<p>I have been using a 4x5 converted Polaroid 110b and Technika III camera in tandem for a few years, but have found that the Tech III is redundant as a Rangefinder camera, and really only useful in ground glass-focusing mode (shifting, tiltig, composing on the ground glass, etc, where the range-finder is really a minor point). The 110b is superior for speed and agility on a tripod. </p>
<p>Recently, I also acquired the 360mm Tele-Arton, which I've been excited to use in a faster format with the Rangefinder on the Technika III, but having the scales and cams made is cost prohibitive, and I know I could sell the III and upgrade to the V for the cost of having this done. I intend to use the Arton for portraits on a Tripod at about 1 meter away, and also for more serious scenes. The range-finder would need to be accurate at 1 meter, focused on the eyes. <br /><br />I've considered selling the Tech III and either upgrading to a Tech V, or downgrading to an available Tech II (converted to 4x5 international). The Tech II has a Hugo Meyer Rangefinder, which may make the switch feasible, as I would have the Rangefinder adjusted for the 360mm lens only, as it is most important there. <br /><br />There are a few issues with this: can the Tech II accomidate the HUGE Copal 3 of the Arton (my Tech III has problems with it), allow accurate rangefinder focusing, and will it allow use of the 75mm SW Nikkor? Extensive modification sort of will ruin any sort of savings.<br>
To upgrade to the Tech V, I would sell my Mamiya Super 23 system (which has the rare Graflok back, Horseman holders, and the 50mm f6.3). The 50mm F6.3 makes me hesitate, but I feel the 75mm will compensate well enough.</p>