Linhof Technar is not dead, I've ordered mine!

[Mark Nowaczynski]

The Linhof Technar (see www.linhof.de)is a 4X5 hand-holdable wide angle camera w hich takes lenses in helical focusing mounts from 45/47/58/65/75/90 mm to 135 mm . It comes with an anatomical hand grip as well as an optical finder for compos ition. It is well suited to rapid hand-held wide angle photography (as well as ground-glass focusing) and can be used with all the Linhof roll film backs as we ll as 4X5 sheet film. Last year Linhof decided to discontinue this niche produc t.

I wrote to Linhof recently pleading for one more, and they kindly replied (see l etter below) favourably. I have therefore placed an order for a Technar with a 58 mm SA XL as well as a 75 mm lens. I am hopeful that it will materialize... So if there are any of you who have ever dreamed of owning one, now may be the v ery last chance....

Transcription of letter from Linhof Prazisions-Systemtechnik GMBH, Munich, Germa ny (original is on official company letterhead):

?10 Januar 2002

Dear Mr. Dr. Nowaczynski,

Thank-you for your kind letter of December 29-01 addressed to our President, Mr. Bauernschmid who has recently discussed the problem raised by you in full detai l.

As a matter of fact it cannot be denied that the Technar camera is an item hardl y saleable in quantities economically justifying a professional manufacture. It was for these reasons that we had to decide to discontinue this camera.

On the other hand the management would be willing to re-start the production of even a small quantity if a demand of at least 10 cameras could be anticipated. For the time being, however, we see no way for a supply within the next months.

By the way: Schneider/Bad Kreuznach have discontinued their 65 mm lens which is replaced by an excellent 5.6/58 mm XL wide angle lens. Therefore, if an order w ould be placed you should bear in mind to consider the new 58 mm lens.

On behalf of Mr. Bauernschmid we also wish to extend our best wishes to you for 2002.

Yours faithfully

H.Broker?

[Ellis Vener]

That's great! Now all you have to do is organize nine more people who want one badly enough to come up with the "scratch." Did he say how much one will cost?

[Mark Nowaczynski]

From further correspondence it is my understanding that Linhof WILL produce a small number of Technars in the coming months.

My posting is not aimed at organizing another nine buyers. I am simply extending the courtesy of informing the large format community that this unique discontinued product may become available again for a few of us...

[Ed Burlew]

Insted og the criticism this is a get idea. Consider that a major manufacturer will reintroduce a camera model for a specialist on a limited run. This is what photography is all about. Getting cooperation and results. Linhoff is to be applauded. I hope Linhof will post to this board the specs and price.

[Bob Salomon]

Delivery of the first camera will be in app. 6 months. Since this camera sold an average of 2 to 3 pieces every 10 years in the US ( that is 0.2 -0.3 cameras per year. Not 20 to 30 cameras in 10 years). it will not be an item that will be available from stock and the total production run is between 5 and 10 pieces. For specs we can mail a brochure but not post it. You can if we mail you the brochure.

[Ellis Vener]

I wasn't criticizing! I think this is terrific! My reading of the first post was that if the demand was great enough they would do the special run and if there was not enough demand they would not. Hence the idea to organize four to nine other buyers, as opposed to waiting an seeing . I foresee the special run cameras appreciating in value for collectors.