masks for linhof multifocus finder

[adrian tyler]

do linhof make more than one variant of the 4x5 mask for the multifocus finder. the one that i have is marked 9x12/4x5, but the film is use is 10x12/4x5, standard 4x5 size rather than the less usesd european variant 9x5(cm).

i'm asking this because the relation to the frame in the viewfinder compared to the ground glass is a little abstract to say the least, to view my 150 lens the most accurate setting in the viewfinder is 135, and it is at least 10% off centre... anyone have any experience?

thanks

[Bob Salomon]

Which finder do you have? The current type or a an older type?

For the current type masks were made for the 2x3, 4x5 and 5x7 finders.

On 4x5 masks were made for metric 9x12 for the 45 finder as well as for US 4x5 size and one for polaroid 45. Sounds like you have the wrong mask if you have the current style. The current style will not fit older style finders.

[adrian tyler]

bob, i have the current finder. the mask has 4x5" engraved on it, however the finder itself has a label on the back of the "hot shoe" which reads 9x12/4x5.

how do you "zero" the sight on this thing, independently of the mask itself, it is pretty off centre. what is the current rundown of 4x5" masks.

thanks

[Bob Salomon]

We have never had a finder that was not centered properly. If you do it needs a trip to service.

Next there are four finders that you can have for the 45 technika.

001377 Multifocus optical viewfinder, distance scale in meters, with mask 9x12
001447 Multifocus optical viewfinder, distance scale in meters, with mask 4x5
001378 Multifocus optical viewfinder, distance scale in feet, with mask 4x5

In addition there was a special version made for the 45 Aero Technika as well as custom short run units made for other companies like Wilde for their cameras.

Do you know which finder you have?

As for masks currently the following are made>
additional masks: 6x12 / 001444, 6x9 / 001381, 6x7 / 001382, 6x7(Rapid Rollex) / 001448

There are still some other masks out like a 6x6cm and one for Polaroid film. The 6x12 mask is for Linhof's 6x12 format and will be too larfe a frame for the other 6x12cm backs that do not have a 120mm long image length.

[adrian tyler]

thanks for that information bob, i have the 001378 multifocus optical viewfinder, distance scale in feet, with mask 4x5. the only abiguous thing, as i mentioned, is the 9x12/4x5 label... so i wanted to check that it was infact a 10x12(cm) mask and not a 9x12(cm) mask. as i metioned the mask itself has 4x5" engraved on it and the sticker is on the back of the finder.

i am going to get a new cam made for one of my lenses and i'll send the finder along for a service.

thanks

[Bob Salomon]

The mask should be marked 912/45 if it is for your finder. That mask will also fit on the 23 or the 57 finder and the 912/45 designation is on all masks for the 4x5 and 9x12 finders.