Linhof super tech 5x4 valuation

[linhoftechiv]

Hello everyone, apologies for joining the forum and then proceeding to ask such a mercenary question...! Regardless, I am thinking of selling my large format gear off due to unfortunate money issues, and would appreciate some guidance from your good selves if possible. Listed below is the kit that I have, and I'm having a little trouble estimating it's value here in the UK as it seems there aren't that many around for sale (I've tried the usual such as ebay, the classifieds here and on the albeit US largeformatphotography, ffordes etc etc...). Anyway, on to the gear - many thanks in advance for any help, it's much appreciated

- Linhof super technika iv 5x4 in excellent condition, serial number 72865. I can't imagine there are many tech iv's around in better condition. All leatherette in tact, clean, bellows light tight of course, recently had a visit to linhofstudio in London for rangefinder matching to a new lens (described below), and checked over passing with flying colours. Infinity stops and distance scale in place.

- Linhof optical viewfinder 75-360mm in excellent condition with additional 6x7 mask. (This is the viewfinder that is tan-ish in colour to match the tech iv colour)

- Schneider 150mm f5.6 mc APO lens in perfect conditon, matched to the linhof for rangefinder use by linhof studio.

*Posted on the largeformatphotography website as well to try and canvas opinion*

[dennis]

Nobody seems keen to answer you on this; probably because old cameras are only worth what someone is prepared to pay for them. Selling as a working camera, i.e. to be used, you are competing with similar more recent/common cameras such as Toyo 45A which appear to be relatively cheap. As a collectable - how collectable are they? Check with AP back numbers (if available on web site) I seem to remember seeing an article on the Linhof Technica series. While out of date it may give you some idea. O/W try ebay. Best wishes. Dennis.

[deadpan]

In addition to post above,

Camera Stores such as FFordes often have the things you have mentioned for sale to gauge a price, or as Dennis mentioned, looking at 'completed items' on auction sites is (sometimes) a good guide, although, again as Dennis said, the kit is only worth what someone is willing to pay.

The multifocus viewers are worth alot more if they are recent ones (Which I would assume yours isn't, and the later Master Techs are worth more in general than the earlier super ones. I do remember seeing one that reached a good price once, but it was boxed with all tags - ie. never used - which is obviously a great deal rarer than a (albeit mint) used example.

[Peter B]

Just a word of caution on pricechecking somewhere like Ffordes is that they are selling commercially with a decent guarantee and too many private sellers seem to think their unwarranted item is worth the same. Ffordes either sell on commission where the owner gets 80% of the asking price, or they will have bought the item outright for considerably less than the 80%, so you'll probably want to adjust your asking prices by similar figures. In fact, it may even be worth phoning them to discuss a commission sale and see what they suggest for pricing. Fingers crossed!

[linhoftechiv]

Thanks for the replies chaps, I appreciate your advice. I'm hoping that the super techs, even with their older age, hold their value because of their supreme build quality. They feel a little like they would survive a nuclear war. I think I'll give ffordes a call tomorrow when they're open and see where they'd pitch it for a commission sale, the other option being ebay I suppose...

Thanks again for the help, if anyone is potentially interested in the linhof then post here and I'll do some more thinking!