Tech IV with Grandagon 90/4.5

[Noah A]

Yes, I'm using a flat board for the 90mm and as you said, you will need to slide the top rail backwards.

The Technikas are amazing cameras. After an initial experience with a Wista metal field I thought that a field camera could not be capable enough for my needs. But the Technika is great to work with and I rarely run out of movements. And it just feels so solid. I hope you enjoy your IV!

[Ivan J. Eberle]

How do you focus a 90mm on an early Tech, do you have the front standard on the dropped bed or is it held by the inner body rail without a geared rack?

[Noah A]

A 90mm can focus on the main rails of a Technika, and in my experience there's no need to drop the bed, at least with the 90/4.5 Grandagon-N. The bed doesn't end up in the frame even for vertical-format photos.

[Frank Petronio]

The distance varies for each lens design but the big 90/4.5 Grandagon moves forward compared to some smaller lenses because it is a physically larger lens. I know that I would get the bed in a vertical shot with a 90/6.8 Angulon. How much of a recessed board (if any) you use with the lens matters as well.

[Noah A]

I just wanted to add a correction to my earlier post. I don´t use the 90mm all that often, since I generally prefer my 115mm (which is a beautiful focal length and allows for a bit more rise because of the longer flange distance).

Anyway, the 90/4.5 does not show the bed in the frame for horizontal-format photos, but the bed does intrude into the frame with vertical-format photos. I had never noticed this before, probably because I almost always use a bit of front rise with the 90, especially for verticals. For me it´s not a problem, but I wanted to mention it.

I don´t think a recessed board would matter even if you could fit the Copal 1 shutter into one. A recessed board would change the position of the standard, but it wouldn´t change the position of the lens relative to the film plane and the rest of the camera.

[Bob Salomon]

I just wanted to add a correction to my earlier post. I don´t use the 90mm all that often, since I generally prefer my 115mm (which is a beautiful focal length and allows for a bit more rise because of the longer flange distance).

Anyway, the 90/4.5 does not show the bed in the frame for horizontal-format photos, but the bed does intrude into the frame with vertical-format photos. I had never noticed this before, probably because I almost always use a bit of front rise with the 90, especially for verticals. For me it´s not a problem, but I wanted to mention it.

I don´t think a recessed board would matter even if you could fit the Copal 1 shutter into one. A recessed board would change the position of the standard, but it wouldn´t change the position of the lens relative to the film plane and the rest of the camera.

Here are Linhof's instructions for using a 72 or a 90mm or anything in between on a Master Technika Classic. The steps are the same for a V or a IV.

"13. WIDE-ANGLE PHOTOGRAPHY
(MASTER TECHNIKA classic)
When using 72 mm and 90 mm wide angle lenses, the upper track must be moved back as follows: Press the track lock button (16) just long enough to release the track, and slide the track towards the camera body until it clicks into position. When using the camera hand-held and with rangefinder focu- sing, the film back must be in horizontal position, in order to avoid vignetting by the front edge of the drop bed. To take photographs in vertical position, the entire camera must be turned by 90°. This camera operation is essential when photographing with the coupled multifocus rangefinder. It is also recommen- ded when focusing on the ground glass. In exceptional cases (vertical compo- sition from a tripod with 72 mm or 90 mm Super Angulon without using the rising front adjustment), it is possible to proceed in the following manner, in order to avoid the need for a lateral tilt of the camera: Remove rangefinder coupling cam, press down on both struts while you lower the drop-bed 30° until it clicks into the third notch of the struts, loosen the locking screw (1) and press the tilt release knob (3), tilt the lensboard all the way back and re-tigh- ten the locking knob (1). Now, as described above, the upper track is pushed
to its rear position. Due to the inclined position of the drop-bed, the infinity stops no longer indicate the wide angle infinity position. The lens is focused for infinity by moving the lens standard back and forth on the upper track.
PLEASE NOTE:
The combination of 72 mm wide-angle lenses and shorter with 4 x 5 inch film may cause slight vignetting even with the groundglass in horizontal position. For rangefinder focusing with 72 mm lenses, a slight lens rise is therefore recommended.
ATTENTION:
Remove rangefinder coupling cam before lowering the dropbed into the wide angle position."

[Tim k]

Here are Linhof's instructions for using a 72 or a 90mm or anything in between on a Master Technika Classic. The steps are the same for a V or a IV.

"13. WIDE-ANGLE PHOTOGRAPHY
(MASTER TECHNIKA classic)
When using 72 mm and 90 mm wide angle lenses, the upper track must be moved back as follows: Press the track lock button (16) just long enough to release the track, and slide the track towards the camera body until it clicks into position. When using the camera hand-held and with rangefinder focu- sing, the film back must be in horizontal position, in order to avoid vignetting by the front edge of the drop bed. To take photographs in vertical position, the entire camera must be turned by 90°. This camera operation is essential when photographing with the coupled multifocus rangefinder. It is also recommen- ded when focusing on the ground glass. In exceptional cases (vertical compo- sition from a tripod with 72 mm or 90 mm Super Angulon without using the rising front adjustment), it is possible to proceed in the following manner, in order to avoid the need for a lateral tilt of the camera: Remove rangefinder coupling cam, press down on both struts while you lower the drop-bed 30° until it clicks into the third notch of the struts, loosen the locking screw (1) and press the tilt release knob (3), tilt the lensboard all the way back and re-tigh- ten the locking knob (1). Now, as described above, the upper track is pushed
to its rear position. Due to the inclined position of the drop-bed, the infinity stops no longer indicate the wide angle infinity position. The lens is focused for infinity by moving the lens standard back and forth on the upper track.
PLEASE NOTE:
The combination of 72 mm wide-angle lenses and shorter with 4 x 5 inch film may cause slight vignetting even with the groundglass in horizontal position. For rangefinder focusing with 72 mm lenses, a slight lens rise is therefore recommended.
ATTENTION:
Remove rangefinder coupling cam before lowering the dropbed into the wide angle position."

OMG how could something so simple sound so complicated.
Here is my version; Noodle with things till it looks pretty in the little window.
Thanks Bob, and Noah for the update.
Who would have thought there were instructions

[Tim k]

My board came in today. Here is the answer to my question.

The rear element fits in the bellows opening ok. Sort of like putting on a pair of shoes one size too big. Focused at infinity the front standard is not in the camera body. There is some rise available, but its near impossible to use the rise knob while focused at infinity. Haven't checked to see if the bed is in the way yet.

Bottom line is its do-able.

Thanks for your help everybody.