Is the Linhof 4x5 Tech/Karden BI a good LF for architectural pictures?

I need a camera to photograph interior and exterior residential architecture. I have found a used Linhof 4x5 Karden Technika BI system for sale and would welcome help/opinions from someone who has one or is knowledgible about them. It is in mint condition and includes accessories. Thanks.

There is no Technika BI.

 

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The camera was the the Kardan Bi which was discontinued 20

years ago.

 

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Any accessories that were made to attach directly to the rail are

long out of production and are no longer available. This include

auxialliery standards, rail sections, rail clamps, etc.

 

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Accessories that attach directly to the stadards are the same as

the current Kardan GT and GTL. These include ground glass,

fresnel, viewing devices, compendiums, lens boards, etc.

 

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Do be aware that one difference between the B and later models

is that the position of the rear U frame would not permit center

tilts with a holder in a horizontal position or with a Polaroid back.

An accessory extension for the rear frame was available to add

some space to eliminate this problem.

 

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The later kardan cameras with U standards repositioned the U

so this no longer occurred.

If it's a Bi Kardan you're looking at, I'd like to put my two cents

in. I've been using a Bi Kardan for about two years now and I find

it to be a great camera to work with. As Bob mentioned, accessories

are hard to find and are relatively expensive. On the other hand,

it's a great camera, so it might be worth the extra effort. Having

only used mine with lenses 150mm+, I can't really comment on its

usability with shorter focal length lenses (though I would like to

hear some input on this myself). I bring this up only because I

assume that you'll be using a wide angle for some shots. The camera

does have ample movements which are smooth and have nice detents.

Overall, I think it's a great camera. Whether it would work well for

you is something you'll have to figure out for yourself. Good luck.

I have Bi Kardan 5x7 with 4x5 reducing back and I simply love it. You

should have no problems with architectural photography. I use 90mm

lens on recessed board for 4x5 because reducing back is about an

inch "recessed" compared to 5x7, where I use 121mm lens. But you must

also use wide angle bellows.

There is one disatvantage over Kardan GT cameras I noticed: Bi is not

jaw-free. It has also a base tilt, but it lies above swing. This is

more critical at tabletop work. On the other hand Bi has plenty of

direct rise/fall and shift movement.

Enjoy,

i also have a kardan bi and think it is a spectacular camera. i have

used it with a 65mm and no recessed board without problem. the bag

bellows is necessary for lenses shorter than 135mm if you want

movement. accessories are v. expensive and some are hard to find

but most of what i've needed hasn't been hard to come by. for

architecture it will do anythig you could want(as long as you have the

bag bellows). i have never had a problem with yaw but then again i

don't shoot tabletop.