Anyone here have experience shooting with one?
I just acquired a beautiful one from about 1928 if the serial number resource I have is correct. Aside from a few scuffs to the leather it is in incredible condition. Lens only has a bit of dust, bellows and curtain are both light tight and move freely, and the shutter speeds even seem to be accurate, at least compared by ear to my speed graphic that I know is correct.
I am quite familiar with how to shoot it, but I did have 2 questions. First, does anyone know where to get a decent Fresnel for the ground glass? While I assume it may require some adjustments to the film plane, I would be interested into looking into whether it is worth the time and effort to get a slightly brighter image edge to edge on the ground glass. Second, does anyone have experience with shooting one on its side? I shoot mainly portraits, and seeing how the 5x7 Series B does not have the same rotating back as the RB's and Home Pome Portrait Graflex's I will need to lay the camera on its side to get portraits. Aside from the physical logistics (tripod, viewing the ground glass via sideways hood, etc) I was wondering if there are any functional concerns I should be aware of. I often shoot my speed graphic in portrait without issue, but given the larger shutter curtain and the addition of a reflex mirror I was wondering if there were any issues with the 5x7.
Any help would be appreciated.
Also, if anyone knows any good forums etc to post for sale/trade threads that may be helpful as well. If I find it will be too large a hassle to shoot portraits with the Series B 5x7 I may be looking to trade it for a Series D 4x5 or a Home Portrait Graflex 5x7, but don't know where to start.
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