Score at a camera shop

Shootar401 · Mar 1, 2015

I was at a camera store while I was up north Skiing this weekend. I didn't expect much with it being such a small town in Vermont, but I went inside anyway and picked up a few small things I needed. They had a small selection of used stuff at decent prices, A Nikkormat with a 50/2 and a Minolta SR-something. They also had a Linhof Master Technika that was in really good shape to include the hand grip and a some small bits. So after fondling it and having my girlfriend basically say, "It's made in Germany, you should get it" I walked out the door with it in my hands, I was also a little more than $2,000 lighter.

My Speed was my primary LF camera for over 3 years, but the lack of movements were killing me in some situations. I always wanted a Chamonix 4x5 but the made in Asia thing was holding me back from buying one. (Yes I know they are well made, but it's a personal thing) I'm hoping to get some time to shoot it next weekend. Luckily it came with a lensboard that will fit my Nikkor 300mm. Now it's time to reevaluate my Graflex stuff.

Any tips on Master Technikas?

Sirius Glass · Mar 2, 2015

The same way people would get to Carnegie Hall. "Practice, man, practice!"

Enjoy

Theo Sulphate · Mar 2, 2015

How is the bellows?

A camera repairman I know has told me several times how good the bellows are on Speed Graphics, even after many decades. He contrasted this with the Linhofs, which often needed replacement as they age.

Even so, you got a great deal.

gone · Mar 2, 2015

I would have bought the Nikkormat w/ 50 2 lens. Maybe the best camera I've ever owned. Love that shutter sound. Snick.

Shootar401 · Mar 2, 2015

momus said:
I would have bought the Nikkormat w/ 50 2 lens. Maybe the best camera I've ever owned. Love that shutter sound. Snick.

I have a few 35mm cameras an Argus C3, a Nikon F and F3 and they very seldom get any use, I'm always shooting 120 or 4x5

outwest · Mar 2, 2015

I have 2 Linhof Tech IIIs which I love to pieces. They both have their original now over 60 year old bellows still in fine shape. Sure, the III is a little quirky but at $200 each I will never complain. I'm sure I would get drool all over a Master if I had the chance.

David Lindquist · Mar 3, 2015

I think you did very well. I'm partial to Linhofs myself. And I think your girlfriend is a pearl beyond price.

David

Sirius Glass · Mar 3, 2015

Shootar401 said:
I was at a camera store while I was up north Skiing this weekend. I didn't expect much with it being such a small town in Vermont, but I went inside anyway and picked up a few small things I needed. They had a small selection of used stuff at decent prices, A Nikkormat with a 50/2 and a Minolta SR-something. They also had a Linhof Master Technika that was in really good shape to include the hand grip and a some small bits. So after fondling it and having my girlfriend basically say, "It's made in Germany, you should get it" I walked out the door with it in my hands, I was also a little more than $2,000 lighter.

My Speed was my primary LF camera for over 3 years, but the lack of movements were killing me in some situations. I always wanted a Chamonix 4x5 but the made in Asia thing was holding me back from buying one. (Yes I know they are well made, but it's a personal thing) I'm hoping to get some time to shoot it next weekend. Luckily it came with a lensboard that will fit my Nikkor 300mm. Now it's time to reevaluate my Graflex stuff.

Any tips on Master Technikas?

Sounds like my girl friend. She won a newly released auto-focus 28 to 300 zoom lens for me about ten years ago, getting me back into photography.

Score at a camera shop

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