Linhof 220

[petronius]

I recently found a nearly mint Linhof 220 in black for the price of
82,-EUR! It seems to be the last model. Different to all information I found in the net so far it has a hot shoe and no transport blocking after the tenth frame.
This camera will be fun! The test shots of the Technikar I saw were amazing. The camera is a heavy beast, but the grip fits my hand perfectly. Loading and unloading worked without problems. The first pictures will follow.

 

[Frank1969]

82 euro for a Linhof 220 that's almost for free. I had one a few years ago but I found it awkward for horizontal photos. Still a very nice camera.

 

[Roger Vadim]

oh my god... what a great portrait camera... and 80 € is a steal, the grey ones go for up to 700 €... and thats at fleebay.

I want one

 

[petronius]

It seems to be one of the great deals of my life. The seller posted the ad on a german site where nobody seems to look for non-digital cameras. (Some months ago I bought a Nikon F-801s body for 30,-EUR there.) The description of the Linhof lacked the camera´s name, only the lens was named.
I´ve been looking for a 6x7 rangefinder some years now. My first choice would have been the Makina 67, but the prices are insane. The Koni Omega and the Mamiya Press have left hand releases, which I don´t really like. One year ago I reduced my equipment to 35mm-cameras and decided to forget the medium format. And now comes this Linhof. Fortunately I heve a big Jobo tank and reels that can be changed from 35mm to 120.

 

[petronius]

Thoughts and examples from the first roll.
It´s a strange feeling to carry this heavyload as a everyday shooter. The weight, the size and the looks of the people are quite different from carrying a Zorki 1!
The work feeling is great nevertheless. All knobs and dials are really big and work perfect. The finder is not the best for wearing glasses, the handgrip is great for slower speeds. Loading is much easier as suggested in some websites - no problems so far.
The results are imho super. First, a 6x7 negative is a joy to look at; second the lens´ quality is beyond any critics.
The example is shot on Fortepan 400, developed in Rodinal 1+100, stand (10 inversions at start, 1 inversion every 15 minutes).
Scan at 2400dpi with Canoscan 8400F in grayscale mode, using Canons own software. The details are cropped 100%, one at the border, one in an OOF zone.

 

[kram]

What is the weight of the camera? Can't find this info on the net.

 

[petronius]

kram, I know it´s way quite late, but here is the weight: 1489 g including the film and the lens hood.

If anyone wants to see what I have shot with the Linhof 220 since 2009, have a look here:
http://linhof-220.tumblr.com/

I finally scanned all the Linhof negatives and will add them in the next weeks/months. Big negatives have way too much room for dust and scratches!

 

[Canyongazer]

A treasure find.
Fabulous camera, fabulous price.
82 euro might be good as the VAT. 🙂
Congratulations, Petronious.

 

[Sarcophilus Harrisii]

Why was it called the 220? It's an odd name by Linhof tradition. Is it 120/220 capable? And do you know who made the lens? Schneider?
I'll look forward to seeing some more images from this fascinating aristocratic camera.
Cheers
Brett

 

[petronius]

Brett, the camera can use 120 and 220 film. When it was introduced, Linhof used the fast shooting on 220 film as a main feature in the advertising.

The lens was made by Rodenstock.

 

[Roger Hicks]

Why was it called the 220? It's an odd name by Linhof tradition. Is it 120/220 capable? And do you know who made the lens? Schneider?
I'll look forward to seeing some more images from this fascinating aristocratic camera.
Cheers
Brett

Dear Brett,

Linhof-selected (and re-badged) Rodenstock Heligon 90/2.8, as far as I am aware.

Linhof were great believers in 220 but (thank the gods) didn't make the 220 as 220-only. They were also great believers in 70mm.

Cheers,

R.

 

[petronius]

Here is a lens test.

Here is a photo.net discussion about the lens type.

 

[Michael I.]

wow, thats some deal

 

[lynnb]

Wow, Zeno, congratulations on a magnificent find!

 

[Sarcophilus Harrisii]

Thanks everyone for the additional information. What a desirable camera! If I hadn't acquired a Super Technika myself, recently, I'd be very jealous. Actually, I think I still am, a bit. 🙂
Cheers,
Brett

 

[Roger Hicks]

Here is a lens test.

Here is a photo.net discussion about the lens type.

Thanks very much indeed! My original answer shows the dangers of inadequate research, failing memory and careless reading (Technikon/Technikar). Tessar-type certainly makes more sense. I should know all this from Alpa press releases!

Cheers,

R

 

[Roger Hicks]

Thanks everyone for the additional information. What a desirable camera! If I hadn't acquired a Super Technika myself, recently, I'd be very jealous. Actually, I think I still am, a bit. 🙂
Cheers,
Brett

Dear Brett,

Not so much. I find an ST with one (or even two, LH/RH) anatomical grips much easier to hold. Have you one for your ST?

But the 220 is a lot quicker to use, even if it's a bit like a Rollei TLR with a handle when it comes to balance. Again my recollection is that it was promoted for press fork, where portrait format is often at a premium. Again my recollection may be wrong...

Cheers,

R.

 

[petronius]

Roger, size and handling are similar to a Rollei TLR with grip and prism; the 6x7 format (in fact is is more like 55x72mm) is (was) an advantage for press work. Using preloaded film inserts is a big help; loading the camera with a new roll is not the quickest task. Luckily I can shoot the 220 with a more Zen-like approach. For me it´s more big negative than quick shooting.

 

[Sarcophilus Harrisii]

Dear Brett,

Not so much. I find an ST with one (or even two, LH/RH) anatomical grips much easier to hold. Have you one for your ST?

But the 220 is a lot quicker to use, even if it's a bit like a Rollei TLR with a handle when it comes to balance. Again my recollection is that it was promoted for press fork, where portrait format is often at a premium. Again my recollection may be wrong...

Cheers,

R.

Hi Roger,
Yes I do have the standard left hand anatomical grip, happily, and what a wonderful thing it is, too. One of the things that swayed me was that just about every item originally supplied with the camera was still with it.

I'm enjoying learning more about this less-often mentioned 220 model Linhof, it's fascinating.
Cheers
Brett

 

[Roger Hicks]

Roger, size and handling are similar to a Rollei TLR with grip and prism; the 6x7 format (in fact is is more like 55x72mm) is (was) an advantage for press work. Using preloaded film inserts is a big help; loading the camera with a new roll is not the quickest task. Luckily I can shoot the 220 with a more Zen-like approach. For me it´s more big negative than quick shooting.

Yes, I know. That's my objection... But yes, the 56x72mm format is wonderful, and at 3x should be indistinguishable in size, tonality and sharpness from a whole-plate contact print.

Cheers,

R.