The chrome issue is the same for all cameras, cars, trucks, busses, etc. made in Germany after certain environmental laws were passed. It isn't an issue when using the camera.
There really wasn't any issue with the gears, some people had trouble with them stripping, very few actually, and any that did were replaced with the latest version of the gear. If they had a problem with the lever that pulled out to change direction then that was also changed, if the camera was in warranty. We have seen many model V cameras, all from the 70 s and this was rarely a problem, except for the few people who made it into a problem. Today all Linhof monorail cameras from the light weight re to the extremely heavy GTL use a combination of brass on aluminum for their focusing without stripping problems. Also without lubrication problems as brass on the plastic used is self lubricating. There were no shift issues on any modern Technika. Just release the lever and slide and relook the lever.
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