Linhof Technorama 612 vs. ALPA 12 for reportage hand-held?

[Henry Carter]

I use a Linhof Master Technika for 4X5 hand-held reportage, but I would like a smaller dedicated camera for ultra wide angle shooting.

Since it is unlikely that Linhof will ever produce the Technar for hand-held 4X5 wide angle shooting, one must consider roll-film alternatives in current production.

Do any of you have any personal experience in using either the Linhof Technorama 612 II with a 58 mm lens or an ALPA 12 with a 48 mm Helvetar for hand held reportage?

 

[Roger Hicks]

I use a Linhof Master Technika for 4X5 hand-held reportage, but I would like a smaller dedicated camera for ultra wide angle shooting.

Since it is unlikely that Linhof will ever produce the Technar for hand-held 4X5 wide angle shooting, one must consider roll-film alternatives in current production.

Do any of you have any personal experience in using either the Linhof Technorama 612 II with a 58 mm lens or an ALPA 12 with a 48 mm Helvetar for hand held reportage?

Dear Henry,

Not those exact lenses, no, and I doubt you'll find many who have.

But I have used both Technoramas and Alpas (the latter with lenses from 35 to 58mm) and the Alpa is easier to hand-hold steadily and (because of the smaller format) holds the film flatter.

Both are superb cameras but for hand-held reportage the Alpa is the easy winner in my book.

Cheers,

R. (There are some ALPA reportage shots in the China gallery at www.rogerandfrances.com)

 

[Henry Carter]

Thanks

Thank-you very much for your feedback Roger, and thank-you for the wonderful examples of hand-held wide angle reportage.

Your China images really show what a great tool the ALPA 12 is for reportage.

Regards,
Henry

 

[25asa]

Take a look at the Horseman SW612. It has a 45 and 35 available.

 

[Henry Carter]

Thanks for the suggestion, but I want to support German and/or Swiss engineering and manufacturing at the source. I am not interested in Japanese or Chinese copies.

 

[Akalai]

If you are seriously after something to do wide angle 4x5 handheld shooting with why would you NOT consider the Dead Link Removed???

Seems crazy not to consider it simply because it is manufactured in China.. unless ofcourse you are working for an EU trade organisation.

 

[Henry Carter]

Companies like Linhof are worth preserving, and hence they need to be supported.

I have an extensive 4X5 system based on a Linhof Master Technika Classic, almost all of which I bought new. I bought new for two reasons: (1) to do my part to ensure the continued existence of one of the world's great camera companies, the inventor of the technical field camera, and (2) because I was buying a system for life I wanted the very best.

Linhof has a long tradition of innovation and manufacturing without compromise. Many have copied them, but nobody has equaled them, and hence I am glad to continue to support them with my business.

 

[Roger Hicks]

Companies like Linhof are worth preserving, and hence they need to be supported.

I have an extensive 4X5 system based on a Linhof Master Technika Classic, almost all of which I bought new. I bought new for two reasons: (1) to do my part to ensure the continued existence of one of the world's great camera companies, the inventor of the technical field camera, and (2) because I was buying a system for life I wanted the very best.

Linhof has a long tradition of innovation and manufacturing without compromise. Many have copied them, but nobody has equaled them, and hence I am glad to continue to support them with my business.

Dear Henry,

A noble sentiment. It's also true that while the various Chinese manufacturers are getting better, they are a long way from the standards set by Linhof and Alpa. There is simply more pleasure in using top-grade equipment.

Cheers,

R.

 

[fotoman]

Dear Henry,

certainly no one would argue with your statement... "Linhof has a long tradition of innovation and manufacturing without compromise. Many have copied them, but nobody has equaled them, and hence I am glad to continue to support them with my business."

I commend you for your sense of loyalty to both of these manufacturing icons.

I would also never to presume to say that we (Fotoman) have equaled either... as it has never been our intent.

I would suggest, however, that stability in handling is a key to superior results when shooting any camera hand held... and that having two large ergonomic handles goes a long way towards acheiving that goal. As does film flatness... one venue where we will challenge ANY manufacturer to provide flatter roll-film (6x9 or large) than that offered by our 612 camera.

By all means, do acquire a Technorama or Alpa 12, and help support Linhof or Alpa. But before buying a second lens, we would ask that you just give us a try. You might just be surprised, and you will be able to acquire both a 612 and a 45PS for the price of one additional lens assembly from either Linhof or Alpa.

 

[schaubild]

There are some samples of reportage photography on the Alpa website.

http://www.alpa.ch/index.php?path=solutions/reportage

Regards
Stephan

 

[photobum]

Well I had a Linhof 612 PC II with the 65mm and 135mm lens. I never really thought of it as a hand held camera. Yes you could but it just did not seem "handy" enough.

It was a fine tripod camera. As such, a Horseman 612 back on a 4x5 made more sense to me.

 

[Henry Carter]

Thank-you for bringing the discussion back to how these cameras are used.

 

[Roger Hicks]

Well I had a Linhof 612 PC II with the 65mm and 135mm lens. I never really thought of it as a hand held camera. Yes you could but it just did not seem "handy" enough.

It was a fine tripod camera. As such, a Horseman 612 back on a 4x5 made more sense to me.

Yes, I tried the latter too: Horseman on MPP Mk VII, with 150/4.5 Apo-Lanthar and 90/6.8 Angulon. The Alpa is MUCH easier.

Cheers,

R.

 

[Henry Carter]

If one wanted to have rangefinder focusing, there is also the option of the Linhof Technika 23 V, with 55 and 120 mm lenses and a 6X9 back, for hand-held reportage...