Which lenses fold up into your field camera? Linhof Tecnika, Horseman, etc. question

[Ig Nacio]

Hi,

Which lenses fold up into your field camera?

I wonder which lenses will fold up or close up
inside most field cameras.

I have a Linhof Technika IV.
Do you know which lenses fit inside with the
camera folded up?

It would be interesting to know.

In the future, if I happen to buy, or trade for
another field camera, I would be interested in a
Horseman 45FA. I would also be interested
to know which lenses fit in this camera closed
up.

It would be quite good and handy if one could
use the lenses one already has.

I wonder which lenses will fit inside with the
camera folded up inside your field camera.
Perhaps there is a 'pattern'

Thank you, kind regards!

[Jac@stafford.net]

In my experience the 135mm Planar ƒ3.5 V1 on its standard board just barely folds up in the Super Technika V. The fit is so close that one cannot fit a lens cap or filter over the lens. Most of us simply let the clam shell do its job. (For me the 135mm Planar is perfect in all regards as a RF lens.)

[morecfm]

On my Horseman HF, i have a 135 mm on a no. 0 shutter that folds up. A old 90 mm (f 6.8?) Wollensak lens also folds up. Nothing on a #1 shutter will fold up. Only the smallest lenses.

[Bob Salomon]

Hi,

Which lenses fold up into your field camera?

I wonder which lenses will fold up or close up
inside most field cameras.

I have a Linhof Technika IV.
Do you know which lenses fit inside with the
camera folded up?

It would be interesting to know.

In the future, if I happen to buy, or trade for
another field camera, I would be interested in a
Horseman 45FA. I would also be interested
to know which lenses fit in this camera closed
up.

It would be quite good and handy if one could
use the lenses one already has.

I wonder which lenses will fit inside with the
camera folded up inside your field camera.
Perhaps there is a 'pattern'

Thank you, kind regards!

150mm on 001015 recessed board folds in the Technika 45.

On the inside of the drop bed is a circle. Any lens left to mount when the camera is closed
Has to have a front rim that fits into that circle.

If the lens diameter is larger it can not be left on a folded camera.

[Havoc]

I did have a Fuji 125mm that folded into mu Wista. Think it was a W.

[linhofbiker]

With my Technika IV both the 120 and 135 lenses fold up into the closed body. Also if I remember correctly both the 90mm and 120mm f/6.8 angulons are small enough to fold up as well.

[Ken Lee]

It's one thing for a lens to fit (when mounted forwards) but additional convenience comes when the cable release can stay on the lens.

[Ig Nacio]

Hi,

Thank you for your messages : ) !!!

Amazing suggestions : ) !!!!!

Hopefully more people will tell about
lenses they may have used with the
camera closed up. That way the
number of suggestions for the
different field cameras in this thread,
grows!

So far, the lenses recommended
have been tried with the above
mentioned field cameras. But what
about lenses you may think that
may fit a particular field camera,
even if may have not tested yet!

For example, is there perhaps a lens
you may want to recommend to use with a
Linhof Technika IV, (or any newer
L. Technika model for that matter),
given that the diameter of the drop bed
hole is around 70-72mm. Perhaps there are
some other lenses you may already be
thinking of and are perhaps considering,
lenses that may also conform to the
camera's size restrictions.

Thank you again, kind regards!

[Bob Salomon]

Beside the diameter you have to also consider the length of the lens. The 150 Apo Sironar S is about the longest lens on a recessed board that will fit and close.

[Bob Salomon]

It's one thing for a lens to fit (when mounted forwards) but additional convenience comes when the cable release can stay on the lens.

With the Linhof QR cable release socket, properly mounted, and the correct cable release that is not a problem. You can plug a cable release into the socket as fast as you can uncurl one mounted to the lens. And that doesn’t put strain on the cable release nipple or the shutter’s socket or stress the spring in the cable release.

[Jac@stafford.net]

Hi,
Perhaps there are
some other lenses you may already be
thinking of and are perhaps considering,
lenses that may also conform to the
camera's size restrictions.

This might not be helpful, but my Super Technika set is entirely satisfied with three lenses, each with its cam numbers matched to the lens and camera serial number. I hope you have the same good luck, although it is highly unlikely given my set was an original first order.

[Whir-Click]

Using a recessed Linhof adapter, I can fold either a 210mm f/6.8 Graphic Kowa or a 159mm f/12.5 Wollensak Extreme Wide Angle up into my Intrepid 8x10. Both make very light and appealing field options.

[darr]

My Linhof 3000 is stored folded with a Nikon 150/5.6 attached on a standard board. Like Bob said, the lens/lens cap diameter must fit the circle in the bed. When I first tried to fold the 3000 with the 150/5.6, the diameter of the original lens cap was too wide. I tried a different cap and it works. I use the 150 more than other lenses. Before the 150 Nikon, my Docter 240/9 stored with the camera folded. Below are some quick phone snaps.

https://cameraartist.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/©-2019-Darlene-Almeda-IMG_1313-Edit.jpg

Kind regards,
Darr

[Tin Can]

Is this limited to 4X5?

I have a Linhof Standard 5x7 which easily folds most 210mm lenses mit shutter.

[LabRat]

The ones that fit...

Take the back and lens off camera and measure the space between the lensboard and closed cover... Then ask sellers to measure height of the front, to the shutter mounting seat...

Also remember that filters, lens caps add to this height, so factor them in...

Rulers rule...

Steve K

[EdSawyer]

Not a technika, but:

Crown Graphic - closes with a 135/3.5 Xenotar no problem.
Speed Graphic - closes with a 150/2.8 Xenotar in barrel on a custom recessed lensboard.

[Renato Tonelli]

I have the following lenses which I use with my Technika (they all fit with the camera folded closed):

120mm Schneider Apo-Symmar L f/5.6
135mm Rodenstock Apo-Sironar S f/5.6
210mm G-Claron f/9
240mm G-Claron f/9
300mm Nikkor-M

They are mounted on the Linhof Lensboard with the Quick release Shutter Adapter:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/used/31344?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIobmtsf205QIViZyzCh1_SQCYEAQYBCABEgJqpfD_BwE

[ic-racer]

I leave my Horseman FA open all the time. Folding it does not make it any lighter. Having mentioned that, I might try folding it with a lens and putting it in a smaller bag to see how that works. Of course I still have a heavy tripod and film holders to contend with. I have a Horseman branded 150, I wonder if that fits.

[Ig Nacio]

Hello,

Thank you for your messages : ) !!!

It seems to me that fuji and Nikon
have a larger number of compact
lenses.

It is a shame that information about
lenses' length is very limited or not
out there at all.

Here is the Rodenstock 150mm. Apologetics's Sironar S:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/43853-USA/Rodenstock_160702_150mm_f_5_6_Apo_Sironar_S_Lens.html
The overall length is mentioned under
the specifications.

Fuji and Nikon seem to have a good
number of lenses one may be able
to close up inside almost any field
camera, as the rear element of each
lens does not seem to protrude much,
but there is no place to find out the
length of the lenses.

Thank you again, kind regards,

Ig

[Bob Salomon]

Hello,

Thank you for your messages : ) !!!

It seems to me that fuji and Nikon
have a larger number of compact
lenses.

It is a shame that information about
lenses' length is very limited or not
out there at all.

Here is the Rodenstock 150mm. Apologetics's Sironar S:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/43853-USA/Rodenstock_160702_150mm_f_5_6_Apo_Sironar_S_Lens.html
The overall length is mentioned under
the specifications.

Fuji and Nikon seem to have a good
number of lenses one may be able
to close up inside almost any field
camera, as the rear element of each
lens does not seem to protrude much,
but there is no place to find out the
length of the lenses.

Thank you again, kind regards,

Ig

Most of those “compact” lenses are process lenses. Rodenstock also made them, Apo Ronar, Apo Geragon. Schneider also made them. They were originally designed for copying flat field objects.

[Jac@stafford.net]

Most of those “compact” lenses are process lenses. [...] They were originally designed for copying flat field objects.

What rendering differences can we expect between copy lenses and general purpose lenses in the field?

[Bob Salomon]

What rendering differences can we expect between copy lenses and general purpose lenses in the field?

Quite a bit, especially towards the edges. Also, much brighter for focusing and composing and much larger coverage.

[Ig Nacio]

Hi,

Thank you for your messages : ) !!!

You mean the smaller lenses were brighter for focusing and composing
with much larger coverage, or was it the longer lenses?

Thank you again, kind regards!

[Bob Salomon]

Hi,

Thank you for your messages : ) !!!

You mean the smaller lenses were brighter for focusing and composing
with much larger coverage, or was it the longer lenses?

Thank you again, kind regards!

The faster 5.6 lenses and, with longer ones 6.8.

[Ig Nacio]

Hi Bob,

Thank you for your message : ) !!!

So, all these 'these' compact lenses are much brighter for focusing and composing, and also have a much larger coverage.

Is it similar with Japanese lenses?

Thank you again, kind regards!

[Bob Salomon]

Hi Bob,

Thank you for your message : ) !!!

So, all these 'these' compact lenses are much brighter for focusing and composing, and also have a much larger coverage.

Is it similar with Japanese lenses?

Thank you again, kind regards!

No, the repro or process lenses are not brighter or have larger coverage.

[Ig Nacio]

Hi Bob,

Thank you for your message : ) !!!

and for making it clear that, if I
understood well, there is a relative
big trade off !!! for those like me
wanting 'compactness' because as
you mentioned before, those lenses
were made for copying flat field
objects and will lack the benefits
of the other lenses!

Kind regards,

Ig

[Bob Salomon]

Hi Bob,

Thank you for your message : ) !!!

and for making it clear that, if I
understood well, there is a relative
big trade off !!! for those like me
wanting 'compactness' because as
you mentioned before, those lenses
were made for copying flat field
objects and will lack the benefits
of the other lenses!

Kind regards,

Ig

Correct!

[Corran]

I use a variety of G-Claron lenses, as do many on this forum, with little to no trade-offs. These "repro" lenses are highly regarded and generally excellent. They aren't the best tool for everything, but short of specific use-cases, like extremely short DOF portraits or something like that, they serve many photographers well. Image circles are massive, in fact sometimes larger than typical newer Plasmats. Max aperture of f/9 isn't a big deal in most situations.

[Delfi_r]

I have a SuperTechnika V 1318, folds with:

The 5,6/210 Schneider Symmar that was there when camera and lens take the exit from the Factory
9/300 Rodenstock Geronar
6,8/120 Osaka SW
5,6/58 SuperAngulon XL

Folded with the lensboard inversed:
8/90 Nikkor SW
5,6/210 Nikkor W

[John Kasaian]

Don't forget that you may also be able to reverse your lens board before you fold your camera.
That usually gives you a bit more room.
Of course you'll have to re-reverse your lens board before using

[Daniel Casper Lohenstein]

Hi,

Which lenses fold up into your field camera?

I wonder which lenses will fold up or close up
inside most field cameras.

Thank you, kind regards!

Into the Super Technika IV: Rodenstock Sironar N 5.6/150 Copal 0 with 49mm filter
Into the Wista N: Fujinon A 9/180 Copal 0 with 46mm Filter, as well as the two Fujinon W 5.6/105 and 5.6/125 with 46mm filters

[Alan Gales]

I had a Crown Graphic and a Caltar version of the Rodenstock Geronar 210mm f/6.8 lens. The lens would just fold up into the camera. I had a short Gepe cloth cable release that could stay attached when folded. You could try one on your Linhof. They make nice portrait lenses and are pretty inexpensive in either Caltar or Rodenstock versions.

[Ig Nacio]

Hi,

Thank you for your messages and the very valuable information : ) !!!

If anybody finds this thread in the future and would like to add a couple
or a few more suggestions, it would be very cool!


Thank you again, kind regards!

[CamilleM]

I can close my Master Technika with a 150mm Apo-Sironar-S on a regular lensboard albeit I had to change the OEM cap for a smaller one.
It's extremely convenient!

Someone has a Rodenstock Grandagon 6.8 90mm and a Master Technika? I'm curious and interested to know if it would work!

[mpirie]

I leave my Linhof "Select" 150mm Symmar in my MT2000

Mike

[SParis]

Fujinon/Fujinar 150mm f6.3
Xenar 150mm f5.6 (Copal 0)
Fujinon 135mm f5.6
Ektar 203mm f7.7
(Haven't tried it, but the Sironar 150mm f5.6 is pretty tiny.)

[stephenmcateer]

Just in case the information might be useful to someone: a Nikkor-W 135mm F5.6 will fit into the folded Technika V on a flat lens board.

[I measure the hole that accomodates the front of the lens in the folding front board of the Technika at ~56mm wide (It's a couple of mm taller, not being a perfect circle). The front portion of the Nikkor is about 54mm diameter on the outside, so just enough clearance for it to fit.]

EDIT: As for length of the lens, with the Technika V, with the camera closed up, you have ~41mm of space in front of the lens board before you hit the focus cam, and ~ 35mm behind the lens board before you hit the ground glass. The lens board itself is about 2mm thick, so total length of the lens probably has to be less than 78mm. [Or thereabouts.]

[Joseph Kashi]

Hi,

Which lenses fold up into your field camera?

I wonder which lenses will fold up or close up
inside most field cameras.

I have a Linhof Technika IV.
Do you know which lenses fit inside with the
camera folded up?


Thank you, kind regards!


FWIW, I have a Meridian B, which is basically a post-WWII copy of 1940s Linhof. An early-style 135mm/5.6 single-coated Fujinon W ( front trim ring writing ) fits the closed camera without any problems using a flat Meridian board. This is the lens coupled to the rangefinder. It's also a very good lens that covers 5x7 with a bit of movement. My 203/7.7 Ektar also fits the folder camera.

[Tom Monego]

A Linhof Voigtlander 150 f4.5 APO Lanthar will fold into a Technika IV, I have one with this lens.

[Gundy]

My friend's Nikkor W 150mm f5.6 fits perfectly even with yellow filter attached into my Super Technika IV and Tachihara field camera when closed. My 150mm Symmar does not without recessed board.

[xkaes]

I would never close up my field cameras with a lens inside -- even if they fit. 99% of the time, it would be the wrong lens.

[Dave Wooten]

I like my new Svedovsky 8x10 W. All lenses can ride on the camera, at the ready.