Object of Obsession: Linhof Techno

Probably like most people I like things that are both functional and nice to look at.  Whether it’s my OXO travel mug, the custom made Timbuktu messenger bag that I have used for the last 5+ years or those things that are out of reach – Aston Martin cars, Morris 42 ocean going sailboat to name just a few things.

For me the Lindhof Techno falls into the group of things that are out of reach.  I’ve never shot film, never used a medium format camera and yet this camera appeals to me on all kinds if levels. It’s a digital based system using the medium format backs from companies like Hasselblad or Phase One. High resolution files and big prints! That it is a medium format system with bellows, means that you can get excellent front to back depth of field. Something that you would have to use either focus stacking or a tilt shift lens on a DSLR to get close to. It looks like it would be work to set up an use – this more deliberate style of photography is something that increasingly appeals to me rather than the run and gun approach that I all too often fall into with my DSLR.

I’d love to rent one of these systems for a couple of weeks to see how I’d get along with it – let me know if you know where I could rent one.  If you have experience with the Linhof Techno I’d be delighted to hear your experience with it.