bohdan_pryszlak

I had the opportunity to do an A-B comparison for a camera store owner who deals in Leicas. What I found was that at normal enlargements I couldn't tell the difference as far as sharpness went. The newer lens did have better colour saturation, most likely due to newer coatings. The older Elmarit was not at all disappointing however. If I hadn't had the newer Elmarit with which to compare it, I would have though it was just fine. Which one is in my camera bag right now? The older version which I picked up dirt cheap ($90) on Ebay. Is the new one better? Sure - but you won't hate the older version and can save some valuable coin at the same time. By the way, my body is a Leicaflex SL which I don't think I will ever sell - and you can get one for a song these days. (If you can find one reasonably priced, the SL2 has a more sensitive meter which would be better in low light). Beware some of the earlier R4's and try to get an R4S if you can.

Hi everyone. If anybody can help me find one of these I'd be happy. I am

looking for the cap that fits over the 12564 hood on my older 35mm Elmarit. I

can't even find a part number on Erwin Putts' site and I was hoping someone

could help me narrow my regular eBay searches. Suggestions? Can I make one by

cutting slots into an existing cap?

Peter,

I have a lovely peeling and slightly corroded Tech III version 5 like you. If I were to contemplate such a restoration, I wouldn't chrome-plate or paint it. Unless I am mistaken, the original finish on the metal is anodized. There are DIY kits available for purchase. Check the following link to begin exploring this idea if you like. Good luck and post us a jpeg when your done. I hope it turns out.

 

http://www.caswellplating.com/kits/

Don't give up yet Adam. I just jumped into large format with an older tech III so I can speak with some authority.

1. Linhofs are well-built German cameras that can outlive all of us if taken care. They are generally robust.

2. Super Rollex backs do fit onto a Tech III.(You need to "persuade" the upper graflock lever to move slighly upwards i.e. bend it slightly. Secondly, they are going pretty cheap - got mine for $140 on eBay - and it works just fine.

3. With respect to the lack of availablity of cams: very likely you will get a 150 Xenar with a matched cam with your body like I did. This is common. There. You can now use it as a "rangefinder" if you really feel you have to but I don't think this should be your first concern when moving to 4X5. Hopefully, you are doing this because you want the big negative and all of its advantages. If you are so concerned with having 120 roll film with rangefinder then get a different camera. Mamaiya 6 or Mamiya 7 takes really nice pictures.

4. Tripods: I have a Manfrotto 055 (popular and portable pro tripod for decades). It held my 35mm gear with any lens. It held my medium format gear with any lens. It now holds my Linhof without any problems. (Don't get too hung up on manufacturer's specs here - they are in business to sell you another "bigger" tripod to hold your new camera.

5. Lensboards: They come up from time to time on eBay. SK Grimes will make one for you ($40 the last time I checked) or you can go to a metal supply place and get some squares cut to size, drill the hole you need on a drill press and you're in business.

6. Bellows: Mine have been patched in a number of places - they are light tight. When they stop being light tight I will patch them again or replace them. There a vinyl replacements available from China on eBay for $70. Or bite the bullet and get original leather ones from Marflex for a lot more.

Finally, relax. If you have an opportunity to get an decent Tech III don't panic. Or pay a bit more for a Tech IV. In either case, unless the thing is a total piece of junk, you should have no trouble re-selling your Linhof. These cameras are always in demand. That is no accident.

BP

Tony,

I recently jumped into 4X5 for about a grand. My purchase was a 50 year old Linhof Technika III bought with two lenses, a 90 Angulon and a 150 Xenar, at a used equipment show. The bellows had been repaired and are light tight and the seller threw in a polaroid back, two nice film holders and an original Technika carrying case. I have since added a roll film back and two newer lenses (for more camera movements). I thought about a used wooden camera but reconsidered as someone convinced me that problems could exist "wherever the metal meets the wood". Food for thought. I also looked at new entry level cameras and realized that I'd soon be over budget if I added a lens. Newer used cameras on ebay were attractive but often the camera movements were limited (or simply not there - especially rear movements). Choose carefully and research the models if taking this approach as there seemed to be a lot of these "near new" cameras on the used market - probably because the buyers hadn't done their homework and realized what they were buying.

I guess you could say I'm biased towards older Linhof field cameras but then again, I have always favoured robust, well-built (often heavier) equipment with smooth gears, tight tolerances and a certain feel to it. Is it easy to use? As easy as any of them, I would guess. There is no front tilt on my Tech III but I soon discovered that If I flipped the camera on its side, I could use the "swing" as the "front tilt". If this is too big a hassle for you then buy a Tech IV for substantially more money. And finally, if you decide 4X5 isn't for you, Linhofs are pretty easy to sell (even pretty old ones) compared to many other cameras out there. Good luck

I wish it had been me but I was at the dentist that day at Yonge and St. Clair. By the way, APUG doesn't appear to have a group for the GTA. Maybe you want to start one?

Bo Pryszlak

Linhof Tech III

Thanks for all your help everyone. Just like Vic said above, the cover screws are extremely sensitive to subtle changes in torque. The screw in particular is the one closest to the lever - tighten it a hair too much and the back won't stop winding. I finally discovered this and was astounded at how huge a problem this was in relation to the solution. Maybe a technician knows this intuitively - It took me quite a while to figure it out. I would never have expected this from a gizmo reputed to be so robust. Anyhow, success at last! (And hopefully a lesson for all who read this thread)

First of all:

My Super Rollex's right roller does not appear to be covered in rubber. Could

this be an older model Super Rollex? Or has the rubber long since

disintegrated without leaving a trace? (I can't know as I recently acquired

this back.)

Next:

I can't seem to get the counter to work or to lock into frame #1. The rollex

just winds and winds. I removed the body cover and examined the counter which

appears to be working (I learned that the two pins need to be depressed to get

the back to begin indexing) and as well, the visible gears and mechanisms were

not gummed up or not working as the apparently should.

Finally:

With the cover off and a test roll of film loaded, I could see all gears and

leavers as well as the cover working perfectly.

Here's the main problem:

When I replaced the cover and glued down the leather again, I was back to the

same old problem - film just winds and winds. The rollex won't stop and lock

into the first frame. What the hell is going on? (I've started to wonder if

the small amount of torque the three screws which hold down the aluminum body

cover under the leatherette might be throwing the gear mechanism on the

counter off?) I thought these backs were pretty simple and reliable. Any help

would be appreciated.

Hi everyone. I just bought a used 6x7 film back for my Technika III. I need

some pointers on how to load one correctly (especially regarding the routine

needed with the "arrow button" on the back - i.e. do you slide it only when

loading or after each shot). Also, should a properly working back have even

frame spacing on the film? I have noticed that my frame counter isn't

advancing - am I missing something or does the back need servicing?

Thanks in advance.

You guys are too much! Glad to have provided you with some material. But actually, you know, it's all about the dot. The glass is certainly no better than any other good glass - but it certainly costs more. Nice to be able to buy some used R lenses at a better price lately - makes my day but really pisses off the dealers.

Does Leitz make any deluxe epoxy?

My dot fell off. Does anyone know where I can get a replacement?