Researching Linhof Technika... in Modern Photography Magazine...

[Embdude]

Much of what is available on the web is apparently credited back to an article from Modern Photography, Dec 1965.

I am trying to find the article "Linhof Technical Cameras" supposedly from that issue...

Does anyone have the issue and can confirm the article is there and who might the author be?

It was rumored to have been available on Robert Monaghans exhaustive LF site... but sadly that resource is long gone...

[Bob Salomon]

I was the USA Linhof Product Manager from the late 70s to 2014 and never heard or saw that article.
If it had existed it would probably have been written by Art Kramer as he did write a review of the 23 Super Technicka 23b back then in Modern.

[Embdude]

Thanks Bob. This web archive is where I found the info about the Modern Photography source...

Linhof Technical Cameras
by Robert Monaghan

http://web.archive.org/web/20050205221106/http://medfmt.8k.com/mf/linhof.html

Linhof Technical Cameras [Source: Modern Photography, Dec. 1965]

206110

Linhof Technika III (4x5") of 1946
introduced in 1946, discontinued in 1950
pre-1948 models lacked rangefinder
1948-on models had coupled rangefinder with interchangeable cams
spring lock on lens boards
interchangeable focusing scales
cross spirit level built into baseboard (for leveling..)
swivel of lens standard increased to 15 degrees to each side
stronger baseboard with tripod bushing
two position cable release sockets
see Linhof Technika II 4x5" for other features
serial numbers from 2,021 to 2,555, 22,556 to 23,880
list price not available
identification points include coupled rangefinder for 1948-on models
rangefinder housing has square ends
camera is black with polished metal trim

Linhof Super Technika III (4x5") of 1950
introduced in 1950; discontinued in 1953
similar to Super Technika III (4x5") of 1936
more streamlined rangefinder housing
fitted with flashgun bracket
original models had polished metal trim; 1951-on models had satin chrome trim
some models were sold without rangefinders
list price with rangefinder but without lens was $299.50
serial numbers 30,001 to 37,104
identification points include satin finish (after 1951 models)
ID point - more streamlined rangefinder and flashgun bracket fittings

Linhof Super Technika III (4x5") of 1953
introduced in 1953, discontinued in 1956
serial numbers 50,001 to 62,235
list price with rangefinder but no lens was $369.50, or $459.45 with 150mm f/4.5 Xenar
similar to later variants of Super Technika III 4x5" of 1950
reinforced camera body
drop bed
universal camera back with ektalite field lens (fresnel)
Graflex type back available option too
spring back system for holding film holders in place
prism type rangefinder
models in 1955-on had left and right hand focusing knobs
" strengthened deeper baseboard and reinforced hinges
stripped model without rangefinder was also available
identification points include left/right focusing knobs (1955-on)
" rangefinder housing is flush with upper edge of camera body
black leather finish (colored leather options available too)
accessory viewfinder options (for wide angle lenses etc.)

[Embdude]

I agree with Robert Monaghan/ Modern Photography, and place the Technika III into 3 specific design states with many incremental improvements throughout each stage...

It would appear both Robert Monaghan and Mr. Gandy's site CameraQuest both use the Serial Number Data referenced in the Modern Photography article... (although a Mr. Bob Solomon is mentioned... wonder if he is related to our Bob...)

The CameraQuest Technika page references 5 models of Technika III. I just do not agree that there are more than 3 distinct styles. Unfortunately the descriptions of the 5 models does not make sense... "Version 3 of 1951 Body now has curved edges"... I have several III's a IV and a Master and the body is the same shape on all of them only the door is different.

[Bob Salomon]

I agree with Robert Monaghan/ Modern Photography, and place the Technika III into 3 specific design states with many incremental improvements throughout each stage...

It would appear both Robert Monaghan and Mr. Gandy's site CameraQuest both use the Serial Number Data referenced in the Modern Photography article... (although a Mr. Bob Solomon is mentioned... wonder if he is related to our Bob...)

The CameraQuest Technika page references 5 models of Technika III. I just do not agree that there are more than 3 distinct styles. Unfortunately the descriptions of the 5 models does not make sense... "Version 3 of 1951 Body now has curved edges"... I have several III's a IV and a Master and the body is the same shape on all of them only the door is different.

I am “our Bob”.
Linhof factory serial number reference does not list different versions other then Technika lll and Super Technika lll. Same with the lV.
Among other differences in the MT there are several changes. In the early ones there was a mounting block for a special cable release by the focusing knob. It had two holes in it where the holder plugged into. When the maker of that release went out of business those two holes were plugged up and later models just have a rectangular block by the focusing knob.
Back knobs have changed shape and position.

[Embdude]

I am “our Bob”.

Of Course!

I was attempting a bit of humor...

[Embdude]

Linhof factory serial number reference does not list different versions other then Technika lll and Super Technika lll. Same with the lV.
Among other differences in the MT there are several changes. In the early ones there was a mounting block for a special cable release by the focusing knob. It had two holes in it where the holder plugged into. When the maker of that release went out of business those two holes were plugged up and later models just have a rectangular block by the focusing knob.
Back knobs have changed shape and position.

Im not surprised to hear that. It seems that in much of the company literature little reference was made to the model number. Generally it is just called the Linhof Technika weather it was a 1,2,3,4,or 5. It seems the dealers put more emphasis on the model numbers. Too bad about those cable release holes, I have never had one that could use em' but they seem nice.

[Embdude]

206111206128206129

Found this referring to the 1950 design as a - Technika III E

no way to tell i suppose if it was a factory or dealer designation...

[Bob Salomon]

Im not surprised to hear that. It seems that in much of the company literature little reference was made to the model number. Generally it is just called the Linhof Technika weather it was a 1,2,3,4,or 5. It seems the dealers put more emphasis on the model numbers. Too bad about those cable release holes, I have never had one that could use em' but they seem nice.

When major changes were made the factory changed the model designation. A lV is very different then a lll. A V is very different then a lV, a MT is very different then a V.

[Embdude]

The Technika III also had the most variety of film backs. It had 5 styles... 9x12 thin plateholder, Spring-back, Spring-back with detachable hood, graflex back, & international back...

The IV had the current style back, midway through production the the grafloc clips were reversed to allow more space for accessories...

The V had the same back as the later IV

The Master began with the same as the V with a pushbutton for the rotation. The spring clips have changed styles ovet the years with the master as well as the Fresnel placement ...

[Embdude]

I was the USA Linhof Product Manager from the late 70s to 2014 and never heard or saw that article.
If it had existed it would probably have been written by Art Kramer as he did write a review of the 23 Super Technicka 23b back then in Modern.


Considering the cover it was a Camera Directory issue so maybe not as much an article as just details for the camera models... If I ever locate it I will let you know. Thanks for the lead on Art Kramer!