Want to get into 5x7: Questions

[Ramiro Elena]

After reading all the praise on 5x7 I've gotten the itch and would like to get into it. I do have have several questions I'd like to have answered before I start looking/buying.

I own a Toyo 45A field camera and a couple lenses: Schenneider Xenar 180mm f5,6 and a Calumet Caltar 210mm f6,3.

-Will these two cover 5x7?

Since I am starting, I don't want to go out and buy something very expensive, in fact I'd like to spend as little as possible, and from what you guys say in the forum you can go for an inexpensive model.

Now, where do I start? I see lots of wooden models on the Bay with a wide range of prices.
-Can you guys point me to a few names or models I should be paying attention to? Anything that you would look for if you had to start now after your personal experience?
-Do all models take different film holders (wooden/plastic)
-Can they all do vertical and horizontal? My 45A has a revolving back but it's not a real need.
-Can I make my own lens plate in case the camera doesn't have one. Or could I mod the front to use the metal lens plate already in my lenses?
-How hard is it to find new bellows for old cameras? Can they be installed fairly easily?

I've seen some beautiful portrait models but I guess a little tilt and shift would be nice.
There were more questions I can't remember now :D

Your help and comments would be greatly apreciated.
Thank you!

[Ken Lee]

A good site to start is Field Cameras of the United States

Some of the older wooden cameras were made with 2 rail boards, a front and a rear. Before purchasing a vintage camera find out enough to know whether the camera is missing the tail or some other important part.

Here's one being offered, unfortunately, without the tail. The seller may not even know that the camera had one originally, but you can see in the photo of the rear, there are holes for the tail to screw in. The camera will be fine for shorter lenses, but will be unusable for long lenses or close focus. Needless to say, it will be very hard to find a tail for this one. One could be made, but at a relatively high cost.

This page shows a beautiful older Seneca camera, complete with rear rail board.

[venchka]

A few days ago there was a nice Rittreck with 4x5 AND 5x7 backs for sale here. Not sure if it's still around. Don't know about the Xenar, but the Caltar should cover 5x7.

[Ken Lee]

The Xenar is a Tessar design. At smaller stops, it will probably cover, but may be softer near the edges. At closer than infinity, coverage will increase. On 5x7, they will be very sharp. Try the 180 for close work: you'll be delighted.

Unless the cameras are in perfect shape, they may need some work. Richard Ritter see all, knows all.

[wfwhitaker]

Since I am starting, I don't want to go out and buy something very expensive, in fact I'd like to spend as little as possible, and from what you guys say in the forum you can go for an inexpensive model.

Expensive is a relative term.

Don't fall victim to buying a camera which needs repair, thinking that it's a cheap way out. It can be. But you can easily end up spending more on repair and rebuilding than you planned. Sometimes spending a little more up front to have a working camera ready to go make photographs is a better option. Don't ask me how I know.

[venchka]

Expensive is a relative term.

Don't fall victim to buying a camera which needs repair, thinking that it's a cheap way out. It can be. But you can easily end up spending more on repair and rebuilding than you planned. Sometimes spending a little more up front to have a working camera ready to go make photographs is a better option. Don't ask me how I know.

Even free cameras can end up costing more than they are worth. Been there. Done that. Hold out for someting in full working order.

[Terence McDonagh]

It might help to know where you are located. Assuming you're in the U.S., I have a 5x7 camera and film holders I might be able to loan you.

[John Kasaian]

IMHO 5x7 Nagaoka is "the bomb" for a lightwieght field camera. Of course nobody wants to sell thiers IIRC they may still be available new in Japan.

You can't go wrong with a Deardorff.

The Linhof Technika is super as all Linhofs are, but they go for big bucks here in the US, and are heavy!

For handheld work the 5x7 Speed Graphic is what I use, but they are hard to find.

I also like the Agfa/Ansco Universals (so much so that I have two in working condition plus another 2 or 3 parts cameras) Universals are usually had for little $$ but have all the movements and bellows anyone is likely to ever need, plus the varnished ones with brass hardware look very cool. They are bulky when folded though. Oh, and the "boards" on Universals are hinged together so unless a Universal has been monkeyed around with, you'll get both boards already attached so you'll have no worries about loosing a board out in the field. Beware that there are lots of variation among Agfa/Anscos and there are cameras that look like Universals that aren't as desireable (usually more limited bellows/movements) and to make matters interesting, I've not seen a 5x7 Universal labelled "Universal" so find a picture on the internet and learn what the finer details look like before starting the hunt if this is a model camera that sounds interesting.

Good luck!

[Ramiro Elena]

I am in Spain So I already count on shipping and the fact that most 5x7 for sale are in the US.
Having said that, I have a thing for smart/clever design and being able to fold a big monster into something "small". Since, at this point, I might be asking for too much, wood is probably a better choice, unless I shed the money for a newer model.

I want something that doesn't require spending time and money looking for impossible to find parts. What worries me the most in this case scenario is sitting on a piece of equipment forever and not being able to use it (more than the money). I've done this way too many times. The furthest I am willing to go is a change of bellows and working out the lensboard.
Not going to be doing arquitecture so, not worried so much about movements. A little tilt for creative purpouses is enough, of course some shift to easier frame portraits.

What about holders? Is wood okay? Can I use plastic film holders with a wooden camera?
Thanks for the ideas, I'll start looking (slowly)

[Ken Lee]

You can use any standard holder. I have a few old wooden holders, and now I prefer them. Perhaps the manufacturers changed to plastic for their own benefit.