Need information about Seroco 5X7 drop bed camera

[rrunnertexas]

I'm new to Large Format, so please forgive my ignorance...

I just purchased a really nice looking Seroco drop bed 5X7 camera from that famous auction site.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/261720962946...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT


There are a few questions that I hope more educated forum members can answer for me. Maybe I should have asked before buying? lol


Where can I find more information about this camera? I really would like to find a manual and history about it. Anyone have a link to a Sears Catalog that shows this model?

Does it use the dry plates or sheet film. If it is set up for dry plates, what do I need to do to use with with my 5X7 sheet film?

It has not arrived at my door yet, so I am just going by the photos posted.

Thanks for the help,
David

[Tim Meisburger]

From what I can see the camera looks complete. The holders that came with it are dry plate holders that will work with the camera. To use them with film you will need plate to film adapters (essentially a metal sleeve that fits in the space for the plate). If you are lucky, they will already be inside the holders, and you will not need to do anything. If they are not there and you just want to shoot now, you can probably make sleeves out of thin cardboard (I've done that for 6x9 holders).

Lovely camera! Good luck!

[Mark Sampson]

I believe Seroco brand cameras were made by Conley. Other people who know more about this may speak up. It might help to look at cameraeccentric.com.

[c.d.ewen]

David:

Start with this site, and just keep digging.

Alas, cameraeccentric seems to be a "lenses only" source these days.

Charley

[Bill_1856]

Nice camera. The only real problem is that it is OLD, and things are gonna go wrong with it.
Be extra gentle -- it will save you a lot of grief.

[rrunnertexas]

Tim - That would be perfect if the metal sleeve adapter is inside, but if not, do you have a sample of what the sleeve should look like or maybe a video link of someone making a adapter?

Bill - It sure seems to be OLD. lol I think that is why I like it even more. For some reason the idea of shooting with something so vintage is very appealing to me. What the exact date of manufacture is, I am not sure. I have searched for a bit, but it seems hard to find a lot of info on this camera. Maybe it was not as popular at the time?

I will start with the link that c.d. provided....

[Tim Meisburger]

Sure. I've got one somewhere with the adapter inside. I'll see if I can dig it out tomorrow and take a snap.

[DannL]

My everyday camera has been a Seneca No. 5x7 (also self-casing), which is very similar to your Seroco. I carry it everywhere when possible. Excellent for handheld 5x7 exposures. The original plate holders I found to be very difficult to use. But, luckily a regular 5x7 film holder (wooden, circa 1920's) works perfect. Your camera may also work well in that sense. One problem with film sleeves and regular film holders alike is that the film's front surface does not set in the same position of that of a dry plate. On mine I simply reversed the focus screen glass and then added a small piece of foam in the corners of the camera-back. The focus and film now reside in the same plane. I had to replace the shutter with something from the 1920's also.

[Jim Noel]

If you holders don't have a metal insert just buy some modern wooden or plastic holders. They will work fine.

[dsphotog]

Modern 5x7 holders might not fit without slight modification.