Linhof 617 S III w/72MM XL questions

I have a linhof 617 w/72mm XL and a fuji GX617 w/300mm. I have to

tell you I like the fuji better. Picture quality is about the same

but the Linhof has that beutiful 72mm XL...My question is about the

accessories for the Linhof. I need to know if anyone has figured out

the lense shade issue for the Linhof w/72mm XL. Regradless of you I

have asked, even Linhof, no one knows due to the over 100 degree

angle of view and 110mm diameter screw in. Also, does anyone know

the best way to filter this camera. I have some custom made lee

stuff but it vignettes. The CF when attached makes the screw in

diameter 110MM. NO ONE has 110MM filters stocked, they are all

special order. I also need help with the focusing screen, Has

anyone found a good method for the linhof?

I have to give it to Fuji, they have a great system with all the

accessories. If they only had the 72mmXL........

Thanks

Dean,

You might ask your question on the large format forum:

http://www.greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a.tcl?topic=Large%20format%20photography

People there have more experience with the 72XL lens.

I have a Linhof 612, which I like even with its limitations (similar to those of the 617). I see these wide-format cameras as primarily for handheld or for quick tripod use. They are great at what they do, but they are not substitutes for view cameras with roll-film backs. I know Canham has been developing a 617 back for a 5x7 view camera. I'm not sure if it is yet in production, and I have no idea if this would be a suitable direction for you. I am bringing this up as an idea to think about, that's all. In any case, best regards.

Try getting 5 inch gel filters from cine stores you might have

more luck. I guy I used to work for as his assistant used to cart

his Sinar p 5x7 on location which had a modified back that

allowed him to shoot two 617s on one sheet of film. I remember

back then dreaming of the guy getting a linhof. Thank god I'm not

doing that anymore and I have someone to carry all my

unnessicary equip.

Hi, I have the same camera, the same lens and the same complaints about this camera. The FUJI body is more sophisticated and I think much better. But this lens forced me (like You) to buy this old-fashioned camera.

B+W has the filter sizes we need for this lens. You must be happy that anything in this size is available, do not expect it will be in stock.

I attach the 95 mm filter direct to the lens, If I use center spot filter, 110 mm are necessary. But Linhof and B+W changed something in size of center spot; there is also 115 mm available. So before buy measure exactly what do you really have. Here in Europe we pay about $ 300 for a polarizer, $ 100- 150 for a red #29.

I hope this helps

Z. Zigric, Germany

I am a little late responding to this question. Better late than

never. I use the 617 S III with 72mm lens and filter it in the

following way. I use the centre grad filter from Schneider. For a

polarizer I use a Lee 100mm square polarizer and clip it directly

onto the centre filter using two large paper clips or two small

plastic spring clamps from a hardware store. I do the same with

other square or rectangular filters including ones only 85mm

wide. The filter doesn't have to cover the entire filter thread

diameter. Because the filters are thin (1-3mm), and since they

are placed right against the metal part of the circular grad filter,

there is no vingetting. Using grads is hard but I use a 5x7inch

ground glass cut in half placed in the back of the camera

(without film) and a hood. You can't see the edges of the image

but you can see enough of the centre to position the grad.