A Linhof Technika from 1956
As a Munich based photographer, I need of course a Linhof Technika in my cabinet. Linhof is the oldest – 1887 – still working camera company in the world. They are based here in Munich at Rupert-Mayer-Strasse next to Siemens Werke, where aspiring LF photographers are still being trained.
I own a black/silver Technika with top-mounted RF (sometimes called also Super Technika). It’s a type IV — the accompanying owner manual is wrong saying a Kardan — also labeled in contemporary manuals as Super Technika 23.
The back removes with a single lever lock (dangerous!). Front movements are fall/rise, and tilt back. Back movements are extension, tilt and swing. Quite a lot although no side shift.
It’s a beauty – the most sturdy and technical camera that I have ever seen. All 3 Compur/Zeiss lenses are clear, while I still need to do the audio recording of the shutter movements. The set included a 6 x 9 Super Rollex back, cable releases, several sheet film holders, view finder masks and a mirror viewer for the groundplate (but not the ridiculous hand grip).