Tin Can
I am, for better or worse, a Linhof Super Technika chauvinist. Mine is a model V. Due to a handicap I use a right-hand anatomical grip w/release as well as the left grip w/o release. For handheld RF work I limit myself to the 135mm Planar - I am not steady enough for a longer lens.
Little things like that set the Linhof apart from its Japanese imitators. I suspect the Linhof release is silky smooth. The Horseman mechanical release attaches to the camera so you push the plunger with your thumb. Probably fine for flash, but I found it almost impossible to do without jerking the camera. The solenoid has almost no mass compared to the rest of the camera. It is pretty tiny compared to the Graflex solenoid.
Back in the 70s and 80s Linhof also had a solenoid release system for the Technikas and the Technorama. It had a battery pack that slipped into the bottom of the grip that had a micro switch that was positioned where the cable release sticks through the grip. A coiled cord went from the battery pack to a solenoid that was mounted to the lensboard and to the shutter.
Very elegant solution but very finicky to work properly all the time!
Originally the Technar was only available with this solenoid system but then they also offered it with just a standard Linhof cable release. Much more reliable that way!
Here is the system on a Technar. If you removed the grip it became a remote control, although limited by the length of the cable.
http://www.leicashop.com/vintage_en/...ku29862-5.html
Didn’t you indicate your RF Horseman used a solenoid release actuated by an electrical momentary switch?
That’s what I seek
The traditional mechanical Horseman cable releases I have are very smooth.
But I really prefer the 4x5 Speed Graphic with the marvelously simple flash handles which attach and detach in a jiffy. Very sturdy also.
Like Jac I need 2 handles for a RF camera even if not using flash.
Tin Can
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