I just bought and am returning a Linhof IV Technika. It was in almost new condition. After I bought it on e-bay I learned that every time I would need to add a lens I'd have to send it off to the factory with all the other lenses and cams to have a new lens/cam fitted. A very expensive procedure.
I just last night discovered a rip/separation in the bellows where it attaches to the front standard. I read where someone paid $400 to have a bellows replaced on a Lihhof. This is one expensive camera to own.
I know there are Linhof owners who swear by them, I just do not understand the justification of the additional expense, compared to other cameras.
I will say that it is the heaviest, most robust camera I've ever had in my hands. The engineering is top notch, but that comes with also being very complicated. There are features I could not figure out. It came without the cam for the included 210mm lens so that IMO made operation of the camera more difficult. It was hard to set up, and pull the front standard onto the track. I assume that the cam being missing is the reason for that. They were going to put the cam in the mail tomorrow.
I may in the future look for a Linhof, possibly newer than the IV, that comes with lenses/cams all included in a kit. But is all the expense justified? i bought it after reading a little about it being the Mercedes of the 4x5 field cameras.
How do other 4x5's stack up? I paid $1175 for this one with the 210 lens. Any suggestions?
I know I could have gotten a slightly cheaper one but this one is in "almost new" condition. The pictures showed it, and except for the bellows separation it was. I did not notice it until I extended the bellows to their max position. It passed the first flashlight test where the bellows were only partially extended.
Is it really worth it?
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
By the way, Bob Salomon has been fantastic, answering my questions. He is one great resource for the forum.
Bill
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