Thinking of "downsizing" from a Linhof Tech Master, to a Tech IV

Hello

I'm thinking of "downsizing" from a Linhof Tech Master, to a Tech IV.

The reason is that I think I have too much money tied up in the Tech Master, and the IV will for all intents and purposes, suit me fine. The Tech IV also needs to be restored, so there is a bit of an unknown there, for the true condition of the mechanics. I'm hoping that the mechanics, and the RF still work.

But, is it a good idea? Are there fundamental issues with a IV that I should be concerned with? I know that the cams for a IV need to be matched to body and lens, and the IV doesn't have the top flap that opens.

Anything else?

regards
Vick

How about a Tech V? I decided I wasn't using the extra movements of the Master and the price difference was attractive. You can use the same cams on a Tech V and a Master. Oh, I'll be selling my Tech V very soon, as I only really want to shoot 8x10 these days.

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Originally Posted by Vick Ko

Hello

I'm thinking of "downsizing" from a Linhof Tech Master, to a Tech IV.

The reason is that I think I have too much money tied up in the Tech Master, and the IV will for all intents and purposes, suit me fine. The Tech IV also needs to be restored, so there is a bit of an unknown there, for the true condition of the mechanics. I'm hoping that the mechanics, and the RF still work.

But, is it a good idea? Are there fundamental issues with a IV that I should be concerned with? I know that the cams for a IV need to be matched to body and lens, and the IV doesn't have the top flap that opens.

Anything else?

regards
Vick

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Better find out what it will cost to get the IV up to snuff, then make a decision. The IV is 20~ years older, so bellows...

Yes, I'm counting on replacing the bellows.

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Originally Posted by Vick Ko

Yes, I'm counting on replacing the bellows.

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What about the rest of it? They're pretty trouble free, if taken care of. On mine even the original bellows are perfect.

I have both a Tech IV and a Master. For lenses longer 90mm and longer there isn't really a difference between the two, in practical terms. For lenses 90mm and shorter the Master is better suited (more front rise, front rise is easier to operate). This is why I prefer the Master.

Also, for most lenses I have found that generic cams work just fine on the Tech IV: a 150mm cam works with most 150mm lenses, and so on. I have cammed my Tech IV for about 6 different focus lengths this way, from 90mm to 360mm.

Greetings, Thomas

The IV is very old. So old that the factory no longer makes or has repair parts specific to a IV. In fact a V is also so old that that is also true for a V. And since the original Master Technika will be 41 years old this coming August there are no replacement parts for some of those original ones as well!

Now, why change from a Master? You want less movement? Or do you want less drop bed ability? Maybe you want to make a rise in the front almost impossible with short lenses due to the position of the rise knob? Or do you prefer more complicated camming requirements? Maybe you want to carry more weight, 5.7 LB for the Master vs 6 LB for the IV.

hmmm. Compelling argument, Bob.

I can see making such a decision up front, just to save the costs, if the price were right, figuring an additional $1000-1500 or so to restore a IV and have lenses cammed, but if you've already got your Master set up, it seems like a pain and not cost effective to now sell it and set up a IV. Better to sell the IV and get out there and expose some film.

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Originally Posted by Vick Ko

Hello

I'm thinking of "downsizing" from a Linhof Tech Master, to a Tech IV.

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That makes no sense whatsoever.