It is a technical baseboard rangefinder focusing capable camera of the highest German quality, (think Mercedes, Leica, etc.) with a sturdy die-cast body that closes to compact dimensions. If you don’t learn to use it and add it to your bag of tricks, you will be short changing yourself and your work. I am not suggesting that ground glass focusing should be forgotten, just that RF focusing often is–and it shouldn’t be!!! It’s an important function of your camera. With practice it’s quite practical to spot shots and take them hand held within 30 seconds from start to finish using the Technika’s rangefinder focusing. If the light or subject is quickly changing, practically the only way to get the image on film is with Rangefinder focusing. While this certainly has its place, so does RF focusing.
While Rangefinder focusing for large format was very popular in the 50’s, today most 4×5, (8×10), users are fine art photographers who prefer ground glass focusing for careful composition. Too bad all of us don’t have their talent.Īctually most modern Technika’s have built in rangefinders for fast, quick focusing. I’m told it’s the choice of John Sexton and Samuel Zuder. Thanks to the digital revolution, about at 1/3 of the price! But the occasional Linhof Technika does show up on Ebay. And you can still buy a new one! (B&H) At over $9000, it seems a lot. Linhof invented it, and although many “art” photographers would frown on not focusing on the ground glass, even they would admit this camera is a German mechanical wonder. Its unique combination of compact dimensions and extraordinary versatility makes it equally suitable for hand-held focused action shots and carefully composed studio subjects.Ī coupled rangefinder 4×5. The highly versatile drop bed design in the format 4×5 in. (relatively) Especially for a film camera.
(insert favorite dream car in quotes) The Linhof Technika is a classical tool of lasting value for the creative as well as the technical photographer who needs a reliable large format film system that masters any assignment with professional efficiency. Linhof Technika – The Porsche of Rangefinder 4×5 Cameras