Linhof Master Technika Lens Options?

[LFLarry]

Hi Darr, thanks for sharing all of this and I think this is just awesome!!

It would be impossible to agree any more with you. I have gone through a lot of cameras over the years and then I was fortunate enough to get a mint condition Linhof Technikardan and it was over for me... As you said, their quality and precision is just out of this world in my opinion. Then I got a Linhof Master Technika (used in mint condition as well) and this has become my new hiking and backpacking kit and that is what I am trying to get build out right now... The rangefinder came with two cammed lenses so I am super excited about the options that will open up too.

By the way, I do have an 8x10 Sinar P that I use for my B&W images. I have the Sinar Copal Shutter and an adjustable IRIS lensboard, so I can use all my vintage glass with ease. I also have 5x7 and 4x5 reducing backs for it as well.

I am a 5'3" petite female that chooses to shoot with a Linhof MT 3000. I have owned Arca Swiss, Ebony, Wisner, Calumet and Crown Graphic cameras and choose the Linhof for its build quality and precision. I enjoyed the Ebony cameras a lot, but in the end, they were too light for using an accessory like a 6x17 back IMO. I saved and waited for my Linhof (purchased used), because I wanted the build quality. The only other view camera I may add in the future is a Sinar for its independent shutter system. I do take my Linhof out of the studio occasionally, and I shoot not far from my vehicle or from my ebike that has a rear carrier basket to hold my gear. I would not let 6 lbs of camera weight deter my need for stability and precision, as I have already been down that road before. Like the OP stated, current DSLR cameras and glass can out weigh a Linhof easily. The other thing I do to minimize weight is to purposely pack a smaller bag with only two lenses and conserve on film. Most of the time, I am only after one or two shots per location. I travel via camper van for shooting locations and stow additional gear, film, etc. in the van and recharge as needed. We all have different priorities and unique needs.

The lenses I currently have for my Linhof: Nikon 90/4.5, 150/5.6, 210/5.6, Rodenstock 65/4.5, Docter 240/9.
The accessories I use: 4x5 Reflex Viewer, Universal Finder + 60x120 mask, Techno Rollex 6x12 and Shen Ho 6x17 film backs and Ebony Lens Shade Clip.
All of this gear fits inside an Ebony bag made for their 4x5 camera system when stored.

I stow my MT with the Nikon 150/5.6 on, and had to change out the lens cap for it to fit inside the opening of the bed.

Kind regards,
Darr

[darr]

Hi Darr, thanks for sharing all of this and I think this is just awesome!!

It would be impossible to agree any more with you. I have gone through a lot of cameras over the years and then I was fortunate enough to get a mint condition Linhof Technikardan and it was over for me... As you said, their quality and precision is just out of this world in my opinion. Then I got a Linhof Master Technika (used in mint condition as well) and this has become my new hiking and backpacking kit and that is what I am trying to get build out right now... The rangefinder came with two cammed lenses so I am super excited about the options that will open up too.

By the way, I do have an 8x10 Sinar P that I use for my B&W images. I have the Sinar Copal Shutter and an adjustable IRIS lensboard, so I can use all my vintage glass with ease. I also have 5x7 and 4x5 reducing backs for it as well.

Wow Larry, your Sinar system is awesome!!
In the future I hope to have something similar.

[gabain]

hello,

I am using a Nikkor 360 / 500mm kit and they do work fine with the Linhof Technika.

So no worries on that part.

Regards

Klaus

Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk

[LFLarry]

Thanks for confirming. Much appreciated. Happy Holidays.

[Neal Chaves]

I mounted a 58mm 5.6 Grandagon in a recessed Technika lens board. This lens was in a 00 Compur, so I had to fabricate a new insert for the board and made it flat for a little deeper recession than the original 0 size insert. With the bed dropped and the track back it focused to infinity. Then I cut a 75mm cam down to couple it to the RF. This particular lens just clipped the corners on 4X5 but was very useful hand-held with the RF and of course it covered 6X9 and could have covered 6X12. Eventually I discontinued my use of Linhof equipment and returned to TRF Crown Graphics for press cameras, which RF couple easily to lenses as short as 58mm. I am setting up one now for a friend with a 65m F8 Fujinon which will fold up in the case. Because the Fujinon has an additional 7mm of flange focus and is in a 0 shutter, I think it could be set up the same way, cam-coupled and fold up in the case of a Master. One of the many 20mm finders available for 35mm cameras would provide a pretty accurate view for hand-held work.

[Pieter]

The reason I posted the Linhof weight (m/o lens, backs, etc.) is my backpack full of photo gear for walking (I hesitate to call it hiking--I rarely go for more than 5 miles) weighs in at 20 lbs. At my age and condition I start to feel it after a while.