LINHOF KARDAN MASTER TL

[kpo]

Hello,

 

I'm hoping to find information including features and

specifications, pictures as well as opinions on the LINHOF KARDAN

MASTER TL. If anyone can describe the differences between the TL

and the GTL that would be helpful. I've been able to find detailed

information on the newer GTL but not the TL. I'm aware that like

other Linhof products the TL is a quality monorail system designed

for studio applications. I'm evaluating the TL as well as the Bi-

Kardan (which I am more familiar with) and various SINARs as

possible options. I use a Technika field camera and am now

considering a dedicated studio camera primarily for still lifes. Any

input is appreciated.

[lee hamiel]

The TL has U-shaped standards & the GTL has L shaped ones.

 

See: http://linhof.de/english/index.html

 

There are specs & pics for both models.

 

I owned a couple of Bi-Kardans & they were great solid well built cameras. I have pdf scans from some literature on these - If you would like to see email me offline & I'll send.

 

Good luck.

[joachim_hildebrand]

Kevin,

 

I think the difference between the older TL and the current GTL is that the TL has no base tilts. Both have L-shaped standarts. The GT is the model with U-shaped standarts.

 

G = Gelenkrasten (base tilts with different fixed degrees)

 

T = Teleskopgrundrohr (telescopic rail)

 

L = L-Standarten (L-shaped standarts)

 

For studio use the TL should be perfect if You don�t need extreme vertical shifts which the GTL provides through indirect movements.

 

The GTL has variable assymetrical tilts. The TL might have this feature too, but I am not sure about this.

 

The Kardan Bi is very well built (like all Linhofs) and a perfect allround solution (studio and outdoor) because it is very light (ca. 4 kg) for a studio-monorail and can be "folded" flat after removing bellows for easy transport in the field.

 

All current accessories for the GT or GTL can be used with the Kardan Bi (bellows, backs, lensboards etc.) except rails or anything which is directly connected to the rail or the rail itself. So make sure that You get extension rails together with the camera if possible. They are difficult to find. I think the Kardan Bi is one of the best and most useful Linhof cameras ever made.

 

Good luck