I dedicate this page to large-format photographers who need access to helpful resources. If you have any websites or other resources that you think would be helpful for others, contact me with the information, and I will update this page.
LF Lens Specs & Info (Medium Format up to 11×14 ULF)
Large Format Photography Forum
Choosing The Best Focal Length For 4×5 Landscapes by Alex Burke
Getting Started in 4×5 Large Format Photography by Alex Burke
Large Format Educational Articles by Alex Burke
Large Format Lenses by Ken Lee
Large Format Related Articles by Ken Lee
Nikkor Large Format SW (super wide) Lenses
Large Format Color Film Choices For Landscapes by Alex Burke
Scanning and Editing Large Format Color Negative Film Tips
LINHOF MASTER TECHNIKA
The Ultimate 4×5 Large Format Camera (In my opinion) – Linhof Technika 3000
Linhof Repair Service
Laflex Camera
7660 Fay Ave #H-242
La Jolla, CA 92037
+1 310-905-9976
info@laflexcamera.com
www.laflexcamera.com
Nippon Photo Clinic Inc.
37 West 39th Street, Suite 401
New York, NY 10018-0602
+1 212 982 3177
nipponphotoclinic@hotmail.com
www.nipponphotoclinic.com
How to ID the Different Rangefinder Cams
III Cams are Flat, without the IV and later ridged groves which insert into the camera body. III cams will not physically interchange with the later IV/V/Master–and vice versa. The top of the cam has the focal length and serial number of the lens engraved upon it. The bottom of the cam has the serial number of the camera they are matched for. IF the camera serial number on the cam is before 62501 (the starting point for the Tech IV) the cam has to be for the Tech III.
The IV/V/Master RF cams will physically interchange. They can be quickly recognized because they have ridged grooves where the cam is inserted into the camera body.
IV cams have the serial number of the camera on the bottom of the cam AS WELL as the serial number of the lens on the top of the cam. Note that since the IV has a non standardized back, its cams will not dependably focus on the later cameras, or even on other IV’s.
V/Master cams look the same as the IV cams, but ONLY have the serial number of the lens engraved. These cams can be accurately interchanged between V and Master bodies using that particular lens.
Telephoto Lens Use on Master Technika
- Linhof Technika Max Bellows = 435mm (400mm with front bellows and 35mm with back)
- Schneider 270 Tele-Arton F5.5 Flange Focal Distance = 152mm (verified with the cam)
- Nikkor T-ED 360mm F/8 Flange Focal Distance = 261mm (working on this now and cam is ordered)
- Nikkor T-ED 500mm F/11 Flange Focal Distance = 350mm (I need to verify this to make sure it works in real life and not just on paper based on specs.)
- To use a regular non-telephoto 450mm lens like the Nikkor 450 M F9 lens, use a top hat extension board and fully rack out the camera.
Bellows Removal
To Remove the bellows and front standard from the body on the I, II, II, IV, IV and Master, all you have to do is follow the steps below:
1) Loosen the four locking knobs for the back movements.
2) Remove the end caps for the four rear movement rods. Open your camera up, pull out the front standard to its normal position, and then look back at the inside case of your camera. You will see four metal rods with end caps screws on them. Unscrew and remove the end caps screws.
3) Pull the front standard forward so it is off its tracks
4) Pull the back off the camera away from its body, thus pulling the front standard and the bellows through the body cavity and away from the body.
To re-install after cleaning, just do the opposite.
General Linhof Resources
- Excellent website for all things Linhof Master Technika
- Video – Basic Overview of Linhof Master Technika Features
- Video – Good video about the Linhof Super Technika (older than Master version) – Excellent tip at 5:30 on how to slide the front standard on to the main rail properly.
- Video – Comparison of Technika models.
- Video – Linhof Overview of How to Use the Rangefinder
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Tim Layton Fine Art 