View Full Version : Linhof cameras before 1945
Hello,
I am doing the research for the pre-war Linhof cameras. This means Technika I (34?) and II as well as the Linhof Standard (without the Technika back movements)
The Technika was invented and patented by Nikolaus Karpf in 1934.
Unfortunately all the Linhof company documents were lost in WWII, so it is difficult to gain some information.
I would like to invite all pre-1946 Linhof owners, to post here (part of) the serial number and some photos od the camera details.
I will soon get a Technika 9x12 (I oder II, dont know yet, Ser 19xxx) and will then share some pictures here.
Does anyone know how to distinguish Technika I from II, I did not find anything until now.?
Maybe someone has a old linhof in his shelf and can help.
Thank you very much in advance!!
Bob Salomon
22-Feb-2016, 05:49
Read the Linhof Camera Story book.
thanks! Wanted to order it from Linhof these days anyway...
nonethelees, if anyone has an "old" linhof with photos, then I would be interested in phots/Infos.
My Linhof Technika (I was said it should be a One/ 1936) is now here.
Everything is working fine, the camera was used by his preowner (a well know german businessman and chemist, who died in 2004 in his 90ies... He used the cameras until the end, a ektachrome 200P was in the rollex Magazine).
So the camera has some wear (brassing) , but everthing is greased well and in good condition.
Surprisingly, as the offer was 9x12, it is in fact a 10x15 ! Unfortunately all plate holders enclosed were 9x12, and the reduction Adapter was lost in the last 10 years by the family...
But help (from this forum here) is coming, so I will have 10x15 film sheet Adapters soon and can use it with 10x15 film...
Has two lens plates with a 4,5/18cm Tessar (1924) and a Meyer Aristostigmat 6,8/80 (ca 1942). My Symmar-S 210 will be another candidate for this camera, and maybe even the Symmar-S MC 150 (if it covers 10x15)
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1642/24983025670_bd03fa4420_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/E4Ex8U)Linhof Technika I (1936) WW (https://flic.kr/p/E4Ex8U) by xipho68 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/xipho68/), auf Flickr
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1673/24651840813_642d543258_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Dyp8qa)Linhof Technika I (1936) (https://flic.kr/p/Dyp8qa) by xipho68 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/xipho68/), auf Flickr
Really good build Quality, all Metal and properly desgned for a Long life...
And correction to my previous post.. it is a 16xxx Serial Number
No other prehistoric Linhofs around here?
Think it is a Modell I, but if anyone knows better...
Tin Can
26-Feb-2016, 18:27
I have posted before about my Pre War Linhof 5X7 with factory International back.
It looks similar to the one posted. Same back extension knob locations. My bellows are original and perfect. All metal body.
It has conversion to modern 4X5 Linhof boards, but no contemporary lens. Very lightweight as compared to the Post War Linfof 5X7.
I collect/use studio Linhof Kardan Color 2x3/5x7/8x10 first iterations. Not the 4X5. I admire Horseman in that range.
147167
Hi Randy, thanks! Waht serial Nr does your old Linhof have, and what Logo design?
It is a little bit strange that the lens stand has no possibility to get fixed at a certain distance, there is only one fix at infinity for a normal lens...
I also cannot see that any part is missing? (BW-photo shows the stand)
As the lens stand was creeping when the camera is not completely horizontal, I tried to fix the creeping by removing the grease on the rail... It stops creeping but now "boxing/unboxing" of the lens into the body is a bit rough.
Any other idea to solve this.?
is the difference between model I and II a different lens stand, maybe with a brake (as the III has)?
btw, the Aristostigmat Wide angle did very well in a test with the Baby Technika, and visal test (and Schneider data with lens radius 194mm) swows, tha the Symmar-S covers am may allow a shift of about 15 mm.
The Symmar-S 210 certainly covers easily, and is still a normal lens for this format. The 210 will allow full movements (5cm up, 1.5cm left-right, plus back tilt...)
I just have to make or get a Compur Size 1 lens plate...
Tin Can
29-Feb-2016, 18:03
I really don't know much about this camera except I really like it. and has really nice bellows. About 22" extension.
Bought it from Barry at New Deardorff off eBay. Weighs 6 lbs 14 oz without lens. Obviously missing a peep sight, but all 3 levels work fine.
The rack lock lever stops any creep and the long bellows are butter soft with little hooks to shorten and hold them up. It can close with a 210mm Calter folded inside. Takes regular 5x7 DDS film holders. Spring back, not International as previously stated.
147316147317147318147319
nice camera, rather big. Is it a 13x18 model? What focal lenght is printed on the white "focussing plate"?
Which one is the rack lock lever?
Yor back is a big different. Mine has a all metal lock for fixing the backs.
Is still wonder how to distinguish model Type I from II? Hope the Linhof book will help, it is ordered from the factory...
There are two types of lens plate holder locks, one long one as with these two cameras here, and some cameras have two smaller silver locks... Baybe it is different between I and two, or it depends in the camera size?
I got the Reprint of the 1937 Linhof catalougue today...
Maybe there is one hint that I have a Model I?... Technical data list lists 37mm Extension of the back... Mine goes only 26mm
And I found a Feature that was new to me and that is only in 10x15 and larger models... Lens stand is turnable...
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1697/24787009114_705c1aa99d_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/DLkUf7)Linhof Technika I 10x15 - Movement (https://flic.kr/p/DLkUf7) by xipho68 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/xipho68/), auf Flickr
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1594/25391967806_2418f99d96.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/EFNtoo)Linhof 1937 Catalougue - reprint (https://flic.kr/p/EFNtoo) by xipho68 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/xipho68/), auf Flickr
A Technika (II) 10x15 was 420 RM (Reichsmark) Body only (9x12 350 / 18x24 790)
Lens Tessar 3,5/165 190 RM, 4,5/165 106 RM
Comparison: Contax II with lens 2/50 Sonnar: 450 RM, a Opel Olympia car 2000 RM
Shootar401
1-Mar-2016, 14:00
is that your catalog? Any chance you can scan it in and make it available as a pdf?
for Serial number dating:
there is letter in the book:
Ing. C. Olivetti Milano 28.1.1937: got today a Technika 10x15 Serial 13848 and thank the compan for the impressive Quality---
So mine with 16xxx should be younger than 1936 - a model II????
And there is a letter from 16.1.1937 where the customer notes that now Technka 10x15 is new on the market...
Yes, I got it today from ebay second Hand (mint) Problem, it is a Reprint from 1992 from Lindemanns Verlag. So it is Copyright material...
But I can give informations if you ask...
Listed models:
Standard: 6 sizes from 6,5x9 to 13x18 (190 to 400 RM Body)
Technika: 7 sizes from 6,5x9 to 18x24 (280 to 790 RM) Technika Price extra was moderate 90 RM
Technika "Medizin" (medical) fully chromium plates and washable 3 sizes 9x12 to 18x24 (430 to 890 RM)
The real Monster is the Technika "Linhof-Präzionskamera 18x24: Weight 10 kg, max Extension nearly 1 meter...
Look at the right front focus knob and the lever close left should lock and unlock the extension rails by friction. If mine was in the position yours is in my rail would not move. To release it rotates clockwise to the rear.
Look at the right front focus knob and the lever close left should lock and unlock the extension rails by friction. If mine was in the position yours is in my rail would not move. To release it rotates clockwise to the rear.
Hi Randy, yes this RAIL lock is here. (Does not work in the Moment as it is bent, but the rail does not move anyway without the knob..
But there is no lock for the Lens stand itself ON the rail....???
Hi Randy, yes this RAIL lock is here. (Does not work in the Moment as it is bent, but the rail does not move anyway without the knob..
But there is no lock for the Lens stand itself ON the rail....???
Look in my picture 2, and notice the slot cut in the left rail. It seems to be for a 21cm lens as my printed distance chart also has 21cm on it, for focus by distance. But i do not have the OE lens.
Mine has 2 'infinity stops' as I call them. 2 grooves or slot that lock the stand in 2 locations. I suppose you could easily make one anywhere, but it may be hard to make it exactly where you want one.
Mine also has a rack lock, that need to unlocked by depressing a lever at the bottom front of the left rail.
Mine does not have front swing, but does have front geared shift, gear rise and tilt back.
Does your book give any idea of a date or proper name for mine? Serie # 13760
Hi Randy, yes mine has one cut, which is usable for my 180 Tessar, if I put the upper rails a Little bit backwards... But des not help me for my newer lenses..
The catalogue only says that your fujionon and your lens plate including the Fixing of the plate is ot original... ;-)))
You said 2 Inch /55 cm Extension, is ths only front Extension or front+rear? Maybe you can measure the max rear Extension alone, too, as there are data tables in the book.
With this extension, it must be a 12x16,5 cm or 13x18 model. As your lens infinity marker hat 21cm, it must be a 13x18 model. Body size is 21x21x9cm and weight (unmodified w.o.lens) 2880g
This size, if it would be a Technika II, must have the swing... When I look into the lens, there is a flat Lever on the bottom left of the stand, if I depress it I can swing the stand...
If your cam does not have ths swing (could you deliver a well (shadow free) illuminated Picture of your lens stand, weher it sits on the rails?
All TechII 10x15 and larger should have the swing. If it is missing with your cam, might be a sign for a I model and mine would be a II then (maybe there even never were 10x15 (I) models, because the 10x15 might be the last size added to the Portfolio.
Also the lock of the film holder with yours is black and with leather, mine and all Pictures I have seen hav a metal silver holder...
in my BW photo, you can see the swing fix Lever just above the rail lock Lever on the left side of the photo... The little "tongue"
The Serial numbers I have seen until now, are puzzling. I always see 13xxx, 16xxx, and 19xxx...? By accident, or is there another System behind it????
But as the "Olivetti camera" is 13xxx and mine 16xxx and both 10x15, it cant be size dependant...
What I have seen the first time here, there was a ad-on focal plane shutter, only fitting at the Standard, to make it a two shutter cam like the graflex...
And ground glass was availible in glass (dirt cheap, 1-2 RM), or more expensive and finer grained Zelluloid plastic ones for travel (morge expensive, about 5 RM)
If you bought your lens (or 2 lenses) with your cam, you got the (one or two) infinity-stops for the fitted lenses and the Fitting Focus markers mounted...
My was not delivered with the Tessar I have (as it is 1924), the marker is not in the right place and it s for a 17,3 cm lens...
This lens was unfortunately lost or stolen as it seems... The only lens that has 17,3 cm in the list is the Meyer Görlitz Satz-Plasmat 1:4,5/17,3cm in CompurII and 185 RM.
This would be really expensive today I think....! And even those days it was a quite expensive lens...
Maybe my luck, as with thisplasmat lens the camera would have gone well over 300 euros and I would have quit the auction...
Anyway, the camera gets back to plasmats with the adaption of my two Schneider Symmars...
Btw. I have been in Görlitz today, working, and shooting some 35mm photos of the snowy town. (and bringing a Biometar 80/Praktina for CLA to the best specialist for old GDR lenses in the world...)
Sean Mac
2-Mar-2016, 05:16
From the 1939 Linhof Prospekt..
http://i.imgur.com/0SGd6vx.jpg (http://imgur.com/0SGd6vx)
http://i.imgur.com/qO3qcDc.jpg (http://imgur.com/qO3qcDc)
I hope this is someway useful :)
Yes thank you. I learned some new german words for the camera parts...
jbenedict
2-Mar-2016, 09:31
I have one that is somewhat like this. It doesn't have the back movements and I'm not sure it has swings in the front. It does have rise and shift. It was missing its back when I got it so I fastened a B&J 5x7 spring back on it and called it good. It is in pretty poor shape but I have it put together and light-tight so I can use it. When open and on the tripod, it is pretty solid. I use a 203/7.7 Ektar with it and I like how the shots come out.
I have one that is somewhat like this. It doesn't have the back movements and I'm not sure it has swings in the front. It does have rise and shift. It was missing its back when I got it so I fastened a B&J 5x7 spring back on it and called it good. It is in pretty poor shape but I have it put together and light-tight so I can use it. When open and on the tripod, it is pretty solid. I use a 203/7.7 Ektar with it and I like how the shots come out.
So without baxk movements it is a "Linhof Standard". As a 5x7 back fits in size, it should be a 13x18cm model (or a 12x16,5, the only differed in the backs)
Should be 21cm x 21cm x 7 cm Body, weight with back 2100g. Bellow Extension 54cm... It should have not front swing... Good that it is usable, have fun with it!
Do you have the Serial number for better dating the camera...
jbenedict
2-Mar-2016, 14:34
So without baxk movements it is a "Linhof Standard". As a 5x7 back fits in size, it should be a 13x18cm model (or a 12x16,5, the only differed in the backs)
Should be 21cm x 21cm x 7 cm Body, weight with back 2100g. Bellow Extension 54cm... It should have not front swing... Good that it is usable, have fun with it!
Do you have the Serial number for better dating the camera...
The only number I can find on the camera is 7879. It is on the front of the front door on the focus rack right underneath where the clip used to hold the front in when folded. I've had it for a few years and I can't remember if I ever asked about the age. Bob Salomon has the "Big List" of Linhof numbers but I don't know when his list begins.
I'd like to have a lens with 5.6, 4.5 or 3.5 maximum stop. The 7.7 throws a dim image on a plain ground glass. I have a Wollensak Velostigmat 8 1/2"/4.5 in Betax somewhere but can't find it. Good excuse to clean things out.
Having a rotating back is a plus. I choose the portrait composition frequently and it's fast to move it from landscape.
with this size you could use a 4.5/210 tessar type (Tessar, Xenar) which was a typical lens for this camera these days.
O, what I can recommend, but will not fit inside when folded, ist a Schneider Symmar(-s) 5.6/210 from the 50ies to the 80ies. A nice Plasmat with good angle of 70 degrees, and not very expensive and frequently sold at least here in Germany.
I think Impaid below 150 for even the MC veraion in a working compur...
This will be my standard lens for my 10x15 as soon I have a lens plate for it. Sould cover all the movemnets of my camera, has 300mm coverage at infinity...
7879 sholud be the serial. The number is usually embossed under the rails at the inside of the front plate.
Was does the linhof logo of your cam look like?
Maybe you ahve a photo of your cam to post here, for curiosity and identification...
Bob solomons list starts later, 1946, as the linhof factory data before 1945 was lost during the war...
Maybe 1935 is a first guess for the age of your camera...
Does it have the logo shown in Sean Macs old catalogue?
jbenedict
2-Mar-2016, 22:07
I'll have to look it over tomorrow. I don't have any cams for rangefinders I'll try to get a picture of the logo underneath the focus rack.
there is now a 30** serial on sale in US.. it is a 13x18 with a Schneider Xenar that is dates to Mid 1942 bit with the changing plates the probability faor a change in the last 70 years is highly probable...
I still have no hint if the four digit 3xxx numbers really show an old camera, or maybe dependent to the size..
This camera again hat the two silver snaps for the board...Again unsure if this feature is size dependant...
Well, my Technika 10x15 is now ready for takeoff.... Linhof plate holders 10x15 plus film inserts 9x12/10x15 optional are here!
Plus a lens plate Compur 1 for mounting the Schneider Symmar-S 5,6/210 MC as modern Standard lens..
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1544/25580006931_c1a205e3a4_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/EYqdSg)Linhof Technika (1936) 10x15 (https://flic.kr/p/EYqdSg) by xipho68 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/xipho68/), auf Flickr
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1478/25580002881_354df0cf17_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/EYqcEr)Linhof Technika (1936) 10x15 (https://flic.kr/p/EYqcEr) by xipho68 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/xipho68/), auf Flickr
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1584/25672679495_d881095ec3_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/F7Bcc6)Linhof Technika (1936) 10x15 (https://flic.kr/p/F7Bcc6) by xipho68 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/xipho68/), auf Flickr 210 Symmar at infinity
metalsmith
10-Mar-2016, 20:01
My 5x7 Technica is serial number 3011. possibly pre war- don't no for sure.
Bob Salomon
11-Mar-2016, 07:12
My 5x7 Technica is serial number 3011. possibly pre war- don't no for sure.
It's a 1946 Technika III. One of the first ones.
the Technika I/II series was only made in metric film sizes.... 6.5x9 to 13x18...
and it has a completely different construction of the back/ ground glass And the lens stand is not black painted any more...
Also the IiI should have the modern "bavarian" Linhof logo, not the lens shaped type (dublett with Linhof / München wriiten in).
But there are 4-digita serial numbers prewar, also
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1640/25109803403_03e01355de_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/EfSiJT)Grafenrheinfeld old nuclear power plant (https://flic.kr/p/EfSiJT) by xipho68 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/xipho68/), auf Flickr Symmar-S 210, f32, Scheimpflug
Camera is working well... One very old film Magazine had Little light leak, but the other magazines are quite in good shape.
Changing from matte screen to film is very comfortable.
barnacle
13-Mar-2016, 01:54
Nice shot, Xipho - but aren't you supposed to be on the *other* side of that fence?
Neil
Nice shot, Xipho - but aren't you supposed to be on the *other* side of that fence?
Neil
I prefer outside the fence...
I have the linhof book now (from the factory) but the question I/II is still not solved... I have written an email to Linhof and hope to get an answer how to distinguish I/II.
Bob Salomon
13-Mar-2016, 08:44
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1640/25109803403_03e01355de_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/EfSiJT)Grafenrheinfeld old nuclear power plant (https://flic.kr/p/EfSiJT) by xipho68 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/xipho68/), auf Flickr Symmar-S 210, f32, Scheimpflug
Camera is working well... One very old film Magazine had Little light leak, but the other magazines are quite in good shape.
Changing from matte screen to film is very comfortable.
It is nice that the old camera is working but shouldn't you then be using a lens and shutter from the same era?
metalsmith
13-Mar-2016, 08:52
Thank you Bob, I am going to have to study a bit to learn the differences.
It is nice that the old camera is working but shouldn't you then be using a lens and shutter from the same era?
The cameras was not delivered with ist original lens (Meyer Satz Plasmat 17.3)...
I dont have old lenses for this format that would allow scheimpflug...
As it is my newest and only GF camera, why should I not use alle suitable lensens... Btw I have no other perfect camera for the symmar, it is a bit long for the baby technika and it is difficult to mount as the rear element does not fit through the lens plate hole...
Can only mount it by removing the rear lens an screwing it in afterwards through the back of the camera... endangeres the bellows...
Have bought it for the Baby Technika III, but now it fits better with the 10x15
Today I could not get a Technika II 13x18 with Satz Plasmat 22.3... on ebay, also last week I did not get a Plasmat 17.3.... Still working on it.
I also have to CLA the shutter (1920s) of the Tessar 180 first....
A question to experieced LF users...
With suxh a technika, what would your practical aperture setting (for a flat all infinity subject...)
There is diffraction at small apertures (but would that be relevant for a 30x40 print), and there is the question if "wide open" (5.6-11) there could be issues with the fit of the old plate/film magzines and with the film flatness in the holder itself...
I read the calculation article here, but I wolud like to get some hints from the 4x5 guys, what is a reasonable aperture for the Syymar S 5.6/210 for example. Theoretically the lens should perform best at 11?, but if shutter speed is no problem, would you go for 16/22/32? for safety reasons? Yust a practical advice to get started into LF without to many side problems... Thanks.
Tin Can
15-Mar-2016, 02:05
Valid questions. Depends. 30X40 confuses as without a 'metric' specified you may be discussing very different print sizes by factor of 2.54.
A question to experieced LF users...
With suxh a technika, what would your practical aperture setting (for a flat all infinity subject...)
There is diffraction at small apertures (but would that be relevant for a 30x40 print), and there is the question if "wide open" (5.6-11) there could be issues with the fit of the old plate/film magzines and with the film flatness in the holder itself...
I read the calculation article here, but I wolud like to get some hints from the 4x5 guys, what is a reasonable aperture for the Syymar S 5.6/210 for example. Theoretically the lens should perform best at 11?, but if shutter speed is no problem, would you go for 16/22/32? for safety reasons? Yust a practical advice to get started into LF without to many side problems... Thanks.
LF lenses are usually optimised for f22. This is more noticeable with Tessar & Tessar type lenses where edge and corner sharpness can be softer at wider apertures and only become sharp by about f16 and really are at their best at f22. I use these lenses quite a lot. I almost always use my Symmars, Sronars, Angulons (inc Super) at f22 someimes f32,
Before WWII most images in Europe from 9x12 cameras were rarely enlarged that much, I'm assuming by 30x40 your mean cm so around 12"x16", most were enlarged no more than 10"x8", that's from exhibitions of contemporary prints I've seen.
Ian
sorry for the 30x40, but in germany we are so metric that we even cant assume that it can be understood different than 30x40 cm... We have no feeling for inches and need a calculator for them...
Thanks Ian for the practical tipp, as a lifelong f1.4-8 FF shooter you have to adjust that double digit apertures are not to be avoided...
sorry for the 30x40, but in germany we are so metric that we even cant assume that it can be understood different than 30x40 cm... We have no feeling for inches and need a calculator for them...
Thanks Ian for the practical tipp, as a lifelong f1.4-8 FF shooter you have to adjust that double digit apertures are not to be avoided...
Probably one of the reasons pre-WWII 9x12 negatives (in Europe) were rarely blown up past 10x8 was the emulsions were quite slow and photographers were using lenses at wider apertures except perhaps for landscapes, I'm thinking of photographers like Brassai (Paris by Night), Kertesz, etc. There's some short sequences depicting Brassai shooting with a 9x12 (and flash) in the film Henry and June.
The other factor is the effects of un-coated lenses and films/plates being exposed and developed to much higher contrasts than we use today to help counteract the flare. This will be across the formats.
Ian
noface0711
17-Mar-2016, 07:16
I have one that is somewhat like this. It doesn't have the back movements and I'm not sure it has swings in the front. It does have rise and shift. It was missing its back when I got it so I fastened a B&J 5x7 spring back on it and called it good. It is in pretty poor shape but I have it put together and light-tight so I can use it. When open and on the tripod, it is pretty solid. I use a 203/7.7 Ektar with it and I like how the shots come out.:confused:
I have one that is somewhat like this. It doesn't have the back movements and I'm not sure it has swings in the front. It does have rise and shift. It was missing its back when I got it so I fastened a B&J 5x7 spring back on it and called it good. It is in pretty poor shape but I have it put together and light-tight so I can use it. When open and on the tripod, it is pretty solid. I use a 203/7.7 Ektar with it and I like how the shots come out.:confused:
You have a Linhof Standard then, practically a Technika without the back movements an front swings.
Seems to be a 13x18 cm when a 5x7 inch back is fitting. there prpose was mor a press camera...
What serial Nr does it have and what logo design (the two lens design, a bit like Zeiss?
The early Linhof (Standard) was a continuation of the Perka Präzisions-Camerawerk models sold by Meyer and Porst as a Silar. Linhof took over the company when it ceased trading in around 1930. It was advertised and sold under a different name as well (pre-1930).
Ian
some Pictures that illustrate the differences between the Prewar I/II and the first postwar III (Mod 1) technikas
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1632/25588678220_4c2d168085_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/EZbExf)Comparison Technika II / III (https://flic.kr/p/EZbExf) by xipho68 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/xipho68/), auf Flickr
III left side!
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1549/25588660910_67e2bcf312_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/EZbzoN)Comparison Technika II / III (https://flic.kr/p/EZbzoN) by xipho68 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/xipho68/), auf Flickr
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1513/25889224035_2691d45738_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/FrK3kD)Drei Dickschiffe (https://flic.kr/p/FrK3kD) by xipho68 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/xipho68/), auf Flickr
the II also can have the Frame finder...
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1670/25794279011_7ab98de19a_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Fimqut)Linhof Technika II 10x15 (1936/37) (https://flic.kr/p/Fimqut) by xipho68 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/xipho68/), auf Flickr
Technika II 10x15
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1657/25260496263_917a04ca98_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/EubDtD)Linhof Technika III-Mod1 1949 (https://flic.kr/p/EubDtD) by xipho68 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/xipho68/), auf Flickr
Technika III Mod 1. Maybe a very late "crossover2 model, as it has the angeled rangefinder housing..???
"Version 1 of 1946 It introduced the pronounced "U" shaped front standard. RF housing is square with no flash bracket. Square Body design. Serial #'s 2021 to 2555, and 22556 to 23880.
•Version 2 of 1950 Flash bracket introduced on RF housing. RF housing now angled rather than squared design. Body still square. Serial #'s started 30001. "
from http://cameraquest.com/techs.htm
Shootar401
18-Mar-2016, 18:57
Here are pics of what I thought was a Technika II, but I was told it was an earlier model. Am I correct in thinking this is serial number 46? It's marked on the bed and the rail extension.
148482
148483
"46" stamped on the rear of the bed at the hinge area.
148484
"46" stamped on teh bottom of the 2nd (middle) rail extension
148485
Shootar401
18-Mar-2016, 19:09
more shots...
148486
148487
148488
"46" again stamped on the bottom of the front standard
148489
thanks for the pics... usually as far as I kniw the technikas have only one serial number., and the number is embossed and painted white....
Maybe it is no regular serial number, that could be really internal for some prototype...?
What is the film size of the camera?
thanks for the pics... usually as far as I konpw the technikas have only one serial number., and the number is embossed and painted white....
Maybe it is no regular serial number, that could be really internal for some prototype...?
What is the film size of the camera?
The back looks strange to me. is it turnable? How fo you put in the film cartridge. Usually you can fold the screen away without removing it completely...
Shootar401
18-Mar-2016, 22:00
It's a 9x12cm. I can slip regular single sheet 9x12 holders between the ground glass and frame like a modern Technika. It also comes off, I'm assuming so you can use a roll film back. There is also the standard hood which pops up. so you can view the GG.
The back has full movements and rotates like a modern Technika.
I found two things: the Linhof writing on the back is quite early and rare, as states the Linhof book. Later cameras have the double lens logo. Also your baseplate logo has München in strange double letters.
And, most striking, there is "D.R.P ang" and D.R.G.M. ang" on the back, not the usual D.R.P. and D.R.G.M (Deutsches Reichspatent / Deutsches Reich Gebrauchsmuster)
"ang" means "angemeldet". That means the patent is registered but not yet finalized by the Patentamt!
This is für me a strong sign for an early prototype! And the back is not the regular later design. Does it take the regular Film holders which also fit into a Technika III?
Do you have a Photo where the screen is folded away but not removed?
Did a lens come with this camera. And what focal lenght is imprinted on the infinity scale an the bed?
Shootar401
18-Mar-2016, 22:12
I'm at work and cannot take other photos, but I had this one on my computer from earlier. It's a little blurry
It has a 150mm scale, I didn't add or remove anything from the camera, it is all how it was when I bought it.
148498
148499
very interesting.
On close examination of my 10x15 I can now tell you that your "46" is not the Serial number, but an internal number.
Because my completely regular Serial cam has "29" embossed on the end of the base plate as yours (have overlooked it until now) an on the bottom of the lans stand. So this seeems to be In-factory Standard to get the right fitted parts together. The beabies were really handmade, the 1937 Katalog has some production photos that Show the craftmanship. It was no mass production...
So your camera has to have a Serial number elswehere or it has None, whicht would indicate a prototype that was not intended for sale...???
Maybe an american soldier took it from the factory in 1945 when the conquered munich. but that is speculation!!!!
the lens does not help us, as it a 1930 Tessar with 135mm, so not original to this camera.
Maybe the shutter, ist Serial number is on the side of the shutter below the aperture Lever...
What strikes me it that you can remove the Screen. Mine is fixed on the bottom Long side and you can clap it away but not remove..
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1517/25269302293_fc280412e2_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/EuXMcK)Linhof Technika II back (https://flic.kr/p/EuXMcK) by xipho68 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/xipho68/), auf Flickr
6 o´clock saturday morning here in Germany... Criminal Investigation before the first coffee btw.. :-)
Shootar401
21-Mar-2016, 19:51
I looked yet again at the camera for a good 30 mintutes. No serial number anywhere to be found.
Here is a closeup of the back. It removes so you can insert a sheet film, or roll film holder. You can also slide a sheet holder between the GG and frame like a modern camera.
148661
148662
148663
148664
Looks like the back of a "Standard" . maybe because it was a prototype camer or a later exchange by a owner?
strang that the camera has no serial, usually all Linhofs have one... was maybe not intended for sale...
Darren Kruger
22-Mar-2016, 14:01
I have what I think is a Linhof Standard 9x12cm. SN:13644 There are no back movements. Front movements include horizontal and vertical shift and you can tilt the top of the lens back. There are three positions for the bed, flat, dropped, and risen (to scheimflug a ceiling?). The ground glass holder is yet another variation; it has a hood but no hinge and needs to be removed from the camera to be able to put in a film holder. The I do not have any original film or plate holders for it. I do have 3 Agfa plate holders that are close but are a little offset in image forming area. The camera has a square Kalart range finder. The back says "Made in Germany". It came with a Jos Schneider & Co Kreuznach Xenar 15cm f3.5 D.R.P.a. in a Compur. The lens SN is 284345 and the shutter SN is 672048. I haven't seen it mentioned in the other cameras but the one I have does have a rotating back.
-Darren
nice Standard! the lens is not original, too old (1928/29)
Yes the standard has rotating back. otherwise the sqare body would not make sense...
i think the standard is ever rarer than the technika...
Thank you for camera and photos.. There are more of them still out there than you would believe...
Shootar401
22-Mar-2016, 17:44
Nevermind
noface0711
26-Mar-2016, 07:45
I'll have to look it over tomorrow. I don't have any cams for rangefinders I'll try to get a picture of the logo underneath the focus rack.
Shootar401
28-Mar-2016, 13:35
Anybody have a lead on 8x12 sheet holders? I only have 9x12 plate holders with a 2-1/4 x 3-1/4 insert.
I am still looking for Prewar Technika/Standard serial numbers and photos.
I am trying to bring those details together:
-Serial Number 4 digits (only know 3xxx) or 5 digits with No 1xxxx (know only five digits starting with "1")
-red or white spirit level?
-lens plate fixation one bar to push from the side or two clips to turn upwards?
-4 technika knobs to fix the back: full brass or with black leather on the side?
any contributions still appreciated!
160760
My newest Technika: A 9x12 technika II with original lens and shutter: Zeiss Jena Tessar 4,5/150 in Compur.
Camera has scales for the Tessar 150 and for a (not included) 90mm (should be the Angulon 90)
No 15407 one fixation bar (what do aou native sppeakers call this part of the camera?)
billtrevaskis
30-Nov-2017, 04:37
Adding to this very cool thread! Just got this Linhof (Perka/Silar/help identifying more specifically?) from my wife's grandfather's collection. I did some work on the lens shutter, which was a bit slow. Seems to be much more accurate, but I'm not expecting perfection. I'm new to large format, so this is a fun adventure for me!
172441
172442
172443
172444
Sean Mac
30-Nov-2017, 12:22
:)
It is interesting to see your camera has the same front standard as the Technika that Shootar401 posted.
Does it have the Linhof logo on the inside of the front panel?
billtrevaskis
30-Nov-2017, 13:54
I didn't see the Linhof logo on the inside, but haven't done too much investigating yet. Anywhere in particular I should be looking when I get home from my rehearsal tonight? Also looking for the serial number still...
billtrevaskis
1-Dec-2017, 04:33
Here's all I can see on the front panel inside.
172485
Paul Ron
8-Dec-2017, 10:36
the old bellows were made of leather, not leatherete.
i had an old linhof 4x5 and wanted information on how to care for the leather bellows but it seems no one there was willing to help other than telling me their bellows doesnt need any care they are made of leatherete but their old cameras had leather bellows. seemed as if i were talking to a machine. after repeating the same question a hundred time in every possable way i could phrase it and still getting the same answer, i gave up. customer service sux!
Bob Salomon
8-Dec-2017, 11:04
the old bellows were made of leather, not leatherete.
i had an old linhof 4x5 and wanted information on how to care for the leather bellows but it seems no one there was willing to help other than telling me their bellows doesnt need any care they are made of leatherete but their old cameras had leather bellows. seemed as if i were talking to a machine. after repeating the same question a hundred time in every possable way i could phrase it and still getting the same answer, i gave up. customer service sux!
Who were you asking? Sales/marketing or service?
Paul Ron
8-Dec-2017, 13:28
i asked everyone at linhof. they bounced me around the world... including answers in german from their factory technical department, a so called specialist in germany.
theyd keep telling me the same thing... "leatherette bellows doesnt need care... linhof stopped using leather many years ago."
so id repeat my request... "my camera has leather and id like to know what the manufactrer recomends."
i did that over n over and never got an answer.
i literally sent over a hundred correspondences with them.
Bob Salomon
8-Dec-2017, 14:09
i asked everyone at linhof. they bounced me around the world... including answers in german from their factory technical department, a so called specialist in germany.
theyd keep telling me the same thing... "leatherette bellows doesnt need care... linhof stopped using leather many years ago."
so id repeat my request... "my camera has leather and id like to know what the manufactrer recomends."
i did that over n over and never got an answer.
i literally sent over a hundred correspondences with them.
Did you ever ask the USA Linhof service center? The current one is Precision Camera in Niles, IL. The Linhof factory trained owner is Bob Watkins. He just might know.
You are asking about cameras made over 72 years ago and there is no one at the current factory who has worked on cameras that old from Linhof nor were they ever trained to work on them nor has the factory, for over 60 years, made parts for those old cameras.
Just to add to the pot, here's a couple of mine.
My first Linhof was what I came to believe is a Standard, but may well have been a Press, as it's pretty tough and has a no-nonsense front standard that would put up with the pushing and shoving in the Press Scrums of the day. I doubt if it had ever seen a life in the Press Corps though, as it came with an inventory label, reading "Bundesdenkmalamt, Inv Foto, No 3" , which I discovered was this place, so it's likely it had an easy life photographing exhibits or taking record shots from time to time. https://bda.gv.at/
The number is 15232. It had an almost new set of bellows, and the wrong lens (an S-K 15cm instead of a 135mm), so it was likely used as a view camera only, as the wire frame was missing.
It's a curious sort of beast, as I think it dates to 1946, but is, for all intents and purposes, a pre-war camera. Definitely the pre-war 9x12 body, indeed, it being that little bit smaller makes it nicer to use.
185048
185049
Next I acquired a Tech II, which I believe dates to 1936 or so, but I can't be certain because of the gap in the records. The serial number is 19098.
I've never shot with this one at all, as I'm in the process of sorting it out, and wondering if the bellows can be repaired for a couple of years or so.
It has the normal front standard that you'd expect on a Technika, but of course there's no swing. Some clot of a previous owner has stripped the teeth from the lower part of the riser geared track, but it's not insurmountable. Everything else works fine.
It came without a lens, but is scaled for a 15cm, so I might fit the S-K 15cm from the other one. Annoyingly, Linhof changed the lensboard sizes between the two, but I've no intention of doing any lens-swapping on these cams once I get them set up with their own standard lenses they'll stay like that.
185050
185051
80-ish years on from the day it was made, it still feels solid and accurate (but feel might be deceiving) and I'm looking forward to using it.
I've got plenty of 9x12 film and the metal single-sided holders (those too, are much better made than the majority of other holders I've got), so I'll buy some more in from Fomafoto and get shooting with them.
Luckily, I also have a pair of Rada rollfilm backs which work well. No bells or whistles to go wrong, you just wind it on and watch for the numbers.
analoged
27-May-2020, 11:49
Awaiting this Linhof Standard, this will be my first adventure into LF. Its going to need some TLC to get it up and running, but for $96 winning bid I'm not complaining. Anyway my question is to do with film holders, what do you all recommend? Hope to contribute more here in the future!
204169
204170
204171
Tin Can
13-Jun-2020, 14:08
now I see, you started 2 threads
this old man forgot this one
analoged
13-Jun-2020, 17:06
Well thought this would be the place to put it but didn't get any responses, but thanks!
Embdude
28-Jun-2020, 21:14
Hello,
I am doing the research for the pre-war Linhof cameras. This means Technika I (34?) and II as well as the Linhof Standard (without the Technika back movements)
The Technika was invented and patented by Nikolaus Karpf in 1934.
Unfortunately all the Linhof company documents were lost in WWII, so it is difficult to gain some information.
I would like to invite all pre-1946 Linhof owners, to post here (part of) the serial number and some photos od the camera details.
I will soon get a Technika 9x12 (I oder II, dont know yet, Ser 19xxx) and will then share some pictures here.
Does anyone know how to distinguish Technika I from II, I did not find anything until now.?
Maybe someone has a old linhof in his shelf and can help.
Thank you very much in advance!!
Were you ever able to come up with any more definitive information about the Pre 1945 cameras?
The Pre-1945 Technikas are difficult for me to find out much info on.
Valentin Linhof was a talented inventor who came up with various shutters from 1887 and was making the Linhof all metal camera by 1910. Linhof made folding cameras from as small as 6x45 to 10x15.
In the 20-30's Perka and Silar were also making the same cameras as Linhof in Munich. Whether partners or used for outsourcing or due to mergers is unclear to me.
By 1930 Nikolaus Karpf was at work at Linhof inventing the articulating back and the Technika was born from this invention.
Proto-Technika / Ur-Technika 1934
was it two cameras or one with two names... and was it a prototype only?
Standard 1936-
without articulating back
Technika 1936-
The first Technika that I have seen marketing material for
Technika II ??? The most mysterious of all to me...
The Technika II is not mentioned in any literature of its period of 1940's Germany but it is often referenced in later Linhof materials.
The differences seem to be in the different size lensboard as reported here on an earlier message and the hardware on the swing back locks appears to have changed over the 1936-1945 period.
I have found reference to Linhof of Munich tasked with making munitions during the war so it is curious if they were able to maintain camera making as well at this time...
One thing that seems to have evolved over the 1936-1946 period is the Linhof label/logo... initially engraved at the head of the bed at the latch it evolved into an early style script in the bed followed by the Linhof Munchen football shape that carried into the Model III's of 1946...
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Tin Can
29-Jun-2020, 05:45
I imagine WWII Linhof was top secret
perhaps even when confiscated after VE
Bob Salomon
29-Jun-2020, 08:11
I imagine WWII Linhof was top secret
perhaps even when confiscated after VE
They were bombed to the ground just before the war ended.
The factory had been built on Rudolph Meyer Strasse to resemble a farm house. It took the allies some time to discover it.
The front entrance still resembles a farmhouse.
Tin Can
29-Jun-2020, 08:28
They made cameras for years before that
They were bombed to the ground just before the war ended.
The factory had been built on Rudolph Meyer Strasse to resemble a farm house. It took the allies some time to discover it.
The front entrance still resembles a farmhouse.
Bob Salomon
29-Jun-2020, 10:13
They made cameras for years before that
Of course they did. Originally just shutters, then cameras and tripods. But all of my records are post war and these are the records the factory had. Records from before and during the war were destroyed.
Visiting the factory there is a back stairwell where they have pictures of the exterior of the factory from before and during the war. Towards the end of the display is a picture of the bombed out factory followed with a picture of the rebuilt factory.
It was a very strange feeling viewing these with the former export manager knowing that our army Air Force were the ones that bombed them!
Bessa72
28-Oct-2020, 01:40
Adding to this very cool thread! Just got this Linhof (Perka/Silar/help identifying more specifically?) from my wife's grandfather's collection. I did some work on the lens shutter, which was a bit slow. Seems to be much more accurate, but I'm not expecting perfection. I'm new to large format, so this is a fun adventure for me!
172441
172442
172443
172444
nice one, I had a Perka ' Präzisionskamera München ', the Perka and the Silar looked very much like the Linhofs, as they both were manufactured at the same factory then.
http://camera-wiki.org/wiki/Perka
http://camera-wiki.org/wiki/Silar
I didn't have a Silar but a Perka, it had a square aluminium body with turnable back ( horizontal to vertical) , triple extension rails, front has horizontal/ vertical shift and also backwards. Drop bed.
Focussing knob on the right like yours. standard ( vintage) film sheet holders from Linhof ( 'millionenfalz', flat sides ) do fit.
Embdude
27-Nov-2020, 20:50
With in large part the help of this thread and other sources these are the notes I have about the Perka camera company. If anyone can add to the info or correct me please do.
Perka
(1922 – 1931)
Perka Precision Camerawerk Munich, likely began as an independent camera company around 1922 and had become a part of Linhof Munich when they were last made about 1931.
It seems the Linhof brand still-picture cameras disappear around WWI and Perka arrives following the war about 1922.
Linhof made a couple of movie cameras in the 1920’s the 17.5mm (split 35mm film) Linhof COCO from 1921 and the 35mm Linhof AMATA from 1925.
Linhof branded still-picture camera advertisements reappear in the late 1920’s. The same time Perka is supplying cameras to German retail giant Porst who sells them under the Silar house brand with with the high quality and expensive Triple-Convertable Meyer-Plasmat lens.
Perka also supplied cameras to the Optical Werk Dr. Staeble. Just like the Porst arrangement Perka is supplying the Staeble Unoplast branded camera for Dr. Staeble to sell their own lenses on it.
According to the Linhof 50th anniversary catalog of 1937 the Perka name was retired in 1933, shortly after Nikolaus Karpf began running the company. It is not uncommon to see cameras with both Perka and Linhof names stamped in the leather or engraved in the metal.
Fun Fact: The original Linhof ''Technika,, prototype was made from a Perka body.
John Layton
29-Nov-2020, 07:25
I spent a week with the Linhof "team" at their factory back in 2003 while they were considering my then-latest (L-1) camera design. Such a great bunch of folks...lots of lively discussions, great energy and camraderie. While my camera ultimately did not make sense for them to pursue as its "DNA" was/is so very different from theirs (same thing happened with Sinar in 2011 with the L-45A) - I still had a wonderful time. Most impressive were the old, extremely hefty, and very precise machines on the factory floor, as well as the rows of freshly made parts and assemblies.
Interesting note: I do have what I believe is a pre-WWII 5x7 Linhof Technika (a yard-sale find from years back), and ended up cannibalizing this (keeping track of everything of course in case I ever want to reassemble it!). At any rate...this old camera's focussing bed has become the focussing mechanism on my DIY horizontal enlarger, while I've grafted the rotating back and bellows onto my (latest) L-45A to make it a 5x7!
Bessa72
30-Nov-2020, 04:35
With in large part the help of this thread and other sources these are the notes I have about the Perka camera company. If anyone can add to the info or correct me please do.
Perka
(1922 – 1931)
Perka Precision Camerawerk Munich, likely began as an independent camera company around 1922 and had become a part of Linhof Munich when they were last made about 1931.
It seems the Linhof brand still-picture cameras disappear around WWI and Perka arrives following the war about 1922.
Linhof made a couple of movie cameras in the 1920’s the 17.5mm (split 35mm film) Linhof COCO from 1921 and the 35mm Linhof AMATA from 1925.
Linhof branded still-picture camera advertisements reappear in the late 1920’s. The same time Perka is supplying cameras to German retail giant Porst who sells them under the Silar house brand with with the high quality and expensive Triple-Convertable Meyer-Plasmat lens.
Perka also supplied cameras to the Optical Werk Dr. Staeble. Just like the Porst arrangement Perka is supplying the Staeble Unoplast branded camera for Dr. Staeble to sell their own lenses on it.
According to the Linhof 50th anniversary catalog of 1937 the Perka name was retired in 1933, shortly after Nikolaus Karpf began running the company. It is not uncommon to see cameras with both Perka and Linhof names stamped in the leather or engraved in the metal.
Fun Fact: The original Linhof ''Technika,, prototype was made from a Perka body.
these are nice infos on the Perka, great.
I now have a nice little 6x9 prewar, pre-Technika Präzisionskamera on my workbench for restauration , it's brass label reads 'Linhof Linhof-Camera-Werk München'.
I guess its made before 1920, bellows still lighttight, mechanics still working great after over 100 years-
210020
Additionally the is a series of identical precision cameras sold under the then well known brand ' Schaja', maybe this is related to the big photohouse ' Porst', too. Schaja was known for its big camera related photo catalogues then, you can still find some of the Schaja catalogues on ebay.
Embdude
30-Nov-2020, 23:20
I spent a week with the Linhof "team" at their factory back in 2003 while they were considering my then-latest (L-1) camera design. Such a great bunch of folks...lots of lively discussions, great energy and camraderie. While my camera ultimately did not make sense for them to pursue as its "DNA" was/is so very different from theirs (same thing happened with Sinar in 2011 with the L-45A) - I still had a wonderful time. Most impressive were the old, extremely hefty, and very precise machines on the factory floor, as well as the rows of freshly made parts and assemblies.
Interesting note: I do have what I believe is a pre-WWII 5x7 Linhof Technika (a yard-sale find from years back), and ended up cannibalizing this (keeping track of everything of course in case I ever want to reassemble it!). At any rate...this old camera's focussing bed has become the focussing mechanism on my DIY horizontal enlarger, while I've grafted the rotating back and bellows onto my (latest) L-45A to make it a 5x7!
Wow! That must have been amazing! I hope to visit some day.
Embdude
30-Nov-2020, 23:22
these are nice infos on the Perka, great.
I now have a nice little 6x9 prewar, pre-Technika Präzisionskamera on my workbench for restauration , it's brass label reads 'Linhof Linhof-Camera-Werk München'.
I guess its made before 1920, bellows still lighttight, mechanics still working great after over 100 years-
210020
Additionally the is a series of identical precision cameras sold under the then well known brand ' Schaja', maybe this is related to the big photohouse ' Porst', too. Schaja was known for its big camera related photo catalogues then, you can still find some of the Schaja catalogues on ebay.
I will look into the Schaja brand. Your Linhof looks very much like those from adverts about 1928
210048
Here are my current notes on the Linhof and Linhof type cameras from 1900 to 1949. As always feel free to voice corrections as it is a work in progress. (camera maker is in the parentheses)
These companies were active between world war I & II:
Linhof Precision Camera Werk
(1887 to Present in Munich, Germany)
The original 1900’s Linhof Precision Cameras are very special. An intricate wonder they are all metal with polished aluminum and knurled chromed-brass fittings in a rather ornate Art Nouveau style.
By the Linhof Catalog of 1911 we see a more streamlined early Art Deco styling with less ornate features. The aluminum parts are now painted black, the rest in chrome, giving a stark look. Linhof’s are available in Tall (Hoch), Square( Quer) with rotating back, and Stereo shapes in a full range of sizes. 6x4.5, 6x9, 9x12, 10x15, 13x18, a 6x9 Rollfilm & a “Special” 6x13 Stereo camera.
Little is now known about the Linhof Precision Cameras Werk of the WWI time period until the mid 1920’s. Linhof however did produce 2 motion picture cameras during the first half of the 1920s. Apparently gone since 1913, Linhof branded camera advertisements reappear in the late 1920’s.
Perka Precision Camera Werk (Acquired by Linhof)
(1922 – 1931 Munich, Germany)
Perka Precision Camerawerk Munich, likely began as an independent camera company around 1922 and had become a part of Linhof Munich when they were last made about 1931. It seems the Linhof brand still-picture cameras disappear around WWI and Perka arrives following the war about 1922. Linhof made a couple of movie cameras in the 1920’s the 17.5mm (split 35mm film) Linhof COCO from 1921 and the 35mm Linhof AMATA from 1925. Linhof branded still-picture camera advertisements reappear in the late 1920’s. The same time Perka is supplying cameras to German retail giant Porst who sells them under the Silar house brand with with the high quality and expensive Triple-Convertable Meyer-Plasmat lens. Perka also supplied cameras to the Optical Werk Dr. Staeble. Just like the Porst arrangement Perka is supplying the Staeble Unoplast branded camera for Dr. Staeble to sell their own lenses on it. According to the Linhof 50th anniversary catalog of 1937 the Perka name was retired in 1933, shortly after Nikolaus Karpf began running the company. It is not uncommon to see cameras with both Perka and Linhof names stamped in the leather or engraved in the metal.
Fun Fact: The original Linhof ''Technika,, prototype was made from a Perka body.
Optisches Werk Dr.Staeble (Perka & later Linhof)
(1908-1944 Munich, Germany)
Perka also supplied cameras to the Optical Werk Dr.Staeble in the 1920s. Just like the Porst arrangement Perka is supplying the Staeble Unoplast branded camera for Dr. Staeble to sell their own lenses on it.
Silar (Perka & later Linhof)
(1924 to 1936)
Porst House brand camera made by Silar, and later Linhof. German retail giant Porst (German equilivant of Sears in the USA) special ordered them directly from the Perka, and later Linhof factory. This house branding was done to avoid German price controls on brand name cameras. Porst cameras sometimes had special finishes, lenses, and accessories not available on the brand name cameras. Linhof’s used Steinheil, Schneider, and Zeiss while Siliar’s were sold with the high quality and expensive Triple-Convertable Meyer-Plasmat lens. This made the camera capable of covering 3 focal lengths with a single lens. First showing up in the 1924 PORST Photokatalog Silar’s are gone by the late 1930’s.
Models: in 4,5×6, 6,5×9, 9×12, 10×15, 13×18
Meyer Plasmat were sold with the Universal Silar camera, and it was sometimes listed as the Meyer Plasmat camera.
PHOTO - SCHAJA (Perka)
(Adolf Jacobs) in Munich (München, Germany)
Photographic warehouse, second-hand camera shop, and publisher of photographic periodicals and manuals.(warehouse still exists today -owned by Margarete Grafe).
Perka Based 9x12 camera with Hugo Meyer Plasmatlinse
Feinak Präzisions-Kamera (Perka)
(1922-1925) Munchen
9x12 Early Perka type
Soho Ltd. SOHO (Linhof)
(London, England 1929-1947)
Soho Ltd made both professional, large-format cameras and popular cameras.
Soho Precision 6x9(triple-extension view camera) a re-badged Linhof.
E. Krauss (Linhof)
(Sold in France & Manufactured in Germany from 1909 to 1936.)
Actis camera: The 1922 Krauss catalog presents four models : in height, square , stereo in width and stereo square , available for the formats: 6.5 x 9; 8 x 10.5; 9 x 12; 10 x 15; 12 x 16.5 and 13 x 18. This gives a collection of 18 variations .
Korsitzky Brothers (Looks Linhof)
Vienna, Austria
6.5x9 folding camera with Tessar 4.5 / 12cm
PRÄCITA (Original)
Factory of photographic apparatus and lenses Ges.mbH,
(1923)
PRÄCITA 9x12cm Tall Hoch Balgenkamera mit W. KENNGOTT Triplet 135mm f/4,5. Original all metal triple extension camera, competitor to Linhof and Perka.
These companies were active following WWII:
MEOPTA Optical Factory (Linhof Technika Inspired Camera)
(1946-1949)
State enterprise in Czechoslovakia (division in Brno),
Manufacturer of optical instruments, enlargers and cameras
the company OPTIKOTECHNA Gesellschaft m.b. H in Prerau (Prerov, Czechoslovakia). The Optikotechna Optical Works was established in 1933 by eng. Alois Benes and Professor of physics Dr. Alois Mazurek in Prerov to manufacture darkroom equipment (enlargers and lenses), and (later) optical devices for military purposes. It was seized in 1939 by German occupying authorities and forced to work for the German army until the end of the WW II (1945). After liberation the company was nationalized and renamed to MEOPTA (1946).
(Technika copy) Meopta MAGNOLA 13x18 with Boyer Sapphire Lens
Meridian (Linhof Technika Inspired Camera)
(1947-1949 New York, USA)
American designed copy of the Linhof Technika
Meridian 45A & 45B models
M.P.P. Micro Precision Products Ltd (Linhof Technika Inspired Camera)
(England 1941to1982)
British optical company produced cameras and related equipment.
Micro Technical Camera, in 1948.[6] This camera, for 4×5 in. sheet film, was far in advance of any other camera produced in Britain.[7] Mark II followed in 1949; Mark III in 1951; Mark VI, Mark VII and Mark VIII in 1952, 1956, and 1963. (Mark IV and Mark V were not sold.)
jmpetzval
9-Feb-2021, 10:40
Hello,
please help me with two serial numbers? Both Linhof 13x18, it would be good if the exact type and year of manufacture could be determined from the numbers.
No. 17963
No. 21161
Thank you very much.
Embdude
11-Feb-2021, 01:41
I have not seen the article myself but this is what it says:
Modern Photography, Dec. 1965
Linhof Technika II 13,001 to 19,000
Embdude
20-Jul-2021, 12:01
Great News! Richard Shimonkevitz has just published a new book - Linhof the Early Cameras - specifically covering the pre-war Linhof cameras. 170 pages jam packed with all the amazing details of these early Linhof cameras. Undertaken as a labor of love it was researched and written to fill the gap in knowledge of the early years- not only has he filled the gap, he has built a 6 lane highway!
217737
Embdude
20-Jul-2021, 12:12
Great News! Richard Shimonkevitz has just published a new book - Linhof the Early Cameras - specifically covering the pre-war Linhof cameras. 170 pages jam packed with all the amazing details of these early Linhof cameras. Undertaken as a labor of love it was researched and written to fill the gap in knowledge of the early years- not only has he filled the gap, he has built a 6 lane highway!
Richard Shimonkevitz is an American living in Colorado and the book is written in English. It is approx. the same dimensions as The Linhof Camera Story book and I think the print run was around 50-100 copies. I very highly recommend it to anyone interested in the history of Linhof. 217734 217735 217736
Mark Sampson
20-Jul-2021, 12:35
It's a great thing to have this history documented. I hope that the author has registered his book with the Library of Congress, and has sent them a copy. If there were only 100 copies printed, that's the only way to achieve archival (ha) permanence.
I'd also hope that he's donated a copy to the George Eastman Museum; it would be a valuable addition to their library/collection.
Ron (Netherlands)
29-Jul-2021, 11:59
Great news indeed; hope the OP whom I know as an avid collector and user of the pre-war Linhofs, knows about this.....
Rod Klukas
29-Jul-2021, 16:41
The 150mm Symmar-S has a 210mm image circle. The 10x15 film requires 183mm to cover film/plate.
So that one will work.
David Lindquist
30-Jul-2021, 15:23
Great News! Richard Shimonkevitz has just published a new book - Linhof the Early Cameras - specifically covering the pre-war Linhof cameras. 170 pages jam packed with all the amazing details of these early Linhof cameras. Undertaken as a labor of love it was researched and written to fill the gap in knowledge of the early years- not only has he filled the gap, he has built a 6 lane highway!
217737
Thank you for making me aware of this. My copy just arrived today. I ordered it from Lindemanns in Germany; they seemed to be the only source google turned up for me. First impression is it's a beautiful book done with the rigor one would expect from someone who did biomedical research.
David
David Lindquist
30-Jul-2021, 15:26
It's a great thing to have this history documented. I hope that the author has registered his book with the Library of Congress, and has sent them a copy. If there were only 100 copies printed, that's the only way to achieve archival (ha) permanence.
I'd also hope that he's donated a copy to the George Eastman Museum; it would be a valuable addition to their library/collection.
Book shows "Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data" including ISBN 978-0-578-50108-6.
David
DevNull
11-Aug-2021, 18:23
I was just given a pre-war Linhof (according to Bob Salomon) in a box of old cameras. S/N 19507 . I'll post photos when I have time.
MauroScacco
16-Sep-2021, 09:44
Mine old light Linhof 9x12 - very fine Camera Werk, lens 478213 , the serial is 3928 - Rick Shimonkevitz on FB describes it as Linhof Querformat camera (1920)
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51484526285_f8bc797b1b_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2mrvDYi)12 (https://flic.kr/p/2mrvDYi) by Mauro Scacco (https://www.flickr.com/photos/mauroscaccophotography/), su Flickr
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51483601991_8af1effe87_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2mrqVdc)11 (https://flic.kr/p/2mrqVdc) by Mauro Scacco (https://www.flickr.com/photos/mauroscaccophotography/), su Flickr
Mark Sampson
16-Sep-2021, 15:27
Beautiful and rare!
so I will put my 2 cents to this thread. I recently bought what seems to be a late pre-II Linhof Standard with 3 lenses, most probably from 1936. serial number is 13171.
220253
I made a little page for it https://www.oddcameras.com/linhof_standard.htm
MauroScacco
11-Oct-2021, 10:30
so I will put my 2 cents to this thread. I recently bought what seems to be a late pre-II Linhof Standard with 3 lenses, most probably from 1936. serial number is 13171.
220253
I made a little page for it https://www.oddcameras.com/linhof_standard.htm
Fine, very complete, light and useful :-)
russyoung
22-Mar-2022, 15:17
I'm late for the party again, sorry.
Here's my little Linhof Standard, or at least that's what I think it is. Note that the focusing scale is in feet.
Informed replies are appreciated.
225880225881225882
coisasdavida
16-Jun-2022, 11:34
Here is my Linhof 13x18cm that a purchased recently.
I've told it is a Standard, but after reading this thread, it seems I have a Technika II, since it has the 4 knobs to give back movements. Is this right?
Serial is 21308
Stamped 44 on multiple parts, assuming it is 1944.
I purchased to be used, after these photos were taken I modified to fit modern holders.
228199
228200
228201
228202
Here are my current notes on the Linhof and Linhof type cameras from 1900 to 1949. As always feel free to voice corrections as it is a work in progress. (camera maker is in the parentheses)
....
E. Krauss (Linhof)
(Sold in France & Manufactured in Germany from 1909 to 1936.)
Actis camera: The 1922 Krauss catalog presents four models : in height, square , stereo in width and stereo square , available for the formats: 6.5 x 9; 8 x 10.5; 9 x 12; 10 x 15; 12 x 16.5 and 13 x 18. This gives a collection of 18 variations .
Korsitzky Brothers (Looks Linhof)
Vienna, Austria
6.5x9 folding camera with Tessar 4.5 / 12cm
PRÄCITA (Original)
Factory of photographic apparatus and lenses Ges.mbH,
(1923)
PRÄCITA 9x12cm Tall Hoch Balgenkamera mit W. KENNGOTT Triplet 135mm f/4,5. Original all metal triple extension camera, competitor to Linhof and Perka.
These companies were active following WWII:
MEOPTA Optical Factory (Linhof Technika Inspired Camera)
(1946-1949)
State enterprise in Czechoslovakia (division in Brno),
Manufacturer of optical instruments, enlargers and cameras
the company OPTIKOTECHNA Gesellschaft m.b. H in Prerau (Prerov, Czechoslovakia). The Optikotechna Optical Works was established in 1933 by eng. Alois Benes and Professor of physics Dr. Alois Mazurek in Prerov to manufacture darkroom equipment (enlargers and lenses), and (later) optical devices for military purposes. It was seized in 1939 by German occupying authorities and forced to work for the German army until the end of the WW II (1945). After liberation the company was nationalized and renamed to MEOPTA (1946).
(Technika copy) Meopta MAGNOLA 13x18 with Boyer Sapphire Lens
Meridian (Linhof Technika Inspired Camera)
(1947-1949 New York, USA)
American designed copy of the Linhof Technika
Meridian 45A & 45B models
M.P.P. Micro Precision Products Ltd (Linhof Technika Inspired Camera)
(England 1941to1982)
British optical company produced cameras and related equipment.
Micro Technical Camera, in 1948.[6] This camera, for 4×5 in. sheet film, was far in advance of any other camera produced in Britain.[7] Mark II followed in 1949; Mark III in 1951; Mark VI, Mark VII and Mark VIII in 1952, 1956, and 1963. (Mark IV and Mark V were not sold.)
I dont think these cameras have a direct relation to Linhof, but the others above mentioned do have.
if you look closely and know technical differences you will recognize that I think.
It was a genuine engineering milestone to develop something like the front standard movements, latereal shift, swing, backward tilt , 360 degree rotational back, and a drop bed was unheard of in the 20s.
At that time lens developers didn't even produce lenses with image circle large enough for much movements.
Then with Nicolaus Karpf the first real Technika I with additional back movements.
Of course there are nicely made and progressive cameras like Voigtländer Bergheil, Ideal or the Juwel.
greets
I dont think these cameras have a direct relation to Linhof, but the others above mentioned do have.
if you look closely and know technical differences you will recognize that I think.
It was a genuine engineering milestone to develop something like the front standard movements, latereal shift, swing, backward tilt , 360 degree rotational back, and a drop bed was unheard of in the 20s.
At that time lens developers didn't even produce lenses with image circle large enough for much movements.
Then with Nicolaus Karpf the first real Technika I with additional back movements.
Of course there are nicely made and progressive cameras like Voigtländer Bergheil, Ideal or the Juwel.
greets
Yes I agree,
all independent except for E. Krauss Actis models which were re-branded Linhof cameras from Munich.
The more I learn about Linhof the more impressed I am about what they achieved.
The link between Linhof and Perka is not very strong. Other than the fact that Linhof seems to have ended up with the Perkas parts by the end of the 1930's it is not known how this came to be. Was Perka acquired by Linhof or did Linhof simply purchase the parts after Perka's demise...
Cheers
Here is my Linhof 13x18cm that a purchased recently.
I've told it is a Standard, but after reading this thread, it seems I have a Technika II, since it has the 4 knobs to give back movements. Is this right?
Serial is 21308
Stamped 44 on multiple parts, assuming it is 1944.
I purchased to be used, after these photos were taken I modified to fit modern holders.
228199
228200
228201
228202
Those 13x18's are great.
Yes the articulating back is what makes it a Technika model. It first showed up on the late model 34' and the Technika label appeared a couple of years later in 1936 and has stuck around.
The "Technika I" saw many incremental design and functional changes from 1936 until 1945. Mostly centered around design changes and improvements to the front standard.
Your particular style is a wartime model appearing as early as 1941 and continuing throughout WWII updates from earlier style include chrome lensboard locking clips added to the front standard and the sports finder is changed to a wire crosshair type.
The post war Technika II was a continuation of the wartime Technika cameras which could easily be identified by the 2 chrome lensboard clips at the top of the front standard. The post war Technika II cameras and wartime Technika cameras are the same except for one stylistic difference. The edge of the bed and the front edge of the body have a silver accent on the Technika II. It seems likely this style began just prior to the end of the war. Wartime Technika’s had black leather or paint along this edge.
The 13x18 Technika II continued to be made until 1950.
The post war 9x12 Technika II was very short lived, a year or less, and was quickly replaced by the new Technika III 9x12 in 1946.
The parts stamped 44 indicate a "batch" and should be consistent for all major parts of the camera. Although your camera may very likely date to 1944 these batch numbers do not generally have a correlation to the date.
I'm late for the party again, sorry.
Here's my little Linhof Standard, or at least that's what I think it is. Note that the focusing scale is in feet.
Informed replies are appreciated.
225880225881225882
Looks like a 6x9 size camera. I think this just predates the "Standard" designation.
The precision camera werk badge at the top of the bed was introduced in 1930 (changed to Linhof Munchen engraved into the bed in late 1934)
The focus wheel was larger and thinner prior to the 1933 cameras.
In 1933 this was marketed as the "Linhof Precision Camera"
In 1934 it became the "Prazisions-Kamera Modell 34"
Later in 1934 the articulating back (the "Technika" back - except they came up with the Technika name in 1936) was added to the Modell 34 and the version without this became the "Standard" model.
So that means your camera dates from 1933-1934 and is either a Precision Camera, a early Modell 34, or possibly a Standard if they were made with the Kamera Werk badge (most seem to have Linhof Munchen engraved in the bed)
so I will put my 2 cents to this thread. I recently bought what seems to be a late pre-II Linhof Standard with 3 lenses, most probably from 1936. serial number is 13171.
220253
I made a little page for it https://www.oddcameras.com/linhof_standard.htm
That is an excellently done page!
As you say 1936 is a good estimate. The Linhof Munchen with Munchen in outline style engraving shows up in late 1934 and is replaced with the "Eagle Eye" Linhof Munchen style engraving sometime in 1936. However the Perka like pull out posts I have not seen on a camera before 1937... until now...
Surprisingly the first Technika camera was not named a Technika. It was a Linhof Modell 34 with an articulating back.
The Linhof Modell 34 was the top of the line camera made by Linhof Prazisions Kamera Werk in Munich, Germany. Several ads, reviews, press releases, and other marketing material heralded the arrival of the Modell 34, with sales commencing conveniently enough in early 1934.
The first of the model 34 cameras did not have an articulating back. They were similar to the preceding model camera Linhof had called the Prazisionskamera. Near the end of 1934 the articulating back was added to the Modell 34 of 9x12 and larger.
So why not change the name of this camera with the new feature?
Perhaps the advertising budget for the year was already spent? or perhaps the Model 34 was always intended to have the back but it was somehow delayed?
It is very likely nobody alive today knows the answer.
By 1935 Linhof was no longer marketing the camera as the Modell 34, it is clear they were trying to rebrand it. It was marketed as Prazisions Modell Camera and the Spezial Modell Camera.
One ad called it the: Linhof Original Universal-Prazisions-Camera Spezialmodell… in an attempt to cover all the bases at once.
A version still made without the articulating back was named the Standard Modell.
In 1936 the Technika name appeared and has stuck for over 85 years!
Tin Can
10-Jul-2022, 05:21
Yes, very good documation
I have posted before about my prewar factory '5X7' which uses modern 5X7 holders
Very lightweight with extranare bellows
Bessa72
14-Jul-2022, 00:23
Yes I agree,
all independent except for E. Krauss Actis models which were re-branded Linhof cameras from Munich.
The more I learn about Linhof the more impressed I am about what they achieved.
The link between Linhof and Perka is not very strong. Other than the fact that Linhof seems to have ended up with the Perkas parts by the end of the 1930's it is not known how this came to be. Was Perka acquired by Linhof or did Linhof simply purchase the parts after Perka's demise...
Cheers
well I had some of those cameras and I'm sure that the Perka, Silar, Schaja are made from identical parts, up to the screws, but branded and sold differently. Also Trio Präzisionskamerawerk München. Feinak, Dr. Staeble also VERY similar.
http://camera-wiki.org/wiki/Perka
http://camera-wiki.org/wiki/Silar
http://camera-wiki.org/wiki/Unoplast
https://www.dujingtou.com/article_16686.shtml
Perka even had the original and expensive convertible Plasmat lenses and wire frame.
When Nikolaus Karpf came the most important things changed.
Maybe because between WWI and WWII building those very specialized machining parts were very expencive(?) and not common. The E. Krauss cameras are somewhat similar but use different parts, different drop bed struts, front pulling knobs, bubble finder, opening mechanism, handle mounts..I thought that Krauss was merely a lens maker.
Embdude
14-Jul-2022, 17:29
Yes my understanding of the early 20th century German industry is it was possible to pretty much just order parts from any number of factories and build your own camera from them.
Belpaman
2-Jul-2023, 06:36
Is this thread still active or has it migrated? Some great info in here. I can't add anything to the serial number discussion, as mine doesn't have one. It's the same 9x12 as Shootar401, with only one minor difference. It's stamped with batch number 16 on the various pieceparts. The rear extension is 17mm max.
Belpaman
25-Sep-2023, 09:41
In response to coisadavida: I also have this model, # 17744, same logo etc., but with the pop-up magnifier on top. It came kitted (rail notches and distance scales) with a Xenar 21cm/4.5 and Meyer Aristostigmat 12cm/6.3, both dated 1939. offset Lensboards 106mm square, silver champfered on top and bottom. It also came with 2 dozen 13x18 plate holders, some with 9x12 plate inserts and some of the 9x12 inserts with additional sheet film inserts in them - weigh a ton!
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