Linhof Technical Cameras
by Robert Monaghan


LINHOF TECHNIKA IV (6x9 cm) VIEW CAMERA
Photo Courtesy of Mike - Dexters - Ventura Ca
[email protected] - Thanks!!

Related Links:
Linhof Master Technika (Dean Jones) [11/2002]
Linhof Technika Buying Guide
Medium Format Digest Posts on Linhof
View camera page

The Linhof Technika is considered to be one of the top quality cameras of this design, with many professional features and refinements. The CameraQuest Linhof Technika Buying Guide gives a useful overview of Linhof Technikas (including the 4x5 series). Since Mr. Gandy's site doesn't currently include much information about the pre-III/IV models, I have posted the following update in response to recent requests [2/2001]:

You should note that Linhof selected lenses tend to command a modest premium, which may well be worth paying. Reportedly, Linhof individually tested and selected the better lenses from various production lines. These Linhof tested and selected lenses commanded a premium then, and still do today. Conversely, you may be able to get any lens with sufficient coverage mounted on a lens board for your Linhof. But the rangefinder coupling may require some custom camera technician efforts to accurately match up with your model camera.

As Mr. Gandy notes at his CameraQuest Linhof Technika Pages, the later models are much preferred by users. The full range of technical camera controls, including the drop bed, is not available in the earlier models. More importantly, it may be expensive to adapt an earlier model to use the 120 or 220 rollfilm backs popular with most users. The earlier model 4x5" Super Technikas may not accept the Polaroid backs due to size issues. So most folks looking for a user camera will gravitate towards the later Linhof models which accept standard rollfilm backs and Polaroid backs. Only the later cameras with drop beds can be used with the 47mm super angulon and similar ultrawide lenses. The earlier cameras will also be hard to find parts for, unlike some of the later still-supported models. Reportedly, the "Super" camera models all have rangefinders, while those that were made without the rangefinder are simply Technika cameras.

In short, most users will want to look for a Super Technika IV/V model in the desired format size(s). The good news is that the prices of these cameras has dropped for new models. Used Super Technika IV/V prices remain fairly high, reflecting their popularity with professional photographers. These cameras are very rugged, and yet fold up to a surprisingly compact and light package. The quality they produce is superb, thanks in part to the high quality optics selected for their use by Linhof.

The perspective control ranges and capabilities may be less than many view cameras, but they were selected from experience to be "enough" to meet the typically encountered situations. The existence of these compact and flexible technical cameras with rollfilm back options helps explain the relative lack of medium format shift lenses and low sales of competitors such as the Hasselblad Arc body cameras being discontinued in 2001.

If the prices for even used Linhof technical cameras are too high for your budget, you might look at some similar mini-view cameras, such as the Horseman 6x9cm Technical cameras among others.

See Medium Format Camera List Page for more links to Linhof related resources.

PHOTO NOTES:

This is a Linhof Technika IV in MINT condition. It is a 6X9 cm format camera. Included are three lenses, a rollfilm back and the grip. All the lenses are in MINT condition Perfect glass and working shutters. The back is also MINT. The lenses are: Schneider180/5.6 Tele-Arton (Linhof),Schneider 65/8.0 Super-Angulon (Linhof), and a Rodenstock Sironar-N 100/5.6 MC.

From: Harold Edward Sugden [email protected]
Subject: Response to Does a Linhof 6X9 Technika IV have the same lens movements as a 4X5 Technika IV
Date: 1998-05-22

See the January 1992 Shutterbug for the kind of information you want on the Baby Linhof.

From: "Bob Salomon" [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.large-format
Subject: Re: Ground glass size (was: ground glass image brigthness)
Date: Sun, 05 Jul 1998

No. The screen in the III is a different size than all later Linhof 45 screens. You need one specifically for the III.

Linhof does not supply these as the III has been discontinued since 1956.

HP Marketing Corp. U.S. distributor for Amazon, Braun, Gepe, Giottos, GO Light, Heliopan, HP Combi Plan T, Kaiser fototechnik, KoPho cases, Linhof, Pro Release, Rimowa, Rodenstock,Sirostar 2000

----------
"Boris Kozintsev" [email protected] wrote: 

>Hi,
>
>I would like to thank everyone who answered my original question.
>So, it's even worse than I thought :)
>
>Now, another question. Are all 4x5 ground glasses and focusing screens
>interchangeable? The ground glass from my Linhof Technika III measures
>3 7/8" x 5 1/8" x 1/8" (or is something wrong with my ruler?). So, can I just
>buy "a" focusing screen without worrying which model it is for?
>
>Boris
>

From: "peter" [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.large-format
Subject: Re: Linhof Technika
Date: 22 Jul 1998

Hi, there are so many countries on earth. And the prices vary also. The last Technika without RF was the Study Technika, the body form Technika 70. Then the Study camera 6x9cm, Super Technika III and IV without RF.

More questions?
Ask.
Peter
[email protected] 

> can anyone tell me which technika (6x9) is the best buy? and how
> much does it cost (body only). I know that Linhof had a model without
> RF, but I don't know which model it is? and also is that a place I can
> find more information on the old Linhof technikas?
>
>
> Thanks
> Edward

Date: Fri, 4 Sep 1998
From: Bob Shell [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: [Rollei] Off Topic: Linhof sold

I understand that it was announced in Europe yesterday that Frau Karpf, the owner of Linhof since her husband's death, has sold the company to a group of venture capitalists. Rumors that the company was being sold to Samsung appear to be unfounded.

Apparently only about 10% of the factory has actually been in use in recent years, and the new firm will retain that for production, and the remaining 90% will be developed for other industries.

I don't know if Bob Salomon is still reading this list, but if so perhaps he can fill us in on the details of all this. Particularly I would like to know if the new owners are German or from some other country.

Bob

From: "Bob Salomon" [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Hasselblad falling behind others
Date: Thu, 24 Sep 1998

Also if you check prices in the U.S. on Linhof Master Technika, Technika 2000, Technikardan 45S, Technoramas 612 and 617S III you will find that Linhof prices have dropped substantially over the past 1 1/2 to 2 years.

HP Marketing Corp. U.S. distributor for Amazon, Braun, Gepe, Giottos, GO Light, Heliopan, HP Combi Plan T, Kaiser fototechnik, KoPho cases, Linhof, Pro Release, Rimowa, Rodenstock,Sirostar 2000

Date: Thu, 29 Mar 2001
From: "Christopher M Perez" [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Linhof Technika 6x9

I'm sure you've considered all the differences between the two systems and how they get used. Would you be using the rangefinder on the Linhof? If so, you'll need to consider the cams which come with the lenses. Type III Linhofs are a little bit painful without matching cams and lenses.

Having said that, there are many wonderful multicoated lenses available which will fit the 6x9 Technika. You could buy a body with back and purchase the lenses separately. Keep in mind that 100mm Fujinon W or Nikkor M or Schneider APO Symmar are absolutely state of the art. And not having a mirror flopping about to get around, the basic lens designs will be better than your SLR's lens designs.

For wider lenses your Linhof might come with 80 degree Angulons around 65mm in length. These can be quite fine. In general, any larger format lens made by Schneider from the 1960's on will probably perform quite well.

Also, if you buy a complete kit, I very seriously doubt (unless the system is ancient) that the Schneider lenses will actually be _uncoated_. Worse case they will be single coated. In practical use you might see a very small decrease in contrast, but I seriously doubt it (the typically more elements in your Pentax's multicoated lenses might loose any gain in contrast over the single coating fewer element designs).

So how long and how short will you use? You'll probably be able to find multicoated modern lenses for about what you'd pay for a used Pentax SLR equivalent.

I hope this helps.

""XOSNI"" [email protected] wrote 

> I'm thinking about buying a linhof technika 6x9 & sell my Pentax 6x7  with
> 75mm & 105 mm lenses. The point is: would it be wise to sacrifice the modern
> coated Pentax lens for the good Old Scneider (non-coated i believe) lenses?
> How good is an old -good-brand old lense, to put it in an another way?  And
> what are the downs of this camera (i already know the ups).
>
> regards
>
> Xosni
> email prefered
> [email protected]

Date: Wed, 4 Apr 2001
From: [email protected] (Mark Anderson)
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Linhof Technika 6x9

"XOSNI" [email protected] wrote:

re Linhof 6x9 

> And
> what are the downs of this camera (i already know the ups).

I recently bought one of these cameras with 65, 105 and 180 mm lenses. I'm still learning it and have shot about 6 rolls, developed 4. So, you've got my level of experience with it.

I bought it to have the rangefinder, interchangeable lens and hand holdable option while not sacrificing movements and ground glass focusing when needed. Mine came with three backs, (6x6, 6x9 and 57x72).

The rangefinder works fine, but, with a roll film back on, it's ackward getting your eye close enough, esp. when the tube RF is pushed in for use with the wide-angle. It's easier if the camera is held sideways, but I haven't changed my use yet, because I still usually use a tripod, even if using the rangefinder. You have to push the RF in to rotate the back. On my tripod, I can't rotate the back without releasing it from the tripod.

The rangefinder is much faster than ground glass, and I use it most of the time. I'd hoped to not have to carry a darkcloth, but the GG is too dim, even with the hood, because of stray light. You can't get your head up to the hood to cut off the light and still be able to focus you eyeballs on the GG. So, I'm trying to find the right magnifier to clip onto the hood so I can get in close.

I have a Tech III, which doesn't have forward tilt of the lens standard. (I think the IV does.) So, to get that, you drop the bed 15 degrees, tilt back less than 15 deg. and add rise. This is also how to get drop. No lens swing.

There are about 6 steps to get the camera set up to use the wideangle. Forget one and you're SOL if using the RF. Been there, done that. My 65 mm Angulon is on a recessed board, so the cable release barely fits. And it has a little gizmo for T exposures so there's no way to release the lens without the cable release. (So, make that 7 steps.)

The SuperRollex 57x72 back adds 2 shots per roll, but the RF and GG doesn't have marks to mark the limits of the composition. And, my negative storage slip covers conveniently hold 8 6x9 shots, but I can only get 8 57x72 shots on the same sheet, so I'm left with 2 to store separately. The SR back has a nice long winding lever to poke you in the nose while you're attempting to frame your shot. Any add'l backs I get will be 6x9.

--
Mark Anderson
DBA Riparia www.teleport.com/~andermar/

From Rollei Mailing List;
Date: Thu, 31 May 2001
From: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Rollei] OT: Good resource for Linhof info? 

>  Does anyone here know of a good resource for information on postwar
> Linhof cameras? I'm particularly interested in distinctions between
> the various Technika and press models and in their attendant roll
> film backs. Thanks. M.Phillips

Try :

http://www.cameraquest.com/lint369.htm

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

http://www.cameraquest.com/tech3pic.htm

http://www.cameraquest.com/techgrap.htm

--
Emmanuel BIGLER
[email protected]

Date: Sun, 24 Jun 2001
From: "Kerry L. Thalmann" [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.large-format
Subject: Re: Linhof Technikardan Experiences

Greg Faris wrote: 

> Well, I stand corrected, thank you.
> I must indeed be confusing names, as the medium format view camera
> demonstrated to me at Photokina (I thought this was the TechniKardan)  did not
> have any "direct" rise and fall. Instead these had to be accomplished as  I
> described earlier. Either they improved the design since, or I am mixing  up
> the names.  Thanks to all.

Greg,

You might be thinking of the M679. I'm not very familiar with this camera, having never used on personally.

The Technikardan comes in both "medium format" (6x9) and "large format" (4x5) versions. It has a unique collapsible monorail design that allows it to be folded compactly and transported (relatively) easily in the field. It is sort of a hybrid design that permits full monorail style movements (including direct front rise/fall) in a camera that is small enough and light enough to use on location.

Paul Butzi has some photos of his Technikardan TK45s (the current 4x5 model) along with a very good detailed review at:

http://www.butzi.net/reviews/linhoftk45s.htm

Paul's first photo:

http://www.butzi.net/reviews/images/tk1.JPG

shows the camera from the front. Clearly visible in this photo are both the lever for locking the front rise/fall (bottom green lever) along with the scale that shows a maximum of 50mm direct front rise and 20mm of direct front fall.

The 6x9 version of the Technikardan is called the TK23S and looks very similar. The rail is shorter, and I believe the bellows are straight, rather than tapered like the 4x5, and of course, the back is smaller.

Does this look like the camera you saw at Photokina? The Technikardan has been around for well over a decade - it's not a new model. As far as I'm aware, there has been only one significant design change - and that was years ago. The original models were called just plain TK23 and TK45 (no "S"). The L-shaped standards were changed from one piece to three piece construction and center detents were added on all shift and swing movements when the "S" was added (TK23S and TK45S). The "S" models are in current production.

Kerry
--
Kerry's Large Format Homepage
http://largeformat.terrashare.com 


Date: Thu, 1 Feb 2001
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Rollei] OT Linhof web info

> What's the best technica to buy ...

did you try the following web sites :

http://www.ai.sri.com/~luong/photography/lf/
A large format photography home page

http://www.linhof.net/linhof/field_tc.htm
Linhof Pr�zisions-Systemtechnik GmbH


http://www.foto.studio.de/info/magazin/produktinfo/gross/linhof
www.foto.studio.de

http://www.cameraquest.com/lint369.htm
Linhof Super Technika IV 6x9

http://www.cameraquest.com/lin69.htm
Linhof 6x9 Field Cameras

http://www.cameraquest.com/techs.htm
Linhof 4x5 Technikas

http://www.cameraquest.com/tech3pic.htm
Linhof Technika III

http://www.cameraquest.com/techgrap.htm
Linhof Vs Speed Graphic

http://www.asymptote.com/butzi/articles/reviews/linhoftk45s.htm
Review of the Linhof Technikardan 45s

-
Emmanuel BIGLER
[email protected]





Date: Thu, 01 Feb 2001 
From: Laurence Cuffe [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Rollei] Linhof?

Date sent:              Thu, 01 Feb 2001 
From:                   [email protected]
Subject:                Re: [Rollei] Linhof?
To:                     [email protected]

>
>Richard,
>
>I think all Linhofs can take a roll back. My 4x5 Tech III did and so does
>my current Tech IV. I also have a 5x7 Technika III that has a reduction
>back to 4x5. I have not yet tried to use a rollback on that one, but I do
>not think there are any physical problems for the fit.

2*3 tecnika's take a different roll back from 4*5's The 2*3 has a
circular track on the front face while the 4*5 is rectangular.

Hope this helps

Larry Cuffe





Date: Fri, 02 Feb 2001 
From: Bob Salomon [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: [Rollei] Re: Rollei Users list digest V9 #42


We can identify all post WW II Linhofs by serial number. The new book
"The Linhof Camera Story" contains specs on all Linhofs, pre and post WW
II in the 110 year Linhof history.

Linhof makes slip in 67 roll backs for all 69 as well as 45 cameras.

...

HP Marketing Corp. 800 735-4373 US distributor for: Ansmann, Braun,
CombiPlan, DF Albums, Ergorest, Gepe, Gepe-Pro, Giottos, Heliopan,
Kaiser, Kopho, Linhof, Novoflex, Pro-Release, Rimowa, Sirostar, Tetenal
Cloths and Ink Jet Papers, VR, Wista, ZTS www.hpmarketingcorp.com




From: [email protected] (P. MacGahan)
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.large-format
Subject: Re: New Technika Linhof user
Date: 24 Jun 2002 

"Jean-Luc" [email protected] wrote 
> Hello,
>
> I have just bought a second-hand Technika Linhof from the 1950s or so with
> three lenses (Schneider & Voigtlander)... But I cannot find the manual on
> the web. Has someone information about a site where such a manual can be
> found?
>
> Thanks for any tip concerning the either the camera or the site.
>
> Jean-Luc.

A good source for general information about the cameras is at,
http://www.cameraquest.com/techs.htm
Bob Salomon is a regular reader of this board and represents Linhof
in the US.  His contact information (may have changed, but what I
have) is,
Marflex Service Corporation, PO Box 633, 39 US Hwy 46, Pine Brook, NJ 07058
  800 735-4373, Voice Mail 973 808-9626, Fax 973 808-1706

I'm not sure where you are, but a call to the factory often
gets a helpful reply.  The contact information for the factory is:
Linhof, Postfach 701229, Rupert Mayer Strasse 45,
  D81312 Munchen; +49 (0)89-724920, fax 72492250
In the Netherlands, their service seems to be:
  Reinka, Essendonk 7a, 4824DA Breda, Netherlands
  +31 (0)76-542-3020

When that isn't enough, a more specific question might be better.




Subject: Re: New Technika Linhof user
From: Bob [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.large-format
Date: Mon, 24 Jun 2002

 P. MacGahan at
[email protected] wrote on 6/24/02 3:53 PM:

> Marflex Service Corporation, PO Box 633, 39 US Hwy 46, Pine Brook, NJ 07058
No. That is the old street address.

Their correct address is 16 Chapin Rd. Pine Brook, NJ 07058.

They moved from their old building at 39 US 46 to the new building in March.


HP Marketing Corp. 800 735-4373 US distributor for: Ansmann, Braun,
CombiPlan, DF Albums, Ergorest, Gepe, Gepe-Pro, Giottos, Heliopan, Kaiser,
Kopho, Linhof, Novoflex, Pro-Release, Rimowa, Sirostar, Tetenal Cloths and
Ink Jet Papers, VR, Vue-All archival negative, slide and print protectors,
Wista, ZTS www.hpmarketingcorp.com 





Subject: Re: Linhof experts
From: Bob [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.large-format
Date: Thu, 05 Sep 2002

Skeenut at [email protected] wrote
> Hi All:
>
> I'm looking at several Linhof monorail models that are affordable, somewhat,
> for me.
>
> They are the Kardan 45S and the ST.
>
> Should I have concerns about the age of the cameras in terms of durablility,
> precision and repairablility, mainly around the availability or lack thereof
> of spare parts.
>
> Any otherLinhof Monorails that I should be looking at?
> \
> Best,
> Jeff


The M is current and much reduced in price.

The 45S is quite old and some parts are no longer available.

The 45ST is a more recent vintage and is similar in movement to the M but
uses special bellows which are not made today. You would not be able to find
a WA bellows for it.

If you are a photography student or instructor at the college level the M
can be purchased for what the others sell for used.
The M and 45S use the same bellows.

HP Marketing Corp. 800 735-4373 US distributor for: Ansmann, Braun,
CombiPlan, DF Albums, Ergorest, Gepe, Gepe-Pro, Giottos, Heliopan, Kaiser,
Kopho, Linhof, Novoflex, Pro-Release, Rimowa, Rodenstock, Sirostar, Tetenal
Cloths and Ink Jet Papers, VR, Vue-All archival negative, slide and print
protectors, Wista, ZTS see www.hpmarketingcorp.com for dealer listings




From: Bob Salomon [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.large-format
Subject: Re: camming a lens?
Date: Wed, 23 Oct 2002

 Vito [email protected] wrote:
> Keith wrote:
> >
> > Hi all-
> >
> > I'm new to large format and I am considering purchasing a Linhof Technika V
> > field camera. I read that you have to have lenses "cammed" for these cameras.
> > Is this for using the rangefinder? Is it necessary if you use the ground glass
> > for focusing? ....
> My experience has been with Graphic cameras but IIRC Linhofs are
> similar. The mfgr offered cams to match the rangefinder to popular focal
> length lenses. These can still be found on eBay and prolly here. More
> properly, you 'cam' your rangefinder for a particular focal length
> lense. The rangefinder isn't needed with the ground glass.
>
> If you forsee using the ground glass exclusively, I'd recommend a
> regular monorail view camera. The Technika is a fine camera but it is a
> compromise between a press and a view camera so some movements are
> limited and harder to use.

Not quite accurate.

linhof cuts cams for a specific lens by serial number. Not by focal
length. The cams for say a pair of 150mm Apo Sironar S lenses with
consecutive serial numbers will be slightly different as the focal
length marked on any given lens is not the actual focal length. The
actual focal length will vary by a small ? amount from that marked value.

Using cams cut for other lenses then the specific one you have on a
Technika will mean that the cam will not track properly for that
individual lens. Then people will try resetting the infinity stops to
try to compensate for the inaccuracy. This leaves a trail of pockmarks
on the chrome rails.

Basically used cams for a Linhof are scrap metal.

This becomes even more important if the camera is a Iv. There the cam
must be cut for the specific camera and bear the serial number of the
lens on top of the cam and the specific camera on the bottom.
This is because the ground glass position was not "0" ed on these
cameras and varied from camera to camera. This was eliminated on the V.

--
HP Marketing Corp. www.hpmarketingcorp.com Ansmann, Braun, Combina,
DF, Ergorest, Gepe, Gepe-Pro, Giottos, Heliopan, Kaiser, Kopho, Linhof,
Novoflex, Rimowa, Rodenstock, Sirostar, Tetenal ink Jet and cloths,
VR Frames, Vue-All archival products, Wista, ZTS




From: Bob Salomon [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.large-format
Subject: Re: camming a lens?
Date: Wed, 23 Oct 2002

Keith [email protected] wrote:

> Hi all-
>
> I'm new to large format and I am considering purchasing a Linhof Technika V
> field camera. I read that you have to have lenses "cammed" for these cameras.
> Is this for using the rangefinder? 

Yes

>Is it necessary if you use the ground glass
> for focusing?
No

> How much (typically) does it cost? >

In the US camming is done by Marflex Service 973 808 09626. Check with
them for details on price. Camming includes cutting the cam, the
infinity stops and the focusing scale. It does not include the price of
the lens board.

>It sounds like a royal pain
> in the ass to me, having to send the camera and lens away every time you want
> to add a new lens to your kit...am I wrong?>

Partially. If you have the V 4x5 or the Master 4x5 you only need to send
the lens in for cammining as these cameras have a "0" groundglass and
the individual camera is not needed to cut the cam. However the price
for camming include the infinity stop installation and the focus scale
installation. If you send your camera in with the lens these are
installed for you. If you let service cam using our camera they are not
installed for you and you will have to install them yourself. The cost
is the same in either case. Look carefully at the 2 chrome rails that
your lens standards slide on on the camera bed. Do you see any small pit
marks opposite each other on the tracks? If you do that is where stops
had been installed. If you remove or move stops the points on the screws
leave those dimples.

> This might deter
> me from purchasing this camera...do other makes and models require similar
> adjustments? (I'm looking specifically for a metal field camera.)
>

Linhof's metal field camera is the Technikardan. Linhof's technical
cameras are the Master Technika, Master technika 2000 and earlier
versions. All are folding metal cameras.

> Thanks!
> Keith
--
HP Marketing Corp. www.hpmarketingcorp.com Ansmann, Braun, Combina,
DF, Ergorest, Gepe, Gepe-Pro, Giottos, Heliopan, Kaiser, Kopho, Linhof,
Novoflex, Rimowa, Rodenstock, Sirostar, Tetenal ink Jet and cloths,
VR Frames, Vue-All archival products, Wista, ZTS




From: Bob Salomon [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.large-format
Subject: Re: camming a lens?
Date: Wed, 23 Oct 2002

 Leonard Evens [email protected] wrote:
> I have a Horseman Technical medium format camera., and I believe the
> Technikas work the same way, since the Horseman is basically a copy of
> the Technika.  But I could be wrong.  Maybe someone else will confirm it.

Not really. The Technika accepts a wide range of lenses that can be
cammed to the camera from 75mm to 360mm. In addition the lenses can be
from Rodenstock, Schneider, Fuji, Nikon, etc. and the Technika does not
come with a cam.

The RF comes with a 3 cams for 135,  150 and 180mm lenses only. And they
have been cut to match Nikon lenses not Rodenstock, Fuji or Schneider
lenses of the same focal length. For exaample there is a 2mm difference
in flange focal length between an Apo Sironar N and an Apo Sironar S
135mm lens. The effective focal lengths will also vary. That means that
a pre cammed system will never be as accurate as the Technika system
where each cam is mated to the actual lens. Additionally the RF is far
less versatile as a cammed system as it is limited to those three lenses
only.

The 3 lens cam is more like the Technika 23 with its tri-lobed cam. But,
even then, the 23 cam is for a wide, a normal and a long lens, not for 3
lenses that can all be considered a normal lens as in the RF.

--
HP Marketing Corp. www.hpmarketingcorp.com Ansmann, Braun, Combina,
DF, Ergorest, Gepe, Gepe-Pro, Giottos, Heliopan, Kaiser, Kopho, Linhof,
Novoflex, Rimowa, Rodenstock, Sirostar, Tetenal ink Jet and cloths,
VR Frames, Vue-All archival products, Wista, ZTS





From: Leonard Evens [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.large-format
Subject: Re: camming a lens?
Date: Wed, 23 Oct 2002


Keith wrote:
> Hi all-
>
> I'm new to large format and I am considering purchasing a Linhof
> Technika V
> field camera. I read that you have to have lenses "cammed" for these
> cameras.

I have a Horseman Technical medium format camera., and I believe the
Technikas work the same way, since the Horseman is basically a copy of
the Technika.  But I could be wrong.  Maybe someone else will confirm it.

My camera has cams, one for each lens.  The cam couples with the
built-in rangefinder.   They are not necessary for focusing on the
ground glass, and I often don't bother changing the cam when I change
lenses. However, the rangefinder can sometimes be useful in precise
focusing. If you use camera movements, the rangefinder mechanism no
longer helps with focusing.

Although the cams have to be precisely fitted to the lens, they are just
simple devices.  Lens designed for the system come with cams, but it is
possible if you buy a used lens, the cam might have been lost.  For
other lenses, I presume the cam must be custom made, and that would be
expensive.  However, if you understand the principles behind the design,
you could in principle make one yourself.  I'm fairly confident I could
do that for my camera.

> Is this for using the rangefinder? Is it necessary if you use the ground glass
> for focusing? How much (typically) does it cost? It sounds like a royal pain
> in the ass to me, having to send the camera and lens away every time you want
> to add a new lens to your kit...am I wrong?


That depends entirely on what you intend to use the camera for.  If you
are going to use it just as a field camera with ground glass focusing,
the cams are irrelevant.  But the camera is designed to be used with
rangefinder focusing, and of course for that you need a cam for the lens
you are using.   On occasion, I've used my Horseman with a roll film
holder and no movements and used the rangefinder to focus.  But the
occasions for which one would do that would likely be few and far between.

> This might deter
> me from purchasing this camera...do other makes and models require similar
> adjustments? (I'm looking specifically for a metal field camera.)
>
> Thanks!
> Keith

--
Leonard Evens      [email protected]