Baby Linhof (6x9)

J

jett

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I bought a Super Linhof IV 6x9 out of impulse. I have the standard 105mm f2.8 lens and a tele photo. I forget what the tele photo lens is but I purchased it for the standard lens as that is the only focal length that I intend to use.

I'm not sure where I stand on this camera.

The reason for me purchasing this cameras is because I had interest in something larger than 6x6, or atleast a more rectangular aspect ratio. And so I bought a Baby Linhof and now I am having doubts.

I use a Rolleiflex, Rollei 35, Leica M3, and a digital m43. I use all of the cameras differently and they have a certain role. Rolleiflex for portraits, Rollei 35 for daily carry, Leica M3 for general use, and an M43 for snapshots. My main photographic interest is in people: portraits and street.

Initially I thought that i can use this camera as a MF rangefinder (for eye-level viewing) and then I realized that it is nowhere near a Leica replacement and that I really need reflex focusing for the portraits that I have in mind. Now, I am thinking that I can use it on the tripod as a view camera. The ground glass is a bit small and the negative maybe too small for the effort. If I were to stick it on a tripod, then I might be better off with a 4x5/5x7/8x10 camera (more likely 4x5 or 5x7) for the negative size and ease of focusing, or with a MF SLR for the convenience.

So I'm wondering, how do you use these cameras? I'm just hesitant to return it because it is so gorgeous, but I fear that it is redundant in my repertoire.
 
I use a 135 Schneider f3.5 on my 6x9 tech V..
Portraits are stunning with this cam...
Color work stunning..
Do you really want the cost per shot of 5x7/8x10...?
Get the reflex finder if needed.
 
Travel. Portraits. Copying. Still life. Even reportage (albeit with a Tech 70 and not an ST IV).

Cheers,

R.
 
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I use three of the Plaubel Makiflexes (see my avatar) and although they are SLR's, they can function in the same manner as a Linhof IV, and they do take all the same lenses. I agree with Roger; Great for still lifes, portraits, reportage, etc. Bulky but not too much to carry around. They do fit a spot in my equipment arsenal. I do use 6x9cm sheetfilm and 120 6x9 rollbacks with these cameras.
 
For several years I used the Baby Linhof - mainly for shooting wood flooring for a manufacturers - as boring as it sounds. It is a great camera though - and if you really want to disgust fellow photographers - contact print the 6c9 images on 5X7" paper. Not a very ergonomic camera to use - but build quality is incredible. Heavy though. Good luck with it and post shots please.
 
It is pretty handholdible if u have the Linhof grip.. The normal strap is pretty bad in comparison. It is an anatomical w/ angle adjustments plus a cable release.

If u want a 6x9 that is lighter, look into
- baby versions of similar designs from graflex and horseman (not made like a tank but still pretty sturdy, thus lighter).
- interchangeable lens and back rf designs from graflex, mamiya and Linhof
- 6x9 fixed focal length folder like the Bessa II.

Btw. If u use it on a tripod anyway, I think u are better off to focus ground glass, that way u can choose to use any more modern lens design and focal length as opposed to being locked to the lenses the rf cam was ground for.

Gary
 
True.. But it is getting harder to find the guys that know how to make a good one I believe. I think someone did post a how to about it somewhere.

Gary
 
I'd say, that if portraits are your game, ask yourself if you have preferences for some aspect (ratio of length to width). For example, for me the ideal is 1.4x1, so the MF cameras that would fit this best are 6x45 or 6x8. With a bit of cropping 6x7 is a reasonable choice too. As to tonality, image quality, etc, just look at some fashion photography from the 90's - stuff by Bruce Weber, Herb Ritts, Peter Lindbergh - they were mainly using 6x7 cameras, and there are many that can be had for reasonable money with some great lenses. The best 6x8 camera for portraiture is the huge Fuji GX. Then in 6x7 the Mamiyas if you like supersharp, or Pentax 67 or even Plaubel Makina 67 if you do not mind a slightly widish lens. If MF is not enough, I'd follow Roger directly to 5x7 for contact prints or serious enlargements.

Pentax 67II


MF20122602 by mfogiel, on Flickr
 
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