In absence of a 8x10 Master Technika...

[Jean-Louis Llech]

Hello,
If you have been using a Master Technika, I think it will be difficult for you to find a 8x10 camera with the same characteristics.

I'am sorry to ask first a stupid question, but why two Linhofs ?

IMO, it would be better to continue with metal cameras, than wooden ones.
In the range of metal cameras, the choice is rather restricted.

The closest to the Linhof Master Technika would be the Toyo 8x10. It is a good folding, precise and sturdy camera, with sufficient movements. Second, the Canham 8x10.

But, if you choose a metal rail (view) camera, (That's what I would do too), look rather at the Kardan Bi-System 8x10.
It's one of the best view cameras I've ever seen, a milestone in large format cameras conception. It has both axis and base tilts, and can be easily converted to 5x7 or 4x5".
It's rock solid, and (quite) cheap. This camera can be found sometimes on ebay at rather low prices. But they do not remain a long time for sale.
On another hand, many accessories are common to all Linhof cameras, and you'll be able to re-use some accessories you currently use on your Master Technika, like reflex angle viewers, Linhof 120 backs, of course with a 8x10 to 4x5 back adapter.

I would prefer the Bi-system to the Kardan GT. Of course the best one would be the GTL but it's built like a heavy panzer, and rather a studio camera.
Best regards,
JLL

[Ryan M]

I use a Cambo SC 8x10 and it works pretty well, I also use a Cambo 4x5 so the lensboards fit both cameras. It aint light though. It is rigid and precise robust to the point to remind me of a tank, completely made of metal, but the best part was that it cost me only $175.00. Accesories are plentiful and it is really fun to use, I love the big gg, however, IT IS HEAVY. I still hike with it every so often with a Kelty backpack I converted to hold it, but, I can't say I still don't long for a Canham, Wisner, or Gandolfi. If your looking for inexpensive and metal, I would say to take a peak at a Cambo.

[Jorge Gasteazoro]

How about the Arca Swiss F line compact in 8x10? seems to me it meets all his requirements.

[Christopher Condit]

You may not have noticed the Wehman, which is worth a look. When folded up, it is all metal, though the standards and back are wood and some resin-like substance. If what you like about metal is bomb-proofness during transport, check out www.wehmancamera.com.

It only weighs about 8-9 pounds, but due to its size still requires a relatively hefty tripod. When I carry it any significant distance, the bulky, heavy, tripod is more of a drag than the camera itself.

[Jay Lnch]

Kodak Master View 8x10.. You can find used ones at around $1200. Well worth it. BTW my 4x5 is a Linhof V.

jay....

[Julio Fernandez]

Bob's right! ..and the GT is also a heavy brute. Bon voyage!

[Mark Nowaczynski]

Its good to see a 4X5 Technika user talk about the hand-held use of these wonderful cameras. Linhof is the only company in the world that still manufactures a 4X5 rangefinder camera that can be used hand-held. Large format photography has unfortunately become a tripod, ground glass, zone system, and dark-cloth activity. We have all but forgotten the grand tradition of 4X5 press camera use hand-held with range-finder focussing. This leads to rapid and spontaneous one-shot photography, which is a very different way of practicing LF photography. A large print from a large negative, even taken hand-held, proves the point. Long live hand-held large format photography!

[Michael Heinrich]

Hi, here in Munich you can buy a technika 8x10, there are only 24 but there is an offer of a local dealer. I am using a 13x18 Technika for architectural photography, in Germany you can get one for less than 800 €, you can take pictures without tripod and you can use nearly all 4x5 lenses. In Germany 13x18 is often used because it is a very nice print format. I tried all formats also in weight: 4/5 with lenses and films: 13kg (lbs??) 13/18 : 16 kg 8/10 : 24 Kg !!

If you insist in an 8/10, the Linhof Kardan GT 8/10 is not so small as a Philips, but it is a great, quite small camera, which you can get in Europe for a quite nice price because there is a lot of photographers throwing out there old cameras...

Michael