OddCameras.com
Linhof Standard II
The Linhof cameras are a reknown standard for professional large
format photographers. The most well known are the Technikas, but there
was also the Standard, its sister model wihout back movements.
Basically they are field cameras with a drop bed, like the Graflexes
and others, but the Technikas have additional back movements close to
a monorail camera. Linhof also made smaller models from both lines
which, like the smaller Graflexes, could be used as press cameras.
The Technika series was launched in 1934 with a first model, based on
the existing Standard model. Soon an improved model II was available
for both variants, most probably in 1936. Anyway, they are both in the
1937 catalogue. Both are 9x12 cameras,
not 4x5 yet, there were 6.5x9, 10x15 (4x6) and 5x7 models. On both the
back could be turned from landscape to portrait, both have triple
extension and the front can be tilted, big advantages compared to
cameras from competitors like Graflex.
The Technika II has the reknown back movements and a hinged ground
glass back in addition. On the Standard II only the hood is hinged.
The size of the Standard II folded is roughly 15 x 15 x 6.7 cm, a very
compact camera, smaller than a Graflex. It weighs 1.5 kg without a
lens. The Technka II is only 0.5 cm thicker and weighs only 200 gr
more, so they are on the light side, not on the heavy, as they were
later.
Some photos:
Camera open. It lacks the wire finder.
Seen from the right.
Leather handle.
Left side. 2
bubble levels on the bed. There is another bubble level integrated into
the top of the housing. The focussing knob can easily be blocked via the
lever.
The back can easily be turned from landscape to portrait format with no
restrictions. The ground glass has to be swapped against a film holder.
The hood is hinged for easier access with a loupe. On the Technka II the
whole ground glass is hinged so that you can put a holder without removing
it.
Front. Lensboards are standard 3 1/2 inch size square (89mm).
Front rise.
Front shift..
Front tilt..
With a Schneider Kreuznach Angulon
1:6.8/9 cm wide angle lens.
With its original standard lens, a Schneider Kreuznach
Xenar 1:4.5/15 cm.
A big tele lens that would not fit into the housing, a Voigtländer Tele-Dynar
1:6.3/29 cm.
It's a very nice camera,
easy to use. If you can cope with 9x12 format, it's better than most of
the others. It has ample movements. The rotating back is a big advantage.
It's lightweight seen its possibilities.