5x7 camera, new to LF, advice please for lenses

[Really Big Cameras]

I appreciate any info you may have about this, like how old the camera and lenses are.

The lenses are:

• Rodenstock - Weitwinkel - Aplanat 1:12 f - 12cm No. 505145
• G. Rodenstock Munchen Rekti-Aplanat 1:8 f = 21cm No. 105986
• C.P. Georz Berlin No.203674 DOPP - Anastigmat. Serie III. Dagor F=180mm 1:6,8

Robert,

You've already gotten quite a few responses about the camera, so I'll provide a little info about some of the lenses.

Based on the serial number, the Weitwinkel (Wide Angle) Aplanat was made in the early 1930s, around 1931 or 1932. The Rekti-Aplanat was made about a decade later, around 1941.

The Goerz Doppel Anastigmat is older. Based on the serial number, it was made around 1906 or 1907.

I suspect the camera is even older, as glass plates started to fall out of favor as sheet film became more readily available.

Kerry Thalmann
Really Big Cameras

[Rafael Garcia]

If it is half plate, it can be made a dual-format film camera by easily building 5x7 and 4x5 backs, using the parts from old backs. I have one such camera, and have done this. I have uploaded the photos of the camera several times here: I'll do it again for convenience.

The back you have is for book-form holders, which were not standard, but made for specific cameras. I have adapted some for my original half-plate back, but you need a table router to do it...




4x5 back (inserted as left-handed)

5x7 back

The original half-plate back with a bookform holder inserted

[rwestbrook]

where are you located?

i have several of these holders. i am trying to figure out what to call them so i can sell them. does the camera have a name on it?

eddie

I'm in Norfolk, VA. The camera does not have a name on it, nor does it look like it ever had any kind of label. I might be interested in the holders suited for film. Do you have any photos of them?

[rwestbrook]

If it is half plate, it can be made a dual-format film camera by easily building 5x7 and 4x5 backs, using the parts from old backs. I have one such camera, and have done this. I have uploaded the photos of the camera several times here: I'll do it again for convenience.

Rafael,
That's a beautiful camera! What material did you use for the 5x7 back in white? Did you use any particular online resources for guidance in making the new backs?

[Rafael Garcia]

Minimum work was involved with that one: It's a 5x7 Burke & James back that I adapted with my router, making the lightrap edge wider. I believe I also cut it down in size a bit. I got lazy and decided not to strip the gray paint, so I painted it white instead. I also removed the metal door and hood combo because it got in my way. The 4x5 back I built almost completely, and adapted a GG screen that I had around to it, from an unknown camera.

The parts I got from eBay, pretty inexpensively.

I am presently building an 8x10, and that one is totally from scratch, including the back. I am adapting concepts from several cameras and trying some of my own ideas.