Questions about Linhof Technika III or IV

[kaliuzhkin]

<p>I just bought a Linhof Super Technika and have some questions about it.</p>

<p>1. Which model is it? It's listed in the auction as "LINHOF TECHNIKA III" but the back is held on with a single quick lever lock, making it a IV, and there is a rangefinder on top, making it a Super Technika IV.</p>

<p>2. What rollfilm backs are suitable? The back engages with the body with a 12cm diameter circle. I know about the Rapid Rollex, Rollex, and Super Rollexbacks. I would prefer the first and second but they are hard to find. The third is expensive. Would any other brand's holder work? What about Mamiya?</p>

<p>3. Concerning the back, there are no movements. If I loosen the four lock knobs (counterclockwise) and press the two catch locks, I can't pull out the back. It seems stuck. Any tips on unsticking it?</p>

<p>(Voigtlander Avus to Busch Pressman to Graflex Century Graphic to Linhof Super Technike in two months!)</p>

<p><a href="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll82/Dan-the-K/IMG_3521.jpg">http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll82/Dan-the-K/IMG_3521.jpg</a><br /><a href="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll82/Dan-the-K/IMG_3522-1.jpg">http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll82/Dan-the-K/IMG_3522-1.jpg</a><br /><a href="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll82/Dan-the-K/IMG_3499-1.jpg">http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll82/Dan-the-K/IMG_3499-1.jpg</a><br /><a href="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll82/Dan-the-K/IMG_3498-1.jpg">http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll82/Dan-the-K/IMG_3498-1.jpg</a><br /><a href="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll82/Dan-the-K/IMG_3497-1.jpg">http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll82/Dan-the-K/IMG_3497-1.jpg</a><br /><a href="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll82/Dan-the-K/IMG_3496-1.jpg">http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll82/Dan-the-K/IMG_3496-1.jpg</a><br /><a href="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll82/Dan-the-K/IMG_3495-1.jpg">http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll82/Dan-the-K/IMG_3495-1.jpg</a><br>

Note: these pictures are taken from the website of this eBay purchase.</p>

[bob_sunley]

<p>The 6x9 IIIs had a rangefinder on top, and that looks close to mine, except for the viewfinder window. IIRC, the back on the III could be removed and replaced with the later one from the IV.<br>

Look inside in the corners, you should be able to see the sliding rods that move out when you pull on the back. It's possible they have been removed or shortened. Try pushing on one when holding in the release on the back, could be old stiff grease as well.<br>

There is a long thread in the large format form about Linhof serial numbers, Bob Salomon will answer a question if you post the serial number, which is on the accessory shoe on the top of the rangefinder.</p>

<p> </p>

[lauren_macintosh]

<p>My I suggest a tour thru our archives here on photo net you can start here</p>

<p><a href="../search/?cx=006577976762569540560%3A1n8vmghdzjw&cof=FORID%3A11&ie=UTF-8&section=all&q=linhof+tech+III+cameras&filter=0&sa.x=9&sa.y=14&sa=Search">http://www.photo.net/search/?cx=006577976762569540560%3A1n8vmghdzjw&cof=FORID%3A11&ie=UTF-8&section=all&q=linhof+tech+III+cameras&filter=0&sa.x=9&sa.y=14&sa=Search</a></p>

[kaliuzhkin]

<p>I've started going through the search results. So far, I know that this is a Linhof Super Technika III, because the front standard only tilts backwards, not forwards.</p>

<p>As to back movement, I think the catch locks are the problem. They don't move far enough to permit the back to move. I'm reluctant to stick a screwdriver in there and try to pry it loose. Any ideas?</p>

<p>What about the rollfilm holders/backs. Would any other brand's holder work?</p>

[kaliuzhkin]

<p>P.S. The serial number of this camera is 81848.</p>

[tony_lockerbie]

<p>I don't really know the 111, but this looks different to my V and therefore the 1V. The back should pull out on a separate short bellows if it is the same system as the V. You need to release the four knobs and then press the two catches on either side at the centre of the back. A bit fiddly but I just push in the catches and use them to pull out the back assembly.<br>

Of course you can move this back or forward from all sides and can just release the top or bottom knobs. The moving back is effective for DOF control, works as well as front tilt but a little more awkward.<br>

As for the 120 backs I don't know what catches it has, but if it used the standard Graflok system you can use many types. I have 6x9 backs from Graflex (Super 23) plus the excellent Linhof Rollex backs. Also have a 6x12 back made by Horseman.</p>

[kaliuzhkin]

<p>Over in LF forum, I posted the serial number and Bob Salomon responded that its a Technika IV from 1947/48.</p>

<p>It appears that a Calumet slide-in roll holder would work, as would a Polaroid back. I bought one of the latter and just today three more were listed on eBay.</p>

<p>It does not have a Graflok back. I'm familiar with them because I have a Graflex Century Graphic, which does have a Graflok back, and I played the determine-what-film-holder-backs-would-work-with-this-specific-model-camera-and-then-get-one game.</p>

<p>I was able to get the back to slide out on four sliders. It took a gentle nudge from a screwdriver but now I know how to pull it out.</p>

[kaliuzhkin]

<p>Upon reviewing my description, Bob Salomon revised the model to a Super Technika III. So it must be some sort of hybrid. I'll call it a III-1/2 or III/IV.</p>

[chuck_foreman1]

CAngrats! Never made the step so far .. still at the Century Graphic

[kaliuzhkin]

<p>They're similar in that they're each 2x3 or 6x9 bellows camera and they each have a following. Unfortunately, accessories for a Linhof Super Technika are an order of magnitude more expensive than accessories for a Century Graphic. For example, you can get a Graflok film holder for a Century Graphic for $20 - $100, but a Super Rollex film holder for a Linhof Super Technika costs $200 - $1000. I prefer a Rapid Rollex and there's only one on eBay. Its listed as $350.</p>

[peter_frank]

<p>It looks like a Super Technika 23. I used to use one at work years ago. A pdf version of the manual is available here: http://www.butkus.org/chinon/linhof/linhof_super_technika_23/linhof_super_technika_23.htm</p>

[kaliuzhkin]

<p>Other than the rangefinder, what, if any, is the difference between a Super Technika 23 and a technika 6 x 9 and a baby technika III or IV? </p>

[peter_frank]

<p>It has been decades since I have used one but, other than the rangefinder, I do not think that there is much functional difference. This site: http://www.cameraquest.com/lint369.htm has some information on the 6x9 Technikas and Super Technikas.</p>