Norma 5x7 and 8x10 Dimensions

[asf]

I would keep the rail clamp on the tripod head, then attach the 6" extension with the standards to a 12" rail (basic or extension, whichever easier), slide the standards apart and mount that on the head/clamp

I do this with my Toyos, it's very quick

Stored on the 6" rail it becomes very flat and opens up many other kinds of bags/cases depending on the situation

[asf]

For 8x10 seems like folded down on 18" rail is best

[Jerry Bodine]

Sounds like you've got it worked out to your satisfaction now.

[asf]

Possibly, as I don't have either camera accessible I wanted to know dimensions and what others did with theirs

Also if my ideas were feasible

[asf]

Found this image of a folded 5x7, looks quite compact on a 12" rail (or is it 18""?)

[Jerry Bodine]

Found this image of a folded 5x7, looks quite compact on a 12" rail (or is it 18""?)

This image shows the 5x7 folded on an 18" rail that has the rail clamp installed. It is done by removing the standard bellows from both the front and rear standards, then placing the camera over the bellows so that the camera's weight is supported by the rail clamp rather than the bellows. Both standards are left in zeroed position before folding, first the front standard then the rear standard. I think it's a risky arrangement; it looks OK on a tabletop that is reasonably flat/firm, but if placed in a case that is not so flat there is risk of bellows damage from camera weight resting on it (plus the bellows is a loose component free to settle in an undesirable position). The case would need to prevent the camera from rocking side-to-side, otherwise the bellows would get "cycled" from the rocking. Since you normally leave the rail clamp on the tripod, I think this may not work for you.

[asf]

Thank you Jerry, very helpful

That explains why the bellows didn't make sense to me

I have the camera with me and I'm finding it easiest to leave it set up on the base rail in the expert case

Will see if any of the folding options work for me for smaller bags though

[asf]

Btw, in the Sinar Norma manual folding down the 5x7 onto the rail sounds very easy
Reality is always different I guess

[Jerry Bodine]

Btw, in the Sinar Norma manual folding down the 5x7 onto the rail sounds very easy
Reality is always different I guess

My 5x7 folds down easily as described in the manual; to me it doesn't seem really necessary to move the rear standard upward a half-inch as instructed, unless it's to minimize the risk of scuffing the finish on the "cross-bar" on the standard (it's a really close gap). The half-inch isn't really all that critical either.

Fig. 17: http://www.cameraeccentric.com/html/info/sinar_1.html

I'm reminded of this thread.

[asf]

Perhaps I misunderstood what you meant before about folding it on the 18" rail

The 5x7 does not fold at all on a 12" rail. And even on the 18" rail it's a VERY fussy task. But if you're willing, this is what's involved to make the smallest package:

Length = 18-3/8"
Width = 10-3/4"
Height = 7-3/4"

Detach bellows at front standard
Max fall at rear standard
Rise at front standard as needed
Max forward front focus (rear focus at zero)
Fold front standard down to the rail
Fold rear standard w/ bellows attached onto the front standard
Bellows MUST clear front tilt scale (barely)
See what I mean? I'd opt to leave it intact on the 12" rail and hang it upside down, supported by the rail.