Arca Swiss 5x7 model

[kleinbatavia]

Hello all,

I've been looking about on the net for a bit to try and determine the model of the 5x7 frame I have for my Arca Swiss. Any experts here who can enlighten me? The function carrier it is in is an f-line classic. I have a 5x7 back and 4x5 reducing back on it. See pictures. It came with a standard and bag bellows that fit on the frame and a 141 front f-line.

Thanks for your input.

[kleinbatavia]

135897135898135899

[kleinbatavia]

135897135898135899

Frame measures 220mm on outside.

[Emmanuel BIGLER]

Hello from Besançon, France.

Your Arca Swiss parts certainly belong to the post-1984 F-line series.
As a general rule, Arca Swiss Oschwald camera models, pre-1984 have an aluminum finish, whereas F-line, post-1984 models, are black anodized. There existed a 5x7" model in the Oschwald product line.

To the best of my knowledge, when Arca Swiss developed around 2003-2004 the smaller 141 F-line format frames, first for the compact 4x5" misura camera, then for all 4x5" models, 5x7" format frames and 5x7" ground glass holders did not change.

Only the bellows of course differs whether you want to connect the 5x7" back to a 141 mm or 171 mm front format frame.
Function carriers have always be common to all F-line camera formats, from the small 6x9 cm to the 8x10" model. This was already the rule for Oschwald cameras.
If you wish to connect to a 171 mm front format frame, although 171 mm format frames are now discontinued, I'm quite sure that Arca Swiss can provide the proper 171 mm to 5x7" tapered bellows.

So, as a summary: you are almost ready to go, you need a 141 mm front format frame, a front function carrier, a rear function carrier if you do not yet have one, and a rail.
And if you already have a 171 mm front format frame model, then you'll probably have to by a new tapered bellows, since 5x7" F-line elements are quite rare on the second-hand market.
You can even mix F-classic and F-metric elements as you wish.

[kleinbatavia]

Good morning Emmanuel,

Thank you very much for the detailed information. I got this back as. Part of an entire camera. I was really only looking for a 5x7 frame, but the seller did not want to sell it separately. So I am set to go. I have this back, a rail, the f-line function carriers, a 141mm front frame, two bellows and a reducing back. There was a compendium with the kit too. Might sell that as it is surplus to my requirements.

Any 5x7 bellows to 110mm? Don't see any, but might cut up an old wista bellows to make one. Just to have the convenience of being able to use my small lensboards. If that works, I will probably sell an almost coplete f-line minus bellows and rear standard.

Thanks again!

[Pete Roody]

Hello from Besançon, France.



To the best of my knowledge, when Arca Swiss developed around 2003-2004 the smaller 141 F-line format frames, first for the compact 4x5" misura camera, then for all 4x5" models, 5x7" format frames and 5x7" ground glass holders did not change.

Only the bellows of course differs whether you want to connect the 5x7" back to a 141 mm or 171 mm front format frame.
Function carriers have always be common to all F-line camera formats, from the small 6x9 cm to the 8x10" model. This was already the rule for Oschwald cameras.
If you wish to connect to a 171 mm front format frame, although 171 mm format frames are now discontinued, I'm quite sure that Arca Swiss can provide the proper 171 mm to 5x7" tapered bellows.

Badger Graphic Sales has a new leather 5x7 wide angle bellows for the 171mm front standard in stock if that helps.

[Rod Klukas]

Good morning Emmanuel,

Thank you very much for the detailed information. I got this back as. Part of an entire camera. I was really only looking for a 5x7 frame, but the seller did not want to sell it separately. So I am set to go. I have this back, a rail, the f-line function carriers, a 141mm front frame, two bellows and a reducing back. There was a compendium with the kit too. Might sell that as it is surplus to my requirements.

Any 5x7 bellows to 110mm? Don't see any, but might cut up an old wista bellows to make one. Just to have the convenience of being able to use my small lensboards. If that works, I will probably sell an almost coplete f-line minus bellows and rear standard.

Thanks again!
There are lensboards from 171 or 141 to 110mm boards readily available.
That would solve your lens board most easily.
I must say your rear frame is a 171 frame from what i see in the pictures.
See attachment.
Hope this helps,
Rod