What's a Linhof Kardan Master L?

Is there something like a Linhof Kardan Master L?<br>

From the foto I saw, this looks like a Master GTL, but w/o the base

tilts, and a chrome monorail with cylindrical cross-section. Is

this an earlier or cheaper model of the current GTL series, and

where could I find the specs like dimensions, type (which, geared?)

and range of movements?<p>

Thanks,<br>

Stefan

It's a real fancy German view camera with half of the front and back standards missing. If you have to ask, you probably can't afford it ;0)

Check out the HP website.

Hm, I checked the HP site, but found only a brief description of the current (GTL) model - BTW, B&H's online catalogue seems to contain much more technical details on this camera.<br>

But, I found no reference to the »L« model I mentioned... so, the questions remain: <ul><li>How is this L model related to the current one?</li><li>Is it (aside from the missing base tilts) the same, feature- and movement-wise?</li><li>Are the L accessories available / compatible (e.g. monorail extensions) with current Linhof systems?</li></ul>

As usual, Bob Salomon will have to be the last and definitive resort for this online Linhof puzzle, too :):)...

<i>As usual, Bob Salomon will have to be the last and definitive resort for this online Linhof puzzle, too :):)...</i><p>

After the way he was roasted in this site, I would not hold my breath waiting for his answer. I think it will be a while before the bad taste leaves his mouth and he comes back to this site. You can always ask in the LF forum....the original I mean.

<p>The book <b>Das Linhof Kamera Buch / The Linhof Camera Story</b> describes it as Linhof's first monorail with L-shaped standards. However, the 8x10 version used double standards on the rear. It has a fixed length, cylindrical rail. The later LT added the telescoping rail. The Kardan Master L was made from 1974 to 1979. The "L" stands for the shape of the standards and the "T" for the telescoping rail (which the plain L lacks). The GTL is an even later model.</p>

<p>For further details, since you are apparently located in Germany, why don't you phone the factory?</p>

Well, the pleasure of answering one's own questions... :)<br>

I followed Michael's advice and asked Linhof - they were very helpful, and it turned out that

<ul><li>the Kardan L is indeed a non-yaw-free center tilt camera with L-standarts and center tilts</li>

<li>the original, earlier version had floating tilt axis on both standards, for asymmetrical application of Scheimpflug's principle</li>

<li>Linhof had to omit the floating tilts, because Sinar won a patent law suit about asymmetrical tilt axis (seems a bit strange to me as a patent layman - variable tilt axis are IMHO a bit more sophisticated than the fixed asymmetrical axis I know from Sinars)</li><li>so there are 2 versions of the Master L, w/ and w/o floating tilt axis</li><li>the Kardan Master L was a very sturdy design, even for Linhof's high standards, and some parts for it might even be still available from Linhof</li><li>lensboards, bellows and backs should be compatible to current Linhof products</li>

<li>I was asked why in Heaven's sake I was interested in a 13x18 camera, as film supply for this format would probably dwindle in the near future :):)</li></ul>