Linhof III questions

I have the option of purchasing a Linhof III, Version 4 (I think;

serial number is 48,--- something). However, there is no roll film

back (just a film holder for 6x9 size film), and I'm not sure if

the lense serial number matches the cam number (it's a Schneider

Symmar 135mm F5.6 convertible lens)(the dealer hasn't gotten back

to me yet on that query).

 

Now I've contacted some of the bigger photo outfits,

and it seems that sheet film for the 120 widths doesn't exist. So

will I need to shell out some extra bucks for a

roll film back?

 

I'm also wondering about the lens. If it doesn't match the serial

number on the cam, is the rangefinder useless? If so, do I then

have to use a loupe on the glass back to ascertain focus? But if I

put a roll film back on the unit, I assume the ground glass option

is not available? (Sorry for my ignorance on large format)

 

My main aim is to move up from my current Mamiya M645 and gain

twice the film size. I'm not terribly interested in 4x5

photography, but mostly just because I like the convenience and

cost of 120 roll film, and the Linhoff seems fairly light for hiking.<div></div>

Ilford pack 2 1/4x3 1/4 cut film and so does Freestylephoto. Roll film backs for 120 size film are on the big auction place often, $200 or so, available in 6x6 and 6x9 sizes, older knob advance or newer lever advance ones. Newer 220 backs will work as well, but film selection is on the poor side now.

Thanks Bob. My knowledge on this is kind of sketchy. If I compose the shot and get everything focused, I assume that I can then take off the ground glass and replace it with the film back and trip the shutter?

 

The other factor that has just occurred to me is that maybe the Schneider Symmar lens is an improvement on the original. Does anyone know how it compares to the stock lenses?

No Evan, you don't take off the ground glass, the film holder slides in front of it.

It depends on what kind of roll-film holder you get. Some of them fit under the ground glass, but more typically you need to remove the ground glass. Make sure you have the Graflock/International style of back on the camera.

 

Additionally, you can test focus yourself. Use the rangefinder, then check the focus on the ground glass.

<I>"I'm also wondering about the lens. If it doesn't match the serial number on the cam, is the rangefinder useless?</i><br>

Yes, it is useless. On these older models, the cam must be adjusted for ONE lens and ONE camera. It is a factory precision work. That's why the serial number of the lens is engraved onto the cam.<br>

It is rather stupid to buy such a camera (relatively expensive) if you don't have at least three lenses coupled with the camera : a wide angle (53-55mm) a "normal" lens and a moderate tele-lens (180).<br>

If the back is of Graflok type, you can also put a rollfilm holder later on it.<br>

<i>"If so, do I then have to use a loupe on the glass back to ascertain focus? But if I put a roll film back on the unit, I assume the ground glass option is not available?"</i><br>

Yes and no. You can use a loupe for focusig directly on the groundglass, and use it as a simple view camera. (And why did you pay for a rangefinder and viewfinder ? Buy a simple folding camera like a Wista or a Toyo).<br>

The system of groundglass focusing supposes : <br>

1?) that your camera is fixed on a tripod.<br>

2?) that you focus on your subject, and when all is "in focus" you replace the groundglass with a rollfilm holder, or if you find an insertion model, you insert it between the groundglasse and the camera (in place of the groudglass)<br>

But if what I explained is clear, it means that you can't use such a camera handheld. The rangefinder / viewfinder has been developed for handheld use.<br>

If it is not complete, with the cam for three lenses, the viewfinder masks for the different lenses and formats, I think it is better to forget it.<br>

Thanks for all those answers. I'm now wondering why the original owner replaced the original xenar lenses with a single symmar. Would the quality of the latter make up for the loss of rangefinder capability?

"I think it is better to forget it" J-L Llech

 

Yes, indeed!!!