An easy way to carry a Linhof opened - the "maxi-toploader".

[Jean-Louis Llech]

I have been using for several years a Lowepro Toploader 70 AW to carry a MF camera (Rollei) without having to remove the film back or the lens. This bag carries any lens from 40 to 250mm mounted on the camera, one 120 rollfilm holder, and of course either the folding viewing hood or the 45 deg. prism. I don't have to mount/remove the lens each time I need to put the camera into the bag.<br>
This carrying system (the bag is on the chest, like a reversed backpack) is very comfortable and easy to use. I needed to find "something" close for carrying in the same way a Linhof Master Technika Classic with a lens and either a rollfilm or a sheet film holder permanently mounted.<br>
One day, I tried to put my camera into a Lowepro Specialist 85 AW with all inside dividers removed. And it fits perfectly ! Only remove the multifocus optical viewer from the top of the camera housing.<br>
Thus, the camera is really "ever ready". Even the handgrip can be left mounted !<br>
Simply pull out the lens standard and bellows at the real focal length, using the infinity stops, and fix the optical viewer. The camera is immediately ready for shooting, without having to open the bed, expand the bellows, mount the lensboard on the front standard etc.<br>
Of course, this bag was not designed for this use, but it works perfectly. The camera is well protected but always ready for use. A bit heavier than a 35mm or a Rollei camera in a Toploader, but it's a Linhof !

[Jean-Louis Llech]

Other views of the Specialist 85 AW :
1 : the Master Technika "as is" ready for putting into the bag<br>
2 : an inside view of the Specialist. Enough room for a LF camera.
3 : some accessories (the multifocal optical viewfinder is placed first into a small case), spotmeter, cable release... in the front pocket.

[Jean-Louis Llech]

Would I be the last one who uses a Master Technika handheld ? I thought that my idea was a good one. Sniff...
How do you carry your Linhof ? But maybe first : do you carry your Linhof, or does it stay in a cosy corner at home on a tripod ? I found no pleasure to open and close it 40 times a day...
Well, maybe nobody else has problems to carry it. Wonderful. Life is beautiful.

[David A. Goldfarb]

I carry my Tech V a few different ways.

If I'm carrying the whole kit, it goes in a large Crumpler bag, and if I'm working actively, I usually have the camera out of the bag, open, hanging from a strap.

If I'm walking around and shooting handheld without the whole kit, I usually have the camera open while I'm shooting, hanging from my shoulder or around my neck with a strap, and maybe a few more lenses and accessories in a small bag or fanny pack, and Grafmatics or Kinematics in a belt pack or coat pocket. And then if I'm not shooting actively, I close the camera to protect it. I don't feel like I need a case to carry it around open.

[ljsegil]

What strap?
LJS

[David A. Goldfarb]

I've used a few different straps. Calumet made one that was very comfortable, but it started to separate after a year, so now I have a Tamrac or some such with a leather pad. I write the date on the strap, so I can remember to replace it within two years. Linhof makes a wide nylon strap, but I don't care for nylon on the back of my neck. I don't like neoprene straps either--too bouncy.

[ljsegil]

How is the strap attached to the Technika? I'm baffled.
LJS

[Frank Petronio]

By the strap lugs on the top plate.

[ljsegil]

Dooooooooh!
LJS

[LH1H17]

very interesting... I have a Super Technika V with matching Apo Lanthar 150mm that I would love to use more outside handheld... any advice with regards to optical viewfinder?

[David A. Goldfarb]

I use a Linhof zoom finder, the intermediate style that functions like the current one but with the knurled metal finish, and I've also used one of the earlier ones with the sliding button for adjusting the focal length. The newer types are nicer, because it zooms more than cropping, but the older types are less expensive.

[Jean-Louis Llech]

When the cam is correctly manufactured and adjusted, the rangefinder is highly accurate.
Concerning the multifocal optical viewfinder, it is also wonderfully conceived.
Not only lenses from 75 to 360mm but also all film formats between 4 1/2 x 6 and 4 x 5 inches, only by exchanging the format mask in front of the VF.
It is so easy to clip a format mask and to turn it for landscape or portrait framing.
The simplest is always the best.
And the Linhof is really a pleasure to use. Between watchmaking and goldsmithery.

[ljsegil]

A little more than slightly OT, but I am curious to learn from those here who obviously use their 4x5 Technika (or Graphics in the group, perhaps) cameras handheld. Do you have cams for more than a single focal length lens, and if so, what sorts of lenses (wide, normal, long; fast or slow) are you finding most useful, or would a single lens/cam setup suffice for most of your needs (and what FL would that be if you had to choose; personally I'm thinking candid"ish" portraiture will be my most common usage)? Is it more important to be able to shoot at wider apertures to enable faster shutter speeds to counter camera shake, or smaller apertures to enhance depth of field, and then what shutter speeds do you find too slow to be useful? I assume faster film aids your shooting? Does it take much time to change a lens and cam on a Technika; can you do it without disrupting your shooting too much? Do you still rely on a hand-held spot meter for exposure, or have you tried more average weighted camera mounted metering (I'm thinking particularly of the Voigtlander VCII which meters over roughly a 30 degree angle and with a double shoe mount adapter could sit on a Technika simultaneously and next to the multifocus viewfinder, increasing ease of use of a handheld camera system; I've used the meter with good results on classic 35mm Nikon and Contax rangefinder cameras)? Do you stick mostly with 4x5 sheet film (what holders do you prefer, Quick/Readyload, Grafmatics, cut film holders; is proofing with Polaroids useful in this sort of setting (for the next week or two, while available, maybe)) or is a 120 roll film holder useful? Finally, back to topic, Jean-Louis, how much of a multi-lens kit, and with what sort of film and holders, will work with your proposed bag? It certainly makes sense to me that not having to close the camera repeatedly to carry it would be a laudable goal, might it still be possible?
Thanks to any and all who may offer of their experiences, and for all of your patience with my digression and detour.
Larry

[Jean-Louis Llech]

Larry, I will try to answer to each question.

Do you have cams for more than a single focal length lens, and if so, what sorts of lenses (wide, normal, long; fast or slow) are you finding most useful, or would a single lens/cam setup suffice for most of your needs?
I have several lenses cammed with the camera : Schneider Super-Angulon 72mm and 90mm, Super-Symmar 150, Apo-Symmar 240 and Apo-Tele-Xenar 400. (I also use a wider 58mm but with the groundglass, this lens is too short to be rangefinder-coupled).
All lenses are mounted on Compur shutters, and all have a full aperture of f/5.6.

Is it more important to be able to shoot at wider apertures to enable faster shutter speeds to counter camera shake, or smaller apertures to enhance depth of field, and then what shutter speeds do you find too slow to be useful?
With a Master Tech, you can use speeds up to 1/8s without problem. The heavier the camera, the less you shake it. In reasonable proportions, of course. Shutter speeds and apertures depend on the subject you shoot.
Overall weight with the left grip and the viewfinder varies from 3.7 to 4.7 kg according to the film holder (a 6x9 roll-film holder is heavier than a Fidelity Elite 4x5in sheet film holder) and the lens.
But I often use a monopod, which is very light and can considerably decrease the shake risk.

I assume faster film aids your shooting? Does it take much time to change a lens and cam on a Technika; can you do it without disrupting your shooting too much?
I use most of the time BW films. 50 to 400 ISO. And yes, changing a lens and cam is a bit long. All in all, a few minutes. But please don’t forget that large format photography is not a speed race. Otherwise it's wiser to use a Mamiya 7 or a Leica. If you use to operate slowly your camera, to mount and dismount your lenses and accessories without hurrying, you will never have an accident like a lens falling on the ground.

Do you still rely on a hand-held spot meter for exposure, or have you tried more average weighted camera mounted metering (I'm thinking particularly of the Voigtlander VCII which meters over roughly a 30 degree angle and with a double shoe mount adapter could sit on a Technika simultaneously and next to the multifocus viewfinder, increasing ease of use of a handheld camera system;
Depending on the subject, I use either a Sekonic L-508 spotmeter or a Gossen Profisix. I prefer a handheld meter to a shoe-mounted meter. Did you try to carefuly aim at your subject with a meter mounted on a Linhof, and read the measure ? The Master Technika is not a Leica !

Do you stick mostly with 4x5 sheet film (what holders do you prefer, Quick/Readyload, Grafmatics, cut film holders; is proofing with Polaroids useful in this sort of setting (for the next week or two, while available, maybe)) or is a 120 roll film holder useful
Concerning films, I used Pola 545 or 550 (but now…) and Quickload, Fidelity 4x5in sheet film holders and 6x9 Super-Rollex 120 films. I have also one Grafmatic, but it is very old and I will probably buy some other ones. Quicker than a Fidelity, and the ideal holder for a 4x5in camera handheld.

how much of a multi-lens kit, and with what sort of film and holders, will work with your proposed bag? It certainly makes sense to me that not having to close the camera repeatedly to carry it would be a laudable goal, might it still be possible?
The film support type has no importance for this bag, as long as the holder is not too large (like Polaroid or Quickloads). A Grafmatic or a sheet film holder or a roll-film holder (see the first image) can be left mounted in landscape position on the camera’s back.
All lenses I have can be left mounted on the camera. Of course, the camera’s lens standard is pushed back, not in the camera housing, but about the middle of the bed track.

[Jean-Louis Llech]

Concerning the strap, I prefer to use the original Linhof wide nylon strap, which is solid enough to support the nearly 5 kgs of the camera in its heaviest configuration (400 mm Apo-Tele-Xenar, 6x9 Super-Rollex, optical viewfinder and grips).
Of course, this strap is not as comfortable as the OP-Tech Super Pro (B) neoprene straps with stretch which I use on my Rolleflex SL66 cameras. But security first. I know that a Linhof strap can carry a Linhof camera.
I slightly modified the fixing ring as the original split ring was a pain to remove (but not for breaking fingernails).
A steel split ring was definitively fixed on each end of the strap and another one on each camera eyelets. And both key rings are joined together by a ring with screw-lock gate. (Seems a bit complicated, but in fact very simple).
When I need to remove the strap, I just have to unscrew the screw-lock gate. Once locked, it is rock solid and can carry the camera without any risk to break or to open accidentally.
Below a picture of the ring system and another one of the strap.

[ljsegil]

Hi Jean-Louis,
Thank you for your thoughtful and extensive answer to my questions. By way of clarification for me, are you able to achieve good enough focus with the rangefinder to enable use of large apertures when you are shooting closer objects, such as in portraiture, or is it necessary to stop down for greater depth of field in order to achieve adequate image sharpness? In other words, is there value in using f/4.5 lenses handheld for image isolation and Bokeh effects, or is a smaller aperture more important? Is there room for extra lenses in the bag, or do you use another method of carrying, or just pick one lens to work with for each outing?
Thanks again for sharing your experience,
Larry

[Frank Petronio]

My experiences with focusing my rangefinder Crowns and Technika is that the rangefinder is as accurate as focusing on the ground glass, especially with a properly set-up Technika. However, more than with a smaller format camera (like a Leica), parrallax can defeat your attempts to focus and shoot wide open with a short depth of field. You have to know where to focus. For instance, if your camera is 4 feet high and you tilt it up to focus on the eyes of a 6-foot person, you will be back focused when you reframe the image. Even a few inches can make a difference and it is very easy to accidently do this!

As for walking around and traveling with a handheld 4x5, for a one lens, no movements, and an overall fast shooting set up, the Crown Graphic is lighter and easier to handle. For movements, versatility, and easy change of focusing cams for different lenses, you'll want a Linhof Technika. Albeit they are expensive and heavy. So you might start with a Crown and see how you like it before dropping the $$$ on a Linhof.

Other comments:

Honestly I liked using the wire frame finder better than my (late) Linhof viewfinder so I sold it.

I like the top loader bag too, it does make it much faster and easier to use the camera so you might shoot more...

[Ed Richards]

Another plus for the wire - you can shift the lens up to control the foreground and the finder is still accurate.

[Bob Salomon]

Another plus for the wire - you can shift the lens up to control the foreground and the finder is still accurate.

No it will not be. As you focus closer the frame size changes. The wire frame finder does not change size. It only adjusts height. The Multifocus Finder (latest versions) do properly adjust for parallax.

The advantage to the frame finder is that you can see what is approaching the frame. The Multifocus shows only what is in the frame.

[David A. Goldfarb]

A properly cammed lens with an accurately adjusted Technika will focus accurately wide open. I'd recommend having fast modern lenses in general (which some exceptions like older Planars, Xenotars, Biogons, Sonnars, and such) in focal lengths you like to use cammed. Start with one, and add more if you think they would be interesting, or if you buy a used Technika, try to find one with at least one cammed lens.

Remember that a cammed lens is also useful on a tripod for moving subjects or portraits or in situations where it's hard to read the groundglass.

[Jean-Louis Llech]

Don't forget that when focusing with the rangefinder, you cannot apply movements to the front or rear standards. Thus, no tilt or swing for correction of depth of field.
f/4.5 lenses ? No difference with a lens opening at f/5.6 IMO.
The rangefinder is so accurate that there is practically no focusing error. For increased depth of field, you can of course use f/16 or f/22.
And as I wrote earlier, very slow speeds are easily accessible thanks to : a) the weight of the camera and b) the lack of "earthquake" of the leaf shutters, in comparison with focal plane shutters on some medium format cameras.
I prefer to release the shutter by operating the release lever than by using a cable release. No "thumb effect" like it can happen when depressing the cable release.
The Master Technika handgrips are beautifully conceived, and the left hand can firmly hold the camera, while the right hand does all the job !

Concerning the parallax, the viewfinder corrects the parallax difference in the following way : (1) focus the lens with the rangefinder. (2) read the distance on the scale on left of the bed. (3) transfer this measure on the distance ring of the viewfinder : the viewfinder slowly tilts downwards and displays the correct image field for the chosen distance.

On the Specialist bag, you can notice on the fourth image at the beginning of this thread that there is a front pocket. But it can't carry large lenses. You can put two or three 4x5in sheet film holders or a Grafmatic or a second rollfilm holder in it.
Otherwise, I carry the other lenses, films ... in a Stealth 650 shoulder bag.
If I need to travel "light", I use a Lowepro belt and some S&F pouches. There is nothing lighter. Of course, it looks like a "SWAT tactical jacket", but you absolutely don't feel the weight.
When using a LF camera handheld, comfort first, and "elegance" afterwards.

[Jean-Louis Llech]

I agree with what David wrote. All 5 lenses were cammed in the Linhof Munich factory, as I bought the camera and the lenses at the same time.
Accuracy is not a problem. The rangefinder basis is very large. Nearly twice the Leica M rangefinder basis. (90mm vs 49mm)

[Patrik Roseen]

I have a few different cams for my Technika III (model V) and although the lens/camera/cam does not match as they should on a Technika III they still work as long as the offset is found for each combination.

It is ofcourse possible to focus on the groundglass handheld, but one should remember to bring a darkcloth and the multiviewfinder is needed to point the camera in the right direction.
A word of caution though - When focusing on the groundglass I need to hold it out in front of me so that my eyes can focus. If I stand in the same place when I take the picture, looking through the viewfinder, I actually pull the camera closer.This does not matter in landscape pictures but it sure does if the subject is very close.

Those who intend to do handheld and wish to carry the Technika around could practise just carrying it open at home. You will soon realize what does NOT work for you...it is not as easy to find what does work. The Technika is really heavy after a while and holding it in an awkward position will kill you.

But it sure is fun!

[Bob Salomon]

Just so everyone is up to date. Linhof now offers a waterproof bag (cloth not aluminum) for the Master Technikas and the Technoramas (same bag). It is called a Universal Photobag (K&#246;nig) and has attachable straps use it as a back pack and accepts accessory wheels and handle for rolling.

Hint, it is not inexpensive. Also Linhof does not show any images of it open. Only closed. For the Technikas it is 022496 and for the Technoramas it is 022497.

[Jean-Louis Llech]

to focus on the groundglass handheld
What an idea... I already hate these small digital cams which you must hold with your arms fully extended to try to see something through their tiny display. The same position with a Linhof ? Wooww !!
No, IMO, with the groundglass, only a tripod. Or you need to practice bodybuilding for twenty years before.


Those who intend to do handheld and wish to carry the Technika around could practise just carrying it open at home. You will soon realize what does NOT work for you...it is not as easy to find what does work.
Yes, that's of course a good idea, but which involves to rent or borrow a Linhof. Not so easy. Otherwise, once you've bought it...


The Technika is really heavy after a while and holding it in an awkward position will kill you. But it sure is fun!
Only three words, Patrick : mo-no-pod.

[Jean-Louis Llech]

Linhof now offers a waterproof bag (cloth not aluminum) for the Master Technikas and the Technoramas (same bag). It is called a Universal Photobag (König) and has attachable straps use it as a back pack and accepts accessory wheels and handle for rolling.
Hint, it is not inexpensive. Also Linhof does not show any images of it open. Only closed. For the Technikas it is 022496 and for the Technoramas it is 022497.
Hi, Bob. Nice to read you. I didn't know that König manufactures such a bag for Linhof. Where could I find other informations or images ?

[Bob Salomon]

Hi, Bob. Nice to read you. I didn't know that König manufactures such a bag for Linhof. Where could I find other informations or images ?

Beats me. Linhof has one image of a closed bag in their latest factory distributor price list and that picture represents both sizes of the cases.

[Patrik Roseen]

Well Jean-Louis, let us all do it your way...

[Jean-Louis Llech]

Well Jean-Louis, let us all do it your way...
Sorry, Patrik. I only gave my opinions and some suggestions. And of course everyone does it his own way.
Frankly, I really can't imagine to use a Linhof groundglass handheld. Linhof probably could not too. That's why they designed the rangefinder. No ?
I have some severe spinal diseases and two "mechanical" hips. But I have always a great pleasure to use this wonderful "anvil". Just a few accessories to counterbalance my physical weaknesses.
Kind regards.

[Patrik Roseen]

Sorry, Patrik. I only gave my opinions and some suggestions. And of course everyone does it his own way.
Frankly, I really can't imagine to use a Linhof groundglass handheld. Linhof probably could not too. That's why they designed the rangefinder. No ?
I have some severe spinal diseases and two "mechanical" hips. But I have always a great pleasure to use this wonderful "anvil". Just a few accessories to counterbalance my physical weaknesses.
Kind regards.

Jean-Louis, I understand your enthusiasm for handheld (same as mine) and I also agree that the monopod is a good idea once you decide to take the photograph.
If one has to move quickly due to people moving I guess the monopod could slow you down.

As to focusing on the ground-glass this is the only option for those who do not have the rangefinder in place. And yes while it is heavy it still works and is good fun.
It does not work with a Rollfilm holder though.

I guess one could summarize ad say that the logistics when doing handheld is very important and need to be practised by anyone wishing to do it successfully.

Kind regards, Patrik

[Bob Salomon]

Sorry, Patrik. I only gave my opinions and some suggestions. And of course everyone does it his own way.
Frankly, I really can't imagine to use a Linhof groundglass handheld. Linhof probably could not too. That's why they designed the rangefinder. No ?
I have some severe spinal diseases and two "mechanical" hips. But I have always a great pleasure to use this wonderful "anvil". Just a few accessories to counterbalance my physical weaknesses.
Kind regards.

There was a quite well known photographer in Hawaii back in the early to mid 80's when the TK came out that used the TK handheld quite successfully!

[Jean-Louis Llech]

Right,Bob. I remember that the Linhof shoe for the optical viewfinder can be mounted on the Technikardan standard.

[Jean-Louis Llech]

Who knows where I could find some nearly "brand new" Grafmatics and spare septums ?

[David A. Goldfarb]

Who knows where I could find some nearly "brand new" Grafmatics and spare septums ?

Maybe try www.lensandrepro.com, but in my experience, you just have to buy them wherever you can find them, try them out, clean them up as necessary, figure a few will end up in the "parts" box, some will be usable when you need them but might not be at the top of the pile, and some will be excellent. I've got eight 4x5" Grafmatics, six 2x3" Grafmatics (plus one for parts), and two 4x5" Kinematics.

I know that Bob Salomon has said that toward the end of manufacture, Linhof had to reject a significant percentage of Grafmatic holders, so I'm not sure that newer is necessarily better.

[archivue]

As to focusing on the ground-glass this is the only option for those who do not have the rangefinder in place...

You can also work with a distance scale, or with a focus mount !

[Jean-Louis Llech]

The distance scale needs to accurately appreciate the distance by sight, which I am totally unable to do. I would have to use a laser rangefinder.
Some small mechanical rangefinders can be mounted on an accessory shoe on the top of many cameras.
Second, what do you call a "focus mount" ? I don't understand how it could help. The focus mounts that I know replace the bellows extension for short focal length lenses.

[ljsegil]

This thread has convinced me to finally have the rangefinder re-installed (taken off by the previous owner) on my Technika and see what I can do with the camera handheld (probably not much, but I doubt that will be the fault of the camera). I look forward to some fun, hopefully learning, heavy lifting, and with a lot of luck maybe even some decent photos. Thanks to Jean-Louis and all the other contributors that have helped kick-start me out of my inertia to try something new, whatever case I may use to carry the tools.
Best,
Larry

[archivue]

You can mount the lens on a focusmount, and using infinity stops to calibrate it.
Then you can ad an Auxiliary Rangefinder...

http://www.fotomancamera.com/product/2006612175454HFMS-Lg.jpg

http://www.fotomancamera.com/product/2006111020919RF-Lg.jpg

http://www.fotomancamera.com/accessories_list.asp

[Jean-Louis Llech]

OK. This "focus mount" is what I thought.

- Similar focusing mounts are used on a Linhof for lenses which have to be placed inside the housing, like 47, 55, 58 and 65mm wide angle lenses. I already use a 58mm Super-Angulon with the older wide angle focusing attachment with bellows-focusing mount, as with these lenses, the bellows extension can't be used.
- Second, they must be used on a Master Technika with groundglass focusing, as the rangefinder can't be used with lenses shorter than 72-75mm.
- Third, I am not sure that with a third-party rangefinder, focusing with such devices will be accurate enough : the camera, the focusing mount and the accessory rangefinder are three different brands.
- Last but not least, when you see how calibration of cams and rangefinder is made in Linhof factory, I am rather sceptical about the accuracy of some "OEM" systems. I believe to remember that focusing mount calibration with Fotoman cameras is made by the user, and not by the factory.
Of course, I may be wrong about accuracy.

[Jean-Louis Llech]

Larry,
it's a pity (or a shame, or a crime, or what you want) to see the rangefinder removed on a Technika as did the previous owner of yours.
Many wooden or metal cameras (like the Wista 45 SP) - which are originally without rangefinder - are probably much less expensive but with excellent performances if one needs to focus only on groundglass.
It's like cutting and removing the roof and rear seats of a Rolls Royce Phantom to transform it into a pick-up ! :)

Reinstalling a rangefinder (if by chance the previous owner has given it to you with the camera) may be a bit expensive.
Most of all, if the camera is an older Super Technika IV or III, it will be very difficult to find some cams and have lenses coupled with the rangefinder, and I don't know if somebody can still do it. The Linhof factory doesn't anymore.
If you are in the USA, ask it to the best specialist of Linhof cameras, Bob Salomon.

[ljsegil]

Hopefully the work will go smoothly. It's a Master Technika, so cams ought to (in theory) be available, and I have all the original rangefinder parts. Bob Watkins of Precision Camera Works here in the Chicago area has the camera and I hope is having fun putting it all back together. If he can locate the appropriate cams I'm going with a 3 lens setup of the 110/5.6 SSXL, a 150/4.5 Apo Lanthar (formerly Vick Ko's, thank you so much Vick), and a 210/4.5 Heliar, which I think will provide a nice range of focal lengths, hopefully a bit of the classic look that I like, enough aperture to allow faster shutter speeds to help avoid movement artifact (my tremor!), and also allow for some nice subject isolation with a limited DOF (and hopefully take advantage of the sweet sharp to OOF rendition of the Heliar and Apo Lanthar). Or at least that's how I imagine things should work. More likely the first time I pick up the camera I'll trip over my own feet, fall, and destroy the whole thing.

By the way, I had a run of good luck recently picking up some nice quality Grafmatics at reasonable ($70 or less) prices off eBay, enough of them that I am out of the market now. Perhaps you too might get lucky there too, especially with me out of the running (need to think of another way to flush my money down the toilet as is my wont. Books, I think, want to look at pretty pictures and imagine that someday I might make some).

Thanks to all, I have appreciated the advice and suggestions and even tried to heed most of it. Certainly I am the better off for all of your help.

Best,
Larry

[Bob Salomon]

Hopefully the work will go smoothly. It's a Master Technika, so cams ought to (in theory) be available, and I have all the original rangefinder parts. Bob Watkins of Precision Camera Works here in the Chicago area has the camera and I hope is having fun putting it all back together. If he can locate the appropriate cams

Marflex is the only authorized Linhof service station in the USA. That is why he is the sole source of new, uncut, factory cams in the USA. As long as you have lenses with standard focal lengths and are not trying to cam an Imagon (can't be cammed) then Marflex has the cams and focus scales and infinity stops that you will need.

Have you checked with them?

252 652-4401.

[ljsegil]

I believe Martin is Bob's source for cams.
LJS

[Jean-Louis Llech]

Well, Larry, that's good news if you can use your MT with the rangefinder. I'm glad if we could help you.
Now welcome to the MT/RF/HH* addict club !

* MasterTechnika/RangeFinder/HandHeld

[ljsegil]

Hi Jean-Louis,
Although I don't feel like I will qualify for true full membership in your club until I have had the camera back and had the opportunity to waste/use some actual film, I am honored to be included in your illustrious organization. Meeting weekly, I trust? Bring in refreshments or catered? Convenient to Chicago, photo mecca of the midwest, I hope? No finer locale for such an organization can I imagine. Can't wait!
Seriously, once more thanks to all, as always this forum is nothing if not thoughtful and helpful.
Best,
Larry

[Jean-Louis Llech]

To be honest, Larry people who use a (nearly) 8lb camera handheld are a bit crazy. But happy to do it ! Don't worry it is not (too) contagious.