Want to Buy WTB: Linhof 4x5 but don't know which model

J Durr · Feb 8, 2018

I want to find a nice Linhof 4x5 but I do not know which model to get. Any advice on model adn lenses? Thanks

jtk · Feb 8, 2018

That seems like a budget question. The cheapest may be a Kardan Color...if all you're after is the Linhof brand.

J Durr · Feb 8, 2018

jtk said:
That seems like a budget question. The cheapest may be a Kardan Color...if all you're after is the Linhof brand.

Not a budget issue. I want a field camera. Thanks

wyofilm · Feb 8, 2018

J Durr said:
I want to find a nice Linhof 4x5 but I do not know which model to get. Any advice on model adn lenses? Thanks

I don't own a Linhof camera so I don't have first hand experience. However, I have been looking into the purchase of one because their field cameras are kinda like press cameras. Anyway, here is a site that discusses the various models of the Linhof Field/press cameras. It might be of use ...

https://www.cameraquest.com/techs.htm

J Durr · Feb 8, 2018

Very good link, thanks.

stefan w · Feb 9, 2018

I have one for sale. PM me.

J Durr · Feb 9, 2018

stefan w said:
I have one for sale. PM me.

Hi Stefan, I saw your III for sale. I am really looking for a newer one, maybe V or newer. BUT,
I am thinking about yours.

thanks

stefan w · Feb 9, 2018

J Durr said:
Hi Stefan, I saw your III for sale. I am really looking for a newer one, maybe V or newer. BUT,
I am thinking about yours.

thanks

It's priced low for that reason. But you get 95% of the Technika V camera, plus the accessories.... ;o)

And a hardcover Linhof book.

Mainecoonmaniac · Feb 9, 2018

J Durr said:
I want to find a nice Linhof 4x5 but I do not know which model to get. Any advice on model adn lenses? Thanks

I think if you gave more details of what you need in terms of required movements of the Linhof folks could answer your questions more completely. I got the cheapest Press Standard Linhof from Ebay a few years back for $200 . Even with limited features, it's an amazing camera.

David A. Goldfarb · Feb 9, 2018

If you want to use the rangefinder, try to find a kit with three cammed lenses. You might still need to have it calibrated, but you'll have the cams, which are ground individually for specific lenses and serial number matched. The III uses a different style of cam from later versions. The III and IV require that cams be ground for a specific body and lens. The V and Master Tech have a zeroed groundglass, so cams are interchangeable between V and MT bodies, but this is not advantageous as one would think, because there are few used lenses out there with cams together with the lens. If you want your own lens cammed for a IV/V/MT, you can send it to Linhof service, and you should send the body in at the same time to have the rangefinder checked and the infinity stops and scales mounted, even though the cam doesn't need to be matched to the body for a V or MT. Individual repair persons like Richard Ritter can make cams for a Tech III.

The IV uses a knob for the front rise. The V and MT have a pump lever, which is easier to reach with wide lenses. The MT has a flap on top, which gives you a little extra rise for lenses in the 72-90mm range, provided they have enough coverage to use that rise (i.e., the most recent modern lenses).

Those are the main differences among the rangefinder Technikas.

btaylor · Feb 10, 2018

I enjoy being able to use the rangefinder on my IV with the normal 150mm lens, it handles just like a press camera. I use it with the sports finder, it's quick to use. When I am using my 90mm or 240mm I wanted to get them crammed but I found I was using the groundglass in these instances anyway, making the chore of having cams made pointless. Worth considering. I also don't use anything wider than a 90mm, so the flap and rise of the later cameras is lost on me in terms of functionality. If I'm doing something that requires extreme movements I am going to be out with a monorail anyway. The Technikas are beautiful made and extremely versatile cameras. Their monorails are superb as well and can be picked up for loose change on the 'bay.

jtk · Feb 10, 2018

I've owned a couple of Linhof cameras, both press and view. I've also used Toyo field and view.. Toyo field was at least the equal technically to Linhof and (confirm this) was a LOT more pack-able. That said, for large format packablity, I'd prefer a Deardorff clone (as do most landscape photographers, seemingly).

btaylor · Feb 10, 2018

I have used my Technica in a backpacking situation, jtk is right, it's not ideal for that-- too heavy-- although it is quicker to set up than a wooden folder (most of the time you leave the lens mounted and all you have to do is pull the front standard out to the infinity stops and focus).

The Linhof Kardan Color is another model you might consider. It is sort of a hybrid between a monorail and a Technika. It uses a Technika front standard and the rear movement capabilities of a Technika but the whole thing is mounted on a monorail. It is light and compact and can be found for $200-300. Many of the Technika accessories will fit which can be very handy. There was an early and late model, the later one had back rise and an innovative bellows arrangement for short lenses.

rknewcomb · Feb 10, 2018

Early one is Linhof Color
Later one with rear rise is Kardan Color
One can take either into the field but still kind of heavy.

pchaps · Feb 18, 2018

If you want a Tachihara 4x5 which is lightweight, let me know.

Want to Buy WTB: Linhof 4x5 but don't know which model

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