if they are available in shutter. There are also f/3.5 tessars/xenars, in the 150-210mm range that might work, but probably require a fairly large shutter (#3 or bigger).

Agree that the Linhof is nicely made but indeed something with a focal plane shutter will give you a lot more options.

A crown graphic will fold up with a 135 xenotar inside, and a speed graphic will fold up with a 150 xenotar inside (on a custom recessed lens board).

 

[ZenziFriend]

I dont think the Tessar 2.7 was made with a shutter...
And it should be very soft, speed exeeds the tessar design limits...

The fast lens for linhof was the schneider Xenotar 2.8, a good and cheap compomise that is abundant is the 3.5 Xenar (tessar type). But it gives you limited movements...

I just bought a Technika V, the master adds only the flap on the top for movement extension for extreme wide angle lenses, and th tilt of the lens should be a greater angle.
I think the V gives a camera as good as a master with good discount...

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

I think the V gives a camera as good as a master with good discount...

If one can afford a lens that can actually take advantage of the flap (72-90mm with a very large image circle), the cost of the MT is probably not an issue.