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Linhof Techs Vs. Speed Graphics:

Both is Better, unless you are Luke Skywalker!

In the 50's both the Speed/Crown  Graphics and Linhof Super Technikas were primarily used by working pros as Press/Field Cameras. Nowadays, these cameras have found a new life amongst landscape and art photographers who want a lighter mobile camera for field work (read that ANY place outside of the studio). Both cameras have rangefinders. A lot of modern photogs remove the rangefinders to save the weight. It all depends upon you own style.

While the Technika, has always been the best at providing the most, the Speed/Crown Graphics have always been the best at providing the most for the least.  The Technika  has always been the more expensive, more versatile camera of the two. But sometimes those extras are not needed and so go for naught.

In terms of a hand held 4x5 camera, there is really no contest.  Due to its light weight, any of the 4x5 Graphic Crown, Graphic, or Super Graphic cameras are far better choices than the heavy and tiring Linhof Tech.  Add a tripod, and the opposite is true. 

The Techs are the heaviest, the most precise, the most versatile, and by  far the most expensive of these two fine 4x5 field cameras. If you can justify the investment and you want the best in only one camera, the Tech IV or later is your choice. See separate profile on Techs.

The Speeds/Crowns/Super Graphics each offer definite advantages over the Techs in specific areas. Sometimes it is not a simple decision.

• COST. If you are a student on a limited budget, or if you are new to large format and are not really sure if its for you, the much lower Graphic investment is a wise choice. Having all your camera money tied up in a Tech but not being able to afford film, paper, and processing won't get many pictures.

• The focal plane shutters of Speed Graphics allow the easy use of barrel lenses--such as large format portrait or soft focus lenses.     If you don't want to spend the money to put a lens in shutter, focal plane Speed Graphics can be a very important part of your camera inventory.    With the Linhof, your only real option is a very expensive large shutter since focal plane accessory backs for the Techs are virtually unobtainable.  See profile of my own lightweight naked Speed Graphic.

• Inexpensive RF cams are available for late Top RF Speed & Crown Graphics, or Super Graphics. The Supers use a different cam than the other two. RF cams for the Techs cost a lot more. If you have a III, RF cams are no longer available because Linhof won't make them anymore. Cams for the Graphics can be interchanged between cameras. This is not true if you have a IV or earlier Tech which require made cams for that exact camera and lens combination.

• The lighter weight of the various Graphics (especially a Crown) can make them a better choice for those backpacking scenic trips if you don't need the extra movements of the Tech.

• Wide Angles are easily used on the Crown/Super Graphics down to 65mm lenses with a dropped bed and a FLAT lens board. If you want to use a 65 on a Tech (other than the ultra expensive 2000), you need their handy dandy ungodly expensive wide angle focusing devise WHICH COSTS 2 TIMES (or more) MORE THAN A GRAPHIC CAMERA! Translation: Linhof did not foresee the use of lenses wider than 75 on the Tech when it was designed, so after the fact they invented a Rube Goldfarb solution to separate you from you money.

• Synthetic Postwar Graphic Bellows stand up much better over the years than the all leather bellows of the Tech III, IV, and even the V. Replacing a Linhof leather bellows can cost as much as a used Graphic. If you have small light leaks, go down to your local hard ware store and get a can of black PlasticDip. It's liquid plastic. Just the thing to get rid of those pinholes.

• See Separate Super Graphic Profile

Nevertheless, Linhof Technikas are Beauuutifuuuul Woooonnnnderfullll cameras. To own a Tech IV or later camera is to know quality and craftsmanship. If you can justify the greater investment, you will have one of the best cameras made.

Customizing: If you use both systems, try using the much better Linhof Viewfinders and Grips on the Graphic. Mount a Linhof accessory shoe for the viewfinder and a Linhof grip base for their marvelous anatomical grip on your Graphic. The reverse is also true. Linhof folding focusing hoods have leather which cracks and tears. The Graphic all metal focusing hood can be grafted to the Linhof back to get a better camera. Graphic roll film backs can also be used on the Tech.   I suppose someone somewhere has figured how to standardize lens board between the two cameras.   I have seen one innovative camera repairman who offered a Crown Graphic to Tech conversion....well sort of, installing Tech type rear movements on a Crown. He pulled it off quite successfully. 

Don't worry about the old Technika Vs Speed Graphic argument.  Fit the tool to the task and use both!

A long time ago, in a Galaxy far far way, George Lucas was searching for Luke Skywalker's light saber.   Somehow he happened upon the large Graflex flashbulb gun with a red button on it.   With a few modifications, believe it or not, it became the Luke Skywalker Light Saber of Star Wars fame.  During filming the actors dueled with the sabers only: the "light" portion of the saber was added in post production.   

I suspect that George made  more money  with his Graflex Star Wars Light Saber than Graflex ever made selling  cameras!   Believe it or don't. 

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Revised: November 26, 2003.  Copyright � 1997-2002  Stephen Gandy. All rights reserved.    This means you may NOT copy and re-use the text or the pictures in ANY other internet or printed publication of ANY kind.  Information in this document is subject to change without notice.  Other products and companies referred to herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies or mark holders.