I just bought a Linhof Super Tech V 4x5 off eBay and the rangefinder doesn't work. I've contacted the seller (100% pos feedback) and he tells me the photographer friend of his who used it (recently passed away) never used the rangefinder. He used the viewfinder and ground glass. I think I paid a little more than the set up was worth because I was enamored with the original box and passport which came along with the camera. There is also a Schneider Kreusnach (sp?) 150mm lens, the viewfinder I mentioned, a detachable sports-finder (which I would never use), and a homemade (nicely done) dark cloth. The viewfinder looks like it has a little dust inside, but I think that can be easily cleaned and it is otherwise very clear. The bellows looks good, but is showing the slightest signs of Linhof age at some of the corners. The cam for the lens is where it should be. There is also a hand grip which is in very good shape. The only thing that isn't working is the rangefinder. On the inside of the box which the bellows etc sits in, there seems to be a piece or two for the rangefinder that are loose and not really connected to anything.
Also, we can't figure out how that lever for the rise works. I don't want to break it by playing around with it. How does that work?
So, any ideas as to what may be wrong with the viewfinder, and would it be worth trying to fix? I paid $2,000 for the set up and the seller has told me that unless it is cost-prohibitive, he will pay for the repairs. Otherwise, I would have to return it for a refund. It's a shame. I would like to keep the spirit of the now gone owner of this thing alive by using it myself, but the hassle of fixing the rangefinder may outweigh my desire to do that.
Thanks for any thoughts/help,
Kelly
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