TK 45S Macro arm.

I have a new (6 months) TK45S and Macro arm/plate/extension/ When I

tried to use it the camera bed would not slide in to the holder. I

contacted Linhof and they sent a new replacement. I have had the

samre problem. I have checked and rechecked and it seems to me that

the profiles and tolerances of the camera rail and that of the macro

rail do not match. If the problem lies with the camera then the

rails should not collapse into each other as smoothly as they do.

However the macro arm fits easily onto a TK45. Is there a change in

rail dimensions between the TK45 and TK 45S? Has the spec changed?

Has anyone else had this problem ?

Robin,

 

I have the same problem. I am on my second Tele/Makro

bracket and, although a better fit than the first, it is still way too

snug. I am on a promise from my supplier if and when a

modified bracket becomes available.

 

I find I only really need the support bracket with the 450mm

Nikkor-M. My 300mm Apo-Symmar sits quite sturdy on less rail

extension. At a pinch the 450mm could probably be engaged

without the bracket but if we strove for mediocrity or near enough

is good enough would we be using large format ... and would we

choose Linhof?

 

WG

I acquired the infamous macro arm several months ago from Robert White and because I have not have the occasion to use it, I set it up to see if it worked properly after reading this post. Not a problem here. I have a TK 45S and after loosening the black knob, it was a precise fit. Not the least bit snug or to loose. Quite honestly, exactly the precise fit and feel that I have become used to from Linhof. I am disappointed that you and the previous respondent have had a problem with the accessory. Maybe it is time to do some precision micrometer work to ascertain where the problem lies?

 

Good Luck

Ok, I'm a curious TK45s owner and not familiar with this macro

arm thing. What is it, what is it used for? Where can I see a photo

of it? A search of B&H was no help. Thanks.

Al,

 

I don't have a photo of it, but the "macro arm" is essentially a bracket or brace that stabilizes the sliding rails at full extension, reducing the flex in the rail. Its a rather solid board of aluminum, about 8-10mm thick. It screws into the main rail on one end and has a clamp-type fixture top to hold the thin third outer rail at the other end. I bought mine together with my TK45 (non-S) 11 years ago and have very seldomly used it, essentially only in a few tabletop setups at home. Its too much of a hassle to carry around on trips, and adds several minutes in the time to set up and take down the camera. The 450mm Nikkor is certainly a bit of a problem because of its weight (Copal no. 3 shutter)and the extension necessary. Since I switched to the much lighter Fuji-C 450mm, I didn't feel too bad about not using the extra rail.

Paula at Linhof& Studio is sending it back to Germany. I will keep you posted as to the final outcome, but I expect it will be sorted out eventually.

I use the TK45s with a Nikkor 450 too. For what it's worth, I run piece of webbing with a loop on one end and velcro on the other from one L under the tripod top plate to the other L. After locking the focus drive and all other locks, I cinch the velcro end very tight.

 

While I have never compared my method side by side with the Tele/Macro bracket, it definitly helps with less weight, expense and bother.

For what it's worth, I have a TK45, and just received my new tele/macro bracket. Lo and behold, it does not fit my camera! The rail beneath the front standard strikes the mounting point on the bracket about 1 mm too high and a slight bit to the left. Linhof had told Robert White that the current bracket would fit both the TK45 and the newer TK45S. Didn't work for me.

 

Taking my cue from some of you who have been dealing with this problem for some time, I think I will simply request that my money be refunded.

 

Bruce

Interesting,

 

As the Linhof distributor for the U.S. since well before there was a TK, we

have never had anyone contact me a say they have this problem.

 

Perhaps they talked directly to service but to us - no.

 

If these are brackets supplied by HP Marketing we would certainly like to see

one of these to compare it to the ones in stock.

FWIW, I returned from our holidays to find a new (the third) arm had arrived and fits perfectly. There is very little tolerance in the fit and I guess one batch of arms were out. However full marks to Linhof & Studio for persisting with the Linhof factory.

 

best wishes

 

Robin