Instant gratification vs. Delay and Cost: Technikardan vs. Arca Swiss

**Acheron Photography** · 11-May-2009, 23:46

Like a number of other posters here over the years, I'm debating the Technikardan 45S vs. Arca Swiss problem. The difference is a Linhof has been offered to me second hand in reasonable condition, while I can't find the Arca Swiss I want (F-metric Orbix) except new from Robert White - and that is really a lot of money. Can more experienced members advise me: is it worth simply getting something reasonably cheap now to learn on and then deciding whether it is worth spending more money on the Arca Swiss, or should I wait until I can find the exact camera I want for money I can afford? Thank you.

**Archphoto** · 12-May-2009, 02:34

My questions to you: why the Acra and not the Linhof: why not a Sinar ?
What makes you want the Acra over the Linhof ?

I have been into LF for the past 30 years, most of it with the Sinar P2 8x10 and 4x5.
Widen your options and see what camera comes along, but at least get started.
Once you started photographing on LF you will be adicted for the rest of your life.

Lenses are important too.
With LF you don't buy new ones for each camera: you just swap lens boards.

Good luck,
Peter

**Acheron Photography** · 12-May-2009, 03:14

Originally Posted by Archphoto

My questions to you: why the Acra and not the Linhof: why not a Sinar ?
What makes you want the Acra over the Linhof ?

The Linhof seems to be a pain to fold; the Arca seems to be a bit more rigid. Also the Arca comes in 5x7 which gives me an aspect ratio I really like. As I want maximum sharpness, geared adjustments are a must.

(And yes, I do actually know that you swap lenses - I might not own an LF camera but I have shot them a reasonable amount...)

**jb7** · 12-May-2009, 03:21

It sounds to me like you're thinking aloud...

You might be waiting a while for a 5x7 F-metric orbix to show up though,
so it might be good to have other options...

**Bob Salomon - HP Marketing** · 12-May-2009, 03:25

Originally Posted by Acheron Photography

The Linhof seems to be a pain to fold; the Arca seems to be a bit more rigid. Also the Arca comes in 5x7 which gives me an aspect ratio I really like. As I want maximum sharpness, geared adjustments are a must.

(And yes, I do actually know that you swap lenses - I might not own an LF camera but I have shot them a reasonable amount...)

Have you actually ever folded one by following the very simple instructions yourself?

**Phil Hudson** · 12-May-2009, 03:49

In the UK you may find that the choice of 5x7 film options (and holders) will lessen the appeal of that format.

The two cameras that you are comparing have such big differences that there's no comparison in my view. They are both the best, but optimised for different things. Like other posters here, I'd say don't overlook the many other cameras that will also suit your needs.

**gari beet** · 12-May-2009, 03:49

I have a TK45 and don't find it an issue to fold at all, takes a litlle getting used to of course as with all new things. About half a dozen folds did the trick for me...

It is quite heavy so if you want to pack it along way that may be an issue, I shoot landscape and so hike alot with it and am searching for a lightweight alternative for the mountains, I am happy to lug it around a fair distance on the flat however.
It has all the movement you could want, will work with really wide lenses and extends to 500mm easily. It packs well too, fits in my Lowepro phototrekker with 4 lenses, meter, grads etc no problem.

so, apart form being a little overweight for hiking(which in fairness it wasn't strictly designed for) it is pretty much the ideal all rounder.

Hope that helps.

Gari

**Ed Richards** · 12-May-2009, 04:12

I would get something really cheap to start with - once you start shooting and using the camera, you will get a better idea of what is important to you. As many will testify, the odds are good that your first camera will not be the one you want to stay with, and if money is an issue, starting with a really expensive camera can make it hard to move on. Mount all your lenses on Linhof technika boards and use an adapter for each camera, or you will spend a fortune on boards each time you switch. Plus they pack better than larger boards.

**Archphoto** · 12-May-2009, 04:57

@Gari: ever thought about a Chamonix or Shen Hao as a second camera ?

What Ed says makes a lot of sense: if you start with a Sinar F you can grow into a P2 and still be using all the parts from the F.
The Sinar goes from 4x5 upto 8x10 so the potential for growth is there.

Worth thinking about !

Peter

**Acheron Photography** · 12-May-2009, 05:44

Originally Posted by Archphoto

@Gari: ever thought about a Chamonix or Shen Hao as a second camera ?

What Ed says makes a lot of sense: if you start with a Sinar F you can grow into a P2 and still be using all the parts from the F.
The Sinar goes from 4x5 upto 8x10 so the potential for growth is there.

Worth thinking about !

Peter

It is, thank you - and everyone else who commented. I'm still pretty Sinar hostile after having struggled with hire P2s, but they are cheap to be fair, and the 'figure out exactly what you want before dropping thousands of pounds' argument makes a lot of sense.