Linhof Technikardan S 45

The Linhof Technikardan S 45 is a 4x5 inch or 9x12 cm camera on an optical bench. It is a precision instrument in Linhof's current product range, as is the smaller but similar Technikardan S 23 for 6x9 cm. Both replace the older models without "S" but they are not much different from the current models.

 

 

Construction

Despite the similar name and compatibility ofsome system parts, the Linhof Technikardan S 45 differes substantially from the Linhof Technika. The Technikardan, particularly taking into account its construction principle, is a very compact camera as well, but it has no housing and can not be used as a rangefinder camera. It is, however, a fully-fledged monorail which is perfectly suitable also for wide angle lenses.

The compactness of the camera is related to the two fold extendable telescopic rails which are placed side by side. Strictly speaking, it is not an optical bench, but this construction achieves the same. Collapsed, the rails remind me of asian characters. Fully extended, the rails are not as stable as other constructions, and it is not well balanced due to the tripod attachment in the first part of the rail. An additional rail is available for stabilization and better balancing. However, due to its considerable size, I usually refrain from using it.

The compact size is also related to the standards which can be completely turned and which are attachted to different rails positioned side by side. The standards with bellows which are normally oriented perpendicular to the rails, can thus completely be turned for alignment along the rails. This ingenious construction makes the camera extremely compact for transport. It is only as long and wide as the collapsed rail. It is thus only slightly larger than a Linhof Technika, yet it is one of the smallest fully-fledged view cameras for the 4x5 inch format. Only few alternatives of similar size exist, most noteworthy the Arca Swiss F or the Toyo VX125 (which also have an elevated price tag).

Turning the standards requires practice, particularly when turning to the transport position. I have no problems with this and did not damage the bellows so far, but those who want to avoid any risk may attach the less sensitive wide angle bellows before setting the camera to transport position.

Movements

The camera provides all movements expected from a view camera. The front standard provides shift, swing and tilt in both directions. The rear provides the same, except for downward shift. The movements are more restricted than those of a standard view camera for the studio, but for my purposes it was always sufficient. Indirect movements may be used to achieve an extended range.

Except for focusing, the camera has no gears. All other movements are fixed by friction with clamps. Shifts and tilts have zero detents, which makes operation with one hand a bit awkward, but it makes zero alignment easier. This is one of the main differences between the Technikardan S and the previous version which does not provide zero detents.

Backs and Viewing Aids

The camera back can be attached for horizontal or vertical orientation. It can take the same viewing aids as the Linhof Technika. Normally, I use the camera with a dark cloth and a 7x lupe. Besides slide-in cassettes for sheet and roll film, Graflok cassettes for roll film and Polaroid may also be attached after removing the ground glass.

Lenses with special Shutters

The lens panels of the Technikardan are identical to those of the Linhof Technika Classic. However, lenses with modified Prontor Professional shutters in the sizes 0 and 1 fit only the Technikardan. These shutters have a side panel with an aperture wheel and a lever which permits operation of aperture and shutter from the rear of the camera.

The wheel sets the aperture and can be read also from behind.

The lever provides three positions for the operation of the shutter. Besides the lowest position which sets the shutter to taking conditions, it may be moved up to open the shutter first and then shutter and aperture. Since it is a self-cocking shutter, only a flick of the lever is necessary to get from composing/focussing to vignetting and depth-of-field control to taking condition. This is much easier and faster than with the widely used Copal shutters. The shutters have disadvantages too: despite identical lens board they do not fit the Linhof Technika, the diaphragm has only five segments, and the fastest shutter speed of 1/250 s is a little less than with other shutters of this size. Still, I like these shutters a lot; in fact I use tham also with adapters on Sinar boards.

Usage with Long Focus Lenses

Like other view cameras, the Technikardan is poorly suited for long focus lenses. The extension exceeds that of the Technika only slighly, and focal lenghths above 400 mm can be used only with tele designs. For the Apo-Ronar 9/360 shown here it would make sense to use the stabilization rail for better balance and increased stability against shake and wind.

Usage with Wide Angle Lenses

The standard bellows can be exchaned with a quick release for the optional wide angle bellows. With this bellows, wide angle lenses on recessed lens boards may be used with very short extension. The camera is thus very capable for wide angle lenses for use in landscape and architecture photography. Even the Super-Angulon 5,6/38 XL may be used, albeit restricted up to 6x12 cm due to its limited image circle. The shortest lens for 4x5 inch is the 5,6/47 XL, which must also be mounted to a recessed board. Therefore, it is not possible to use the special Technika version of this lens for the Technikardan, nor can the Technikardan lens be used for the Technika Classic.

The picture shows the camera with a partially upward shifted Super-Angulon 5,6/58 XL which is mounted on a flat board.

Tripods and Tripod Heads

I use this camera with a Gitzo carbon tripod series 2 and a geared Manfrotto head 410. A ball head is not appropriate for this camera. On top of the quick release plate of the head I fixed another quick release system which provides a rail and which is fixed with two screws to the camera. The Manfrotto 357 system is well suited and provides stability on flat surfaces when the camera is taken off the tripod. The small Arca-Swiss MonoballFix System is too narrow to place the camera on a flat surface.

What's in my Trolley?

My equipment fits into a small Rimowa Trolley. Typically, it consists of:

  • Linhof Technikardan S 4x5 with additional wide angle bellows
  • Compendium with filter holder
  • 47, 58, 90, 150 und 210 mm lenses and a macro-lens 180 mm
  • Two Grafmatic cassettes
  • Lupe 7x
  • Cable release
  • Dark cloth (not shown)

Depending on the task, individual lenses may be omitted or exchanged for others. Instead of the Grafmatic cassettes, a 6x9 Super-Rollex also fits into the case. The total weight is 33 lbs (15 kg) which can be carried only for short distances. Due to the small wheels of the trolley, it is suitable only for flat ground. For uneven ground, another trolley with larger wheels makes sense.

Tips for Second Hand Purchase

Like other Linhof products, the Technikardan is a precion instrument which is made in Germany. Accordingly, it can not be had for a discount price. The used market is an option to purchase a camera in good condition for about 1100-1400 €.

The camera is a robust construction for use in the studio and in the field. The only gear is made from metal and durable. The standards may require adjustment for secure positioning, which can be done by yourself. Like with all large format cameras, the bellows is subject to wear and should be carefully inspected. See the Linhof Technikafor this. When purchasing a lens for the Technikardan, it is worthwhile to look for a model with the Technikardan shutter.

My Experience with the Technikardan

The Linhof Technikardan is a universal camera for use in the studio and in the field. Other cameras may still be better suited for specific tasks, but few have such a wide range of use. With the unique Technikardan shutters, it is also a very comfortable camera which I prefer to use when ease of operation and easy transportation are required. The Technikardan is a joy to work with, both regarding the wide range of uses and its precision feel.

I provide this information solely because I like photography and because it may be useful. I have no commercial relationships to any vendor or manufacturer mentioned in this post. The camera and all supplementary parts are my personal property.

What people talk 4 Comments

28. October 2022 Michael Niehaus

Hallo – tollen Beitrag – herzlichen Dank für Ihre Mühe.

Der Artikel hat mich bestärkt, solch eine Kamera zu erwerben (Verhandlungen laufen gerade)
Nun meine Frage:
Habe ein Schneider Super Angulon XL 58 mm.
Ihren Bilder entnehme ich, dass ein normales (planes) Lens Board ausreicht.
Sehe ich das richtig?

Vielen Dank für Ihre Unterstützung.
Viele Grüsse
Michael Niehaus

28. October 2022 ewald

Hallo Michael,
Vielen Dank für Ihren Kommentar!
Ja, das 58er ist mit einer planen Platte nutzbar. Ich habe es in einem der Prontor Professional-Verschlüsse mit seitlichem Bedienteil montiert, die es nur für plane Platten gibt. Sie brauchen aber einen Weitwinkelbalgen, der weniger Auszug benötigt, für die Arbeit mit Weitwinkeln aber ohnehin anzuraten ist.
Viel Erfolg bei den Verhandlungen und bei der Arbeit mit der Kamera!
Viele Grüße,
Ewald

28. October 2022 Michel Niehaus

Herzlichen Dank für die schnelle und sehr hilfreiche Rückantwort.

28. October 2022 ewald

Danke – ich freue mich immer, wenn meine Seite nützlich ist 🙂

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