Thinking about a Linhof Technika 4x5

[gdi]

I am thinking about trying to find a 4x5 Technika. I currently use Graflex press cameras - Speed Graphic and Super and Super Speed Graphic. I primarily use these cameras handheld, and I am thinking of switching out one or two for a Technika kit, if I can find a good one.

Does anyone here use the Linhof handheld? I am comfortable with the Speed Graphic, which is pretty heavy, so I am not convinced that the Linhof would be too heavy.

Also, I know I want to get a Tech IV, but it looks like the IIIs are so much less expensive. I have seen IVs go for twice the price or more than the III. What are the biggest features I would miss by getting a III?

Thanks

 

[maddoc]

I have a Tech IV and regrett that I don`t have any matching cams to use the camera hand-held with a 90mm lens. It was my first LF camera and is a joy to use (but very heavy even without the grip).

The III has fewer front adjustments and only accepts special cams that are difficult to come by now. The IV has front swing, tilt and rise. Together with the bed-drop, a 90mm is easy to use without vignetting and with a special wide-angle bellow also 75mm are possible with the IV.

 

[Frank Petronio]

The CameraQuest website has a good info page on the Technikas. I've used Graphics and Technikas handheld quite a bit. I eventually gave up handholding because I like shooting close portraits and none of the rangefinders are really good enough to focus tight and wide open - but sometimes you can cheat and get lucky. If you like shooting at medium distances in good light at f/11 then handheld 4x5 is perfectly viable.

The Techs are considerably heavier than either the Speed or Crown handheld. Not that you can't do it, but they are. The Ergo grip is very nice but adds to their bulk. The old finders suck but the later designs that zoom are great - although the wire frame finders are excellent if you know how to use them properly - quite a bit more compact and cheaper too!

The cautions about a III versus IV are sort of academic, it really depends on the camera itself since they are all 60-plus years old. A replacement bellows is $350. A trip to the Linhof service center to get lenses cammed is $350 per lens. You're a lot better off finding a nice camera that has been recently used than a gummed up old shelf queen or a beater that needs bellows, cams, ground glass, rangefinder adjustment, etc.

I'd take a IV over III of course. The IV is the most solid design for everything but the wider angles, in which case the later V and Master have features that make using wides easier. But for a 120-135 or up, it doesn't matter. Look for a good user with a grip and cammed 135-150 Linhof select lens. Those older Symmars and Xenars in Compur shutters are really nice lenses, and you can get them CLAs easy enough.

A nice III is not a bad camera at all... the early ones have spring backs, the last version has a Graflock back. But unfortunately all of them lack front tilt, which kills them for any sort of popularity, especially amongst landscape photographers. So the sleeper bargain is to buy some old coot's tenderly loved III outfit for peanuts ($500).

Read up on the III and IV on Stephen's page. Good luck....

 

[gdi]

Thanks to both of you!

I did check out the Cameraquest info - good stuff. All those little things like cams and bellows can really add up, eh? I think I'll look for a good in-use IV with a couple of lenses/cams. I want to get something that I can use on the tripod with a good bit of movement; I don't have any other field camera.

Any tips on pricing info for these? I found one site - http://collectiblend.com/Cameras/Linhof/Super-Technika-IV.html that has some prices, but it looks like auction prices can go a lot higher than the quotes.

Thanks again!