Review 1 of 4
Price Paid:
$7500.00
from Minneapolis, MN Summary:
The Linhof 23b Super Technika has been my right arm for the last twenty years having owned three as well as an old model III and two model IVs. I would unqualifyingly state that it is the finest camera of its type and the benchmark for virtually all cameras. To paraphrase a well know camera reviewer, it would be incorrect to say that the Linhof 23b is the Leica of medium format cameras as really the Leica aspires to be a Linhof, not the reverse. The camera is a chunk of quality with capabilities which rival monorail cameras and it has handhold possibilities. It really does shoot from the hand, and well at that. Has the best rangefinder in the world and some of the best lenses combined with enough heft to dampen the palsied hand of this Sexagenarian-enough to allow 1/30th second shots with the normal lens! On a tripod it nearly matches the best 4x5s and surpasses the rest. Easy lens interchanging with matching cam already in place, it's very convenient though not actually fast at different focal shots. The styling is world class as is the construction. Linhof's metal cutting is so good it was feared the the new owner would just dump the camera line and keep the machine shop. Fortunately not the case at all.
Strengths:
The Linhof 23b will accept lenses from the superlative Zeiss 53mm Biogon through about 250mm. Currently it is fitted with Schneider or Rodenstock APO types according to buyer preference. Like ordering a Bently car you have a personal choice in this and other accessories. There are many accessories. While this camera has been called expensive it seems to me that it is actually quite a bargain. How many cameras of other makes would you go through during it's lifetime of usability? The 1950 model still aquits itself quite well in the field and won't shame you with it's appearance. Porche used to be like that. Precision is it's benchmark and flexability of use its greatest strength. These cameras are seldom seen on the used market as owners die with them in hand. Weaknesses:
Although I said the camera might not be considered expensive it does cost a lot of money. Like about $8000 for starters and up from there for more lenses and accessories. It is also not a light camera, this quality being incompatible with durability and precision. I don't consider it either bulky or heavy however. One may order the basic camera from New York but the fitted out version comes from Bavaria-Munich in fact. Actually, this gem has no weaknesses. Similar Products Used:
Horseman 2x3 cameras are vaguely similar but really a wholly different quality. Customer Service:
Marflex will perform service on the Linhof in the US but I would suggest sending it to Germany for tricky set up and service. It won't ever need service if it isn't dropped or drowned.
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