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Flynnie
29-Apr-2011, 05:20
Hi everyone, first post here.
Just bought a very old Linhof with Schneider 127mm F4.7 Press-Xenar (for just under 200 bucks) and would welcome any info on just how old it is and what a few of the more obscure levers and tangs actually do.
It came with some Graphic Type 5 film holders sized 3¼×4¼ but after searching the Net I've not found any references to Linhof cameras in this quarter-plate format, so what would the original European size have been?
The back/screen is in the portrait format and there's no tripod socket on the side of the body, just the bottom, so was this designed purely for portraiture?
Many thanks for any help.
Simon

Flynnie
29-Apr-2011, 05:25
p.s. the serial number is 13821, I bought it from a man here in Czech Rep who inherited it from his stepfather, who was a pro photographer in the States. The seller reckons it's from around 1920, maybe even earlier. The front standard features rise/fall, shift, tilt only backwards, but no swing.

Two23
29-Apr-2011, 05:38
It looks too modern to me to be from 1920. A flash accessory shoe? Lots of chrome? My guess is 1950s, but keep in mind I'm not familiar with this brand.


Kent in SD

Flynnie
29-Apr-2011, 07:37
I also think it's a bit newer than 1920 but from the pics I've seen of old Linhofs I'd say it was made well before the 50's.

Two23
29-Apr-2011, 07:50
I also think it's a bit newer than 1920 but from the pics I've seen of old Linhofs I'd say it was made well before the 50's.

The lens might be a key.


Kent in SD

Flynnie
29-Apr-2011, 08:01
Good idea Kent - according to the Schneider site it dates from about 1953 so if this is the original lens for the camera your guess may well be right!

rknewcomb
29-Apr-2011, 12:11
I'd say probably late 1930's early 40's. Original size would have been 9x12cm and used single sided metal plate holders with film inserts. Its had the Graphic film back added so it could used "modern" holders. Would have always had only the one tripod socket on the bottom.
It looks like the rotating back plate is still there, try simply rotating the back.

Something about that front focusing track does look a bit odd to me..

Flynnie
29-Apr-2011, 12:40
Spot on about the date, I asked Bob Salomon in another thread and he said "Seems to be one of the cameras made between 1937 and 1945, We do not have serial numbers for those but can tell you that they were made in 7 different film sizes: 6x9cm; 8x10.5 cm; 9x12 cm; 10x15 cm; 12x16.5 cm; 13 x 18 cm; and 18 x 24 cm. 6x9cm weight 1.135 kg (2.5 lb) and 18 x 24cm weighed 10.1 kg (22.25lb)!"

Flynnie
29-Apr-2011, 13:37
Bloody hell, should have realised the back rotates, thanks! What seems wrong with the track?

rknewcomb
29-Apr-2011, 16:35
Its not that there is anything wrong with it. Earlier cameras had tracks that were mostly black painted and had different hardware for pulling and locking the front standard.
Later cameras had different locking hardware. Its just that I haven't seen many of this date so it just looks different - More chrome looking I guess.
Robert