Technika III flip open focusing hood. Removable?

Kyle M. · Dec 22, 2024

So I think I've got my new to me Technika III pretty well figured out but I want to clear one thing up. This version of the focusing hood isn't removable correct? The Technika III manual I found makes it sound like it should snap off just like on a Wista after you swing it open. But that manual is also pre Graflok back and I'm thinking maybe something changed during that time. It sure looks like the pin that acts as a hinge goes all the way through the door.

MTGseattle · Dec 23, 2024

Orient your hand/camera exactly as you have it in the above photo, Now, if you apply gentle pressure along the axis of the pin, can you feel any movement like any slack or tension being taken up? If yes, you should be able to "pull" the assembly towards yourself and tilt the hood away. If there is no "slack," it is likely permanent.

It's been quite a few years since I've had any version of a Technika. I hope someone more versed can advise you better.

There's a Technika manual posted online that only says "... Focusing hood can be swung open to permit use of ground glass magnifier..." that wording does not sound promising.

abruzzi · Dec 23, 2024

I don’t know about the 4x5 Technikas, but on the 2x3 the older models had a swing away hood, but it wasn’t until later models that I saw removable hoods.

Kyle M. · Dec 24, 2024

MTGseattle said:
Orient your hand/camera exactly as you have it in the above photo, Now, if you apply gentle pressure along the axis of the pin, can you feel any movement like any slack or tension being taken up? If yes, you should be able to "pull" the assembly towards yourself and tilt the hood away. If there is no "slack," it is likely permanent.

It's been quite a few years since I've had any version of a Technika. I hope someone more versed can advise you better.

There's a Technika manual posted online that only says "... Focusing hood can be swung open to permit use of ground glass magnifier..." that wording does not sound promising.

No that wording doesn't sound promising. The ones I've seen that were removable were on earlier Technika III backs before the Graflok. They had a dark slide holder on the door instead of the DOF chart. I'm pretty sure based on what I've read that this camera didn't ship new with the graflok back and it was added later. You wouldn't think they'd remove this feature going to a newer version. But who knows.

There is basically zero movement when i try what you suggested. I'm pretty sure that silver hinge pin goes all the way through top to bottom. When the hood is closed there are tiny screws on the left that hold the hinge to the GG frame. I'm thinking this may be a version that just swings open. Not that it's a big deal. I just want to know if I'm missing something.

Kyle M. · Dec 24, 2024

abruzzi said:
I don’t know about the 4x5 Technikas, but on the 2x3 the older models had a swing away hood, but it wasn’t until later models that I saw removable hoods.

Yeah it's weird. The manual I found was from a pre graflok back camera and the hood was removable. It was shaped different on the left edge and had a ball detent on the bottom of the hinge. I'm pretty sure this camera didn't originally have a graflok back and that it was added later. But you wouldn't think that they'd remove that feature when they went to the new design.

Kyle M. · Dec 24, 2024

I was able to find someone in the Linhof group on Facebook who has multiple backs of this style. Turns out mine is one of the ones that is not detachable which is no big deal. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing something.

MTGseattle · Dec 24, 2024

I'm glad you found a definitive answer. The Linhof variations are hard to identify sometimes.

Kyle M. · Dec 24, 2024

MTGseattle said:
I'm glad you found a definitive answer. The Linhof variations are hard to identify sometimes.

It would certainly seem that way.

Technika III flip open focusing hood. Removable?

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