Want to Buy WTB Linhof Technika III parts or broken Tech III for parts

My ancient Tech III finally became unusable last week when the partially stripped tripod socket completed its journey to full stripped.

I'd like to buy either the tripod socket or the entire bottom plate that holds the tripod socket, or a broken Tech III for parts. The mounting screws for the tripod socket would be nice too as I had to mangle a couple of them somewhat getting my old ones out, but I think they're usable or probably replaceable from the hardware store if you have the socket and not the screws.

I'm aware there's one listed "plus parts" and have already corresponded with the seller, who was the one who told me how to get the bottom plate and the tripod socket off (the screws are under the leather, duh, and thanks Dan.) But he may have a buyer. I'm also aware there's a pretty nice Tech III listed on the Large Format Forum and I've thought about that, but I'd like to get another camera soon anyway so I'd rather fix this one than spend $400 or so on a camera when I plan to spend another chunk on another camera soon.

I hesitate to post this because I'm already not sorting through boxes fast enough to find things for other people. That said... I have a Technica stashed away somewhere and I'm nearly positive its a Model III. Other than cosmetic wear I don't think there's anything wrong with it except I think the little piece of the latch on the door side might be broken and it won't stay closed. I can't promise anything but I'll try to keep my eyes open for it as I go through these boxes. I'm exceedingly slow these days though...

Thanks, and just let me know!

If the bottom plate can be removed, this thread on (there was a url link here which no longer exists) might be of interest. Failing that, a small machine shop should be able to repair it.

paul_c5x4 said:

If the bottom plate can be removed, this thread on (there was a url link here which no longer exists) might be of interest. Failing that, a small machine shop should be able to repair it.

Click to expand...

Thanks. I'm not mechanically inclined enough to even understand some of what's discussed in that thread, but it is easily removable. I already have the plate and socket off. A local machine shop might well work. For that matter it looks like it might already have a threaded 3/8s to 1/4 insert installed and that's what stripped. If so I can get another off eBay, provided I can get this one out. Looks like I need either a larger screwdriver than I have or a small spanner (which I also don't have - the three lenses I have came with the camera already mounted on boards so a spanner has been something I've been meaning to buy for something like 15 years now.) It looks somewhat like the T-nut in C in the link, but the body is shorter. This length needs to be right to fit through the base plate properly.

Here are some photos. First is the tripod socket removed from the base plate. Second is the socket seen on edge to give an idea of the thickness and the third and fourth are the socket in the baseplate showing how it fits, minus the mounting screws.

EDIT: Well it scrambled the order as usual but it should be clear enough which is which.

I think you're right... you just need a new threaded insert. I'll bet your local automotive mechanic would remove that for you for free... during a slow time for them. A new insert is only a couple bucks.