Linhof Technikardan Camera

Description: This is a supurbly built, and elegantly designed, Technikardan that's in excellent condition. The double-tapered standard bellows made by Custom Bellows is brand new. The tripod, tripod plate, lens, and adaptor lens board and not included in the sale. (NOTE: This listing has been recently altered.) This camera is a little different from a standard Technikardan. At the request of some organization or distributor in Japan, Linhof replaced the standard Technikardan expanding rail with the expanding rail from a Linhof Kardan camera. Let's call the model being sold the Japaneses version of a Technikardan. There are a couple of advantages to the Japanese version. The standard Technikardan rail is not that stable at full extension. It dips and needs some additional support towards the front. Linhof made an accessory that attaches to the underside of the standard Technikardan that gives the rail the additional support needed. But it's long and a little cumbersome to carry and to use. The Kardan rail on this Japanese version Technikardan camera is rock solid at any extension. Another advantage to the Kardam rail, is that it was designed to be used with an Arca Swiss style tripod head. So, no tripod plate is needed on the underside of the rail. This means that one can always slide the entire camera back and forth lengthwise along the rail, so that the tripod stays centered under the camera at any extension. All camera movements are smooth. That includes 25mm front shift left and 50mm front shift right, 20mm front fall and 40mm front rise, front and rear belows limited tilt in either direction, and front and rear 40 degree swing in either direction. While smooth, rear shift is a bit stiff. Standard bellows has a maximum extension of 490mm and a minimum extension of 70mm. Given the latch design, it's very easy to exchange lens boards. Unlike the typical multi-segment Technikardan expanding rail, which can need additional front support at full extension, the rail on the Japanese style Technikardan is rock solid at any extension. This rail works best, and is designed for use with an Arca Swiss style tripod head. However, any quick release plate can be attached to an adjustable adaptor on the underside of the rail. Overall (collapsed) camera length is 15 inches. To stow in a backpack, I turn both the front and rear standards diagonally, so that the camera takes less space. The last two images shows the camera in this diagonal configuration in a side and front view. Unlike a standard Technikardan, this maneuver has not negative impact on the bellows and is easily accomplished. It's a matter of lessening front shift and front and rear swing with the bellows somewhat extended. By adjusting shift along the way, it's easy to bring the front and rear standards together in about the middle right of the rail. Please, NO INTERNATIONAL BIDS. I will ship insured with signature required by USPS Ground Advantage.

Price: 900 USD

Location: Forest Grove, Oregon

End Time: 2024-12-03T04:03:12.000Z

Shipping Cost: 75 USD