OddCameras.com
Linhof Standard Graflok (modified)
This is a Linhof Standard 9x12 camera from 1936. A full description of the original camera is here.
Compared to 4x5 cameras, it's small and lightweight. As 9x12 film is
still available, the slightly smaller format is no major disadvantage.
It has a Linhof revolving back, a big advantage that the Graflexes
don't have.
As I'm into Instant photography, I wanted a real camera that could take
the Lomo Graflok back. I first opted for a 3D-print solution for 9x12
cameras presented here,
it works fine, but feels a bit flimsy for field work. So in the end I
opted for a real Graflok back, a spare part that came from a Graflex
Crown Graphic. My French repairman friend reduced the frame to the
minimum and fixed it to the Linhof. He also adapted the distance scale
to the 20mm offset of the Instax back, so that you can work without a
ground glass in case of. He also made a new scale for ordinary film
setting if you need it.
The size of the adapted camera folded is 16.3 x 16.3 x 8.5 cm (all
protruding parts included), a very compact camera, smaller than a
Graflex. It weighs 1.73 kg with a standard lens. The Instax back weighs
667gr. including film and batteries. So it's 2.4 kg all included, 1.1kg
less than a Graflex and about half the weight of a Linhof Super
Technika IV with the same back.
Some photos:
The spare part Graflok frame.
Camera with Graflok back adapted.
Seen from the right.
Left side. Lomo Graflok back attached.
Right side, focussed to infinity, offset included.
Seen from the back.
It's a very nice camera,
easy to use. The rotating back is a big advantage.
It's lightweight seen its possibilities.
I have not taken any outside photos with it yet. It's too cold for the moment. But this will happen quite soon.