Linhof Technika Questions

[tim_kimbler1]

I bought what I believe is a Technika IV, I have a few questions.

Mechanically the camera is good, but most of the movements are stiff,

most likely from lack of use. Any suggestions as to what I should

use to clean and lubricate the camera? Cosmetically the camera looks

bad, some of the leather is missing, and or pulled lose from the

outside body. Any suggestions as to what I should use to recover the

camera, both material and glue? I can't see how you attach the roll

film back. I assume you remove the ground glass , but I don't

understand how to attach the other back? I have a 75 mm lens I would

like to use with the camera. I mounted it on the recessed board, but

you can't get your fingers in to make adjustments. Any idea as to

how to use the lens? Any suggestions will be appreciated. Thanks

[bob_finley]

For lube on the IV rails I use a wax/teflon based bicyle chain lube very sparingly. Has worked great and does not attract dirt like regular grease. It is made for aluminium and cleans when applied.

 

Remove the ground glass frame and there are two sliders on the rotating back. Slide them as per arrows and you will see the grafloc holders move. These are what holds your roll film back in position.

 

I don't even try to use a 75mm as a 90mm is enough trouble for me. Someone else will chime in but I believe you will need the wide angle focusing device to use a 75mm and you won't get much if any movements.

 

Leather, I don't know.

[bob_salomon3]

"Someone else will chime in but I believe you will need the wide angle

focusing device to use a 75mm"

 

Nope. Just a recessed lensboard.

[neal_shields]

I recovered my Technica V. Several of the "tan" panels were missing and finding matching material is impossiable.

 

Someone at a camera show told me to do it this way.

 

1) Put the masking tape on the camera and smooth it down.

2) Cut the tape out very carefully with a new exacto knife.

3) Put the masking tape pattern on the leather.

4) Cut the leather with sharp sizzors.

5) Glue the panels down with either 3m 924 Adheasive Transfer Tape or Pliobond Industrial Contact cement.

 

I prefer the tape. I have not found any other rubber cement that works except the Pliobond. For some reason it will grip painted or plated camera bodies when others won't.

 

Either can be ordered from: www.micro-tools.com

 

I used a small draftsman's compus with an exacto knife blade in it to make the small circles for knob ends etc.. Adjust it by cutting small pieces of paper first or you will waste a lot of leather.

 

The trick to the leather is getting something thin enough.

 

I ended up using the cover material from an old account's ledger. Look at thrift stores for old brief cases etc. Most things just don't look like camera grain leather though.

 

It isn't leather but the origional material wasn't either.

 

It took me about 10 hours total.

 

If you don't get it right you can see the cracks from several feet.

 

Be careful when you remove the knobs for the back, there are springs in there.