Linhof's build quality is not equalled by anyone. Both Linhof and Wista cameras can use extension lensboards from Wista. The Technika has considerably more bellows then the Wista although extension beds and bellows are available for the Wista. The Wista can not handle lenses nearly this wide. Currently there are two different Linhof Technika 45 cameras the Classic with rangefinder and the 3000 without rangefinder but with built-in extreme wide angle focusing for lenses as short as the 35mm 4.5 Apo Grandagon. Super Technika IV user manual at Large Format Photography.Linhof's website advocates the Technika series as being most suitable for handheld use. The Master Technika is very similar to the Technika III, but some important improvements have been made and most parts are not interchangeable. Even today, a Technika variation is being produced by Linhof the Master Technika. The Technika IV represents a small next step in the evolution of the Technika cameras with some incremental improvements. The presence of a coupled rangefinder makes a 'Super Technika' of an ordinary Technika. This means there are two varieties that operate similarly, but that vary considerably in size. The Linhof Technika III is a technical field camera for 5x7 inch (13x18cm), 4x5 inch (9x12cm) or 6x9 (2x3inch). This allows for rangefinder focusing and thus, handheld shooting.

For the super Technikas, a rangefinder cam, engraved with the serial number of the lens, couples the rangefinder to the lens-to-film-distance. Some have been engraved by Linhof, indicating they are up to their standards (and raising their price). High quality large format lenses, made by renowned producers, can be used on the Technikas. This rather large camera folds up to a self-contained package, thus protecting the lens. For example, they offer a limited amount of view camera movements, allowing for perspective corrections. The Technikas are heavy, ruggedly-built cameras with technical possibilities not easily found on other cameras.

The company is located in Münich, Germany. Today the company is known as Linhof Präzisions Systemtechnik GmbH. Linhof is credited with introducing the first all-metal technical field camera. Image by Dries van den Elzen ( Image rights)

Linhof technika iv review