Used Linhof 5x7 vs. new Tachi 5x7

Sorry to still be obsessing/agonizing over this, but I have yet another 5x7 question before I fork over my hard earned dollars. Given a choice, would you grizzled LF veterans go for a used Linhof 5x7 (assuming it is in good, workable shape) or a NEW Tachihara 5x7? Your valued comments are appreciated.

I have a 5x7 tech III which I'm really happy with (movements/shifts -

enough already!). It's about as fragile as a cannon ball, only half

as heavy, not more difficult to operate and much,much more pretty.

Range focusing can be useful if you do candids - don't laugh! - and a

viewfinder is an added bonus(expensive apart?). Just be careful -

when you open it up the PeopleGapingAndWalkingWideCircles2000

magnetic perimeter defence system automatically activates with

alarming suddenness.

I have owned both cameras. The Linhof was my first 5x7 and I used it

about one year before I got a little tired about the weight and the

lack of front fall. In the tech cameras you have to use the drop bed

function instead of lens fall, which I felt a little messy to use.

Then I found in Sweden a lovely Nagaoka, so lightweight,that I could

carry it in the pocket of my winterjacket. Well, this was otherwise

nice, but because the lack of some sturdiness I bought a new Tachi.

This was of rosewood,stainless steel knobs,and very stable, but not

any lightweighter as the 4x5 and 8x10 Tachiis I've had. In my mind it

is a very good camera, and I stopped using it only because I moved up

to 8x10. I have always liked the fine fresnels of the Tachihara, and

in fact, I have a Tachi fresnel mounted on my Phillips now. If you

have the habit of shooting scenes that constantly needs a lot of fall

(as I do )and want a rugged camera for nature/outdoor use, take the

Tachi. In an urban mileu I would choose the tech, because of people

recognicing it for a camera,and not any funny joke. But both cameras

are ecxellent tools, and I don't think you can't do any big miss

whichever you choose. Jan

Hmmm, Ben, I have to agree the Tachi would not at all be a bad choice

either, and Brian has a point. But about dropping the bed - it is

something you can get used to. Dang!!, I almost forgot - make sure

the focus lock is still in good shape if you are planning on getting

used to dropping the bed... gravity being what it is!