Linhof KARDAN GT

TE is a very solid studio camera, but too heavy and bulky for extensive field use. GT is probably better in this regard. I plan to switch to an Arca Swiss F Compact for field use and Sinar P2 for studio work. One note: I had a Linhof SuperBrite screen. It is plastic and became warped slightly thus rendering some photos slightly out of focus till I caught it. Went back to GG and Fresnel.

I use the previous TE 4x5 model which has the stronger/heavier expanding GTL monorail and no auxillary tilt mechanism below the standards. Solid and vibration free. 13 pounds of metal that locked up like it was cast that way. Very capable with long extensions. Rapid macro focus by sliding entire camera with rail on tripod block. Strong zero detents for tilt and swing. Center swings and tilts. Very large amount of direct displacements. A good value used. Field adjustable with Linhof provided tools.

No lifting levers for back. 18 inch (min.) monorail means much of it sticks out back when using wide-angles. I believe the GT version has a shorter minimum length. Lateral adjustment a little stiff when using heavy lenses like a 300mm 5.6.

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