Technikardan - Japanese Version

[Neil Poulsen]

I just purchased the neatest Technikardan camera from Kumar for a reasonable price on the LF site. (See photos.) Until his listing, I'd never seen one of these cameras. They are slick! All movements are very smooth, the camera is relatively short vertically, and it will just fit collapsed (1st photo) in my somewhat oversized MEI backpack.

There's so many things that I like about this camera. I can adjust rear rise/fall in back with one hand, versus two. (I will raise the front more than needed, so that I can home in on the desired rise using the rear standard.) It fits directly on my D4, Arca Swiss tripod head without having to add any kind of quick-release plate, allowing me to easily center the camera on the head. It's a one step process.

I like both the wide-angle and the standard, double tapered bellows that can be used with this camera. However, as Kumar advised, the standard bellows was riddled with pinholes. (I didn't know a bellows could have so many pinholes.) So, this standard bellows is currently on its way to Custom Bellows in the UK for repair. ($200+shipping.) In fact, I've asked Keith there to make it in the best way possible with durable materials and possibly wider pleats, versus in the way likely needed for the collapsable rail on a 45 or 45s. While I was impressed with the 45 and 45s Technikardans for the design and the smoothness and convenience of the controls, I largely ignored the camera because of its collapsible rail. (This rail causes multiple problems.) On the other hand, the rail on this camera is super-durable and solid. At 15" unextended (up to 19" lenses when extended), it's also a bit long. But, it'll just fit in my backpack. I've ordered the compendium lens hood for short lenses on EBay and will likely use the Lee compendium for longer lenses. Sweet.

I've been a fan of my Arca Swiss 4x5, since I purchased a Classic F in 1994 for $450 at a swap meet. But before long, all my Arca 4x5 equipment will be sold and gone. Though, I still have my very nice Arca Metric 6x9 camera for MF.

When I receive the extra gear that I've ordered for this camera, I'll post (better quality) photos in a subsequent thread.

 

[GLS]

I saw that listing. I'd also never seen this variant before either. I have the normal S 45 model and it's an amazing camera; never had an issue with the telescoping rail personally. I have a long Wimberley P50 Arca-Swiss style plate permanently attached to the rail.

Yikes those bellows look nasty. Keith will sort you out I'm sure. I got a normal standard bellows from them, and just detach it from the camera when not in use (stored in a padded wrap).

 

[abruzzi]

I've seen that version on eBay now and again. I prefer my normal TK45, but I believe Bob Saloman has mentioned that the Japanese distributor requested them that way.

That craquelure on the bellows is very common on that era linhof. Mine had it as well, and the bellows were still light tight. I eventually got Custom Bellows to rebuild the bellows just because all the cracking bothered my internal anal-retentive.

 

[Neil Poulsen]

Something kind of weird. I ordered and received a Technikardan compendium bellows, and mounted it on the camera. The adapter that came with it positions the bellows far too low, thereby not permitting any significant rise on the front frame. Of course, the primary reason for using a compendium (in my view) is to effect front rise.

Experimenting with hot shoe extensions, I'm pretty sure this can be resolved. But like I mentioned, it seems weird.

 

[abruzzi]

I have the compendium for my 4x5 Technikardan, and it fits perfectly (mine is not the japanese version.) IIRC the front and rear frame on mine can be adjusted up and down. Can you add a photo with the compendium mounted?

 

[Neil Poulsen]

I think that my reduction lens board adapter places the lens a little high, though not that high.

I did indeed find a hotshot extension that place the compendium in an ideal position for mostly rise, but also some fall.

 

[Neil Poulsen]

Better photos . . .