What are the differences between Graflex and Linhof cameras

[Falkenberg]

I was wondering what the differences are between the the cameras. They look very similar, but the prices are very different.

 

[bdial]

It's a bit like the difference between a VW sedan and a Rolls Royce, despite the fact that RR is now part of VW, that is.

The Linhofs are built with much more precision, and in the case of the press cameras, with features such as a tilting back that are not present in the Graflex press cameras.
You find a lot of alloy castings on the Linhofs where stamped metal is used on the Graflex. Also the body of the recent Technikas are metal where Graflexes, aside from the Super-Speed are wood. (I'm not sure about the earlier Technikas).

As with the cars, both will get you where you need to go. One will do it with greater comfort and ease.

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

There are variations, but in general, a Technika has back movements and a rotating back, more front movements, and triple extension (as opposed to double for the Graphics). Some of the Graphics with top mounted rangefinders can use cams for different focal lengths, but most have a rangefinder that can only be calibrated for one lens at a time, if they have a rangefinder. Technikas can have cams ground individually for each lens, so the rangefinder can be more precise, particularly for shooting at wide apertures and close distances.

Speed Graphics have a focal plane shutter, which a Linhof doesn't. A Crown Graphic is lighter than a Technika, so if you can live with a rangefinder that is calibrated for one lens, it's a more handholdable camera. Of course for the price of a Technika, you could buy several Crowns and calibrate each one for a different lens.

 

[John Kasaian]

A 5x7 Speed Graphic is a heck of a lot lighter than a 5x7 Technika!

 

[Alex Hawley]

A 5x7 Speed Graphic is a heck of a lot lighter than a 5x7 Technika!

A matter of rarity!

 

[photobum]

To carry on the Roll Royce / VW analogy, Think of the Linhof as the car you would drive to high tea. The Graphic you would drive to the top of Mount Suribachi.

If you don't understand my analogy, search, flag raising on Iwo Jima.

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

Well, as Weegee would have acknowledged (he was very particular about "buying American"), it might have been a little unpatriotic to be sporting a Linhof on Mount Suribachi.

 

[Moopheus]

To carry on the Roll Royce / VW analogy, Think of the Linhof as the car you would drive to high tea. The Graphic you would drive to the top of Mount Suribachi.

The Graphic is not a VW in that analogy; it is a Willys Jeep.

 

[bdial]

Car or camera, the nut holding the wheel is most important part of the system.
Linhofs are a joy to use, a Speed Graphic's focal plane shutter gives you a lot of flexibility with optics.
Both are durable work-horses with their own set of pros and cons. A lot depends on which one best fits the way you'd like to work, and how much you are willing to spend to optimize that.

 

[Paul Howell]

I think of a Graphic (crown or speed) as a press camera, and the Linhof, or for that matter a Horseman, as a technical camera with features that were not needed for straight news paper work. The Linhof can perform as well as most view cameras in terms of pepective control but with a rangefinder it can be hand held.

 

[Moopheus]

how much you are willing to spend to optimize that.

Indeed, the main difference for me was that I could actually afford to buy a Graflex.

 

[Len Middleton]

I guess it depends upon what you want to do. I own a 4x5 Technika V and have handled different 4x5 Graflex cameras. As mentioned by others, the Graflex is certainly much more affordable and much lighter. I do like things done well, and certaiinly the Linhof is well made.

I have used my Technika for hand-held shots including vintage auto racing. I have used it in plasce of a view camera for interior shots and outside archeticture work. I have also used it for protraiture. With cams for the 90, 150, & 210 I have the option of focusing with the rangefinder or the groundglass.

The roll film back is also handy as well with the Technika.

I certainly have no regrets purchasing the Linhof and waited until I had the money for it. My choice, your might be different.

Good luck on making your decision,

Len

 

[sjperry]

As others have said, the Graflex was a press camera, and worked very well in that application. The Linhof can be for that also, as well as much more complex photo situations that require shifting/ tilting the lens. Also, older Linhofs are collectible which keeps the price up.

Another point which may be of interest to some, and not others, is that Linhof's are still in production. Accesories, backs, etc. made for the new Master Techinka will work with my Technika IV which was made in the late 50's.

As far back as the Technika IV, everyhing is cast aluminum on the Linhof. Fit and finish analogy to the Rolls Royce is agood one.