I recently picked up a very nice but not perfect Linhof Master Technica
(4x5) $1300 (not bad for a Master Tech)). I must say it is very fast and
easy to set up compared to my Deardorff 4x5 Special plus more compact for
backpacking (My main interest in the Linhof). It included the 4x5 Reflex
viewer which I really like. I still really like my Deardorff as it has much
better movements but which I rarely use. I can also use the Deardorff (22
inches of bellows) for portraiture with longer lenses as opposed to the more
limited 16 of bellows on the Linhof. Over time I'm sure the pros and cons of
each will show up more extensively. Lets not get into a Tele-lens
discussion! My biggest gripe!!! The Linhof has the standard ( I assume) GG
with Super Screen. The/My Deardorff has a Maxwell GG with fresnel (Brilliant
as Bill calls it!!) . WOW!! What a difference!! The Linhof screen is a
focusing dud and is no comparison to the Maxwell in terms of brightness,
contrast, or graininess. I guess I'll have to give Bill Maxwell a call (when
I have 45 minutes or so to burn!!Ha Ha!!! : -) BUT I wonder about the
BossScreen in terms of ease of focus as the BossScreen is (or so I've read!)
not a true GG but parafin sandwiched between glass. Hmmmm! any users here!!!
AND can the BossScreen be used with a fresnel????
Yes!! Bill Maxwell has spoiled me regarding fresnels and GG!!!!
J Burke