Rittreck View 5x7 camera manual

[Certain Exposures]

Hello do any of you have a copy of the manual of this camera that you could share? I'm trying to find a few details about its external dimensions so I can double check if it could fit inside one of my bags. I did a quick Google search already. Thanks in advance!

[abruzzi]

I have the manual at home. If someone else doesn't jump in before this evening, I'll post it somewhere you can get to it.

I found the perfect bag for my use of the camera--the Domke F-833 (I always use shoulder bags, not backpacks.) Its discontinued, but B&H still has them for a lowered price.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/712112-REG/Domke_701_03A_F_833_Large_Photo_Courier.html

It has two padded inserts that devides the bag equally. The Rittreck fits in one of the inserts, so I took out the second insert and centered the insert with the camera. That leaves two tall narrow spaceson either side of the camera. In one I put 2 or 3 lenses (depending on the size of the lenses.) In the other I put all the misc doo-dads like a Linhof lens board adapter, loupe, light meter, etc. The front pocket will hold 4-6 5x7 film holders. Then I lay the dark cloth on top and close down the top and fix the velcro.

Thr only flaw is that loaded like that, the bag is pretty heavy, and unlike the smaller F-803 Domke satchel, the bag doesn't have good support under the bag, so I bought some extra Domke strap material and will have a seamstress sew that in place.

[Certain Exposures]

I have the manual at home. If someone else doesn't jump in before this evening, I'll post it somewhere you can get to it.

I found the perfect bag for my use of the camera--the Domke F-833 (I always use shoulder bags, not backpacks.) Its discontinued, but B&H still has them for a lowered price.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/712112-REG/Domke_701_03A_F_833_Large_Photo_Courier.html

It has two padded inserts that devides the bag equally. The Rittreck fits in one of the inserts, so I took out the second insert and centered the insert with the camera. That leaves two tall narrow spaceson either side of the camera. In one I put 2 or 3 lenses (depending on the size of the lenses.) In the other I put all the misc doo-dads like a Linhof lens board adapter, loupe, light meter, etc. The front pocket will hold 4-6 5x7 film holders. Then I lay the dark cloth on top and close down the top and fix the velcro.

Thr only flaw is that loaded like that, the bag is pretty heavy, and unlike the smaller F-803 Domke satchel, the bag doesn't have good support under the bag, so I bought some extra Domke strap material and will have a seamstress sew that in place.

Thank you! I'll look forward to that post. You must have strong shoulders ;D. I'll check out this bag because that should give me a rough idea of the dimensions.

What tripod do you use with the camera? And what's your set up: 4x5, 5x7, or 8x10? I'm guessing you're enjoying it?

[abruzzi]

I’m using it solely for 5x7. I have better cameras for 4x5, and 8x10 for the Rittreck looks pretty clunky (and expensive.). Right now my tripod is an older Bogen/Manfrotto 3221 with a 3047 3 way head, though I’m looking at building a Gitzo G340 setup for it. The Bogen is a bit too small for 8x10, so for that I have a Zone VI “lightweight” wood tripod.

The reason I use a shoulder bag is not steel shoulders, but rather knees and ankles made of cheeze whiz (motorcycle accident, and more titanium than bone in my knees). I am physically unable to kneel, and a backpack usually requires removing it and placing it on the ground to operate out of (at least in the places I shoot), while a shoulder bag I can load and unload while it’s on my shoulder. If you think the Rittreck is bad, I have a shoulder bag for a Sinar Norma 8x10. That’s kind of the limit for me.

[abruzzi]

here is the manual

225541

[Certain Exposures]

here is the manual

225541

Thanks!

[3S-KR]

here is the manual

225541

That's what I need.

Good information.

Thank you

[landstrykere]

here is the manual

225541

almost two years after, but I thank also for the file.
I am considering to buy a Rittreck View for 5x7/13x18 and I couldn't find manuals. I searched a bit with online japanese translation, without luck.
So it's very nice to find this. I uploaded the manual also on free storage:

https://disk.yandex.com/i/p_BddsnFq_qAUQ

the specs are not mentioned in that pdf, but I found a site where a good soul put them:

http://4nalog.blogspot.com/2019/06/going-large-5x7-or-13x18-cm-format.html

Bed:

342 mm (14") forward extension
54 mm (2") backward extension
396 mm (16") total extension

Front standard:

50 mm rise
35 mm fall
21 degrees swing each side
25 degrees tilt forward and backward

Rear standard:

28 mm shift left and right (actually a lot more than that but the scale only marks that much)
18 degree swing each side (also more than that but will go off the scale)
25 degrees tilt forward and backward
1 degree micro tilt backward

Dimensions:

328 x 252 x 88 mm
3.2 kg (7 lbs) body only

Options:

6x9 roll film back
4x5" rotating back (with folding hood)
8x10" extending back
compendium lens hood
+ lots of other goodies if you know Japanese



Pacific Rim Cameras has a brochure listing accessories:

https://www.pacificrimcamera.com/rl/00690/00690.pdf

[Tin Can]

The 1 degree rear tilt is unique

Made for studio portraits

I never could see it

Literally!

bad vision

I also hear it is a Portrait Camera

for people with great eyes

[landstrykere]

The 1 degree rear tilt is unique

Made for studio portraits




I read in some of the many discussions here or elsewhere that it was a studio camera in Japan. Yet it looks very sturdy and ideal for carrying. Now most large format cameras are used a lot outdoors it seems. My 8x10 was arts schools students camera for practice of studio photography, I did reinforce it quite, did small modifications in order to use it outdoors and carry in rucksack.

I have two 5x7/13x18, the ubiquitous FKD, because I found it by pure coincidence in a shop for very little, with lens, so why not. It's light and good when not much movements are needed. The other, and first, I made myself, because I wanted something smaller than 8x10 I was already using, but was unsure and didn't want to buy a commercial camera that I would have to resell if I didn't like. I was using 5x7 with a homemade 8x10-5x7 reducing back but not the same than carrying around a 5x7 camera.

the FDK is ~3kg, my homemade is ~2kg. It's sturdy: oak baseboard steel reinforced. Compared to the FDK;

https://i.imgur.com/3ixBMvc.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/4UewYKM.jpg

I have to make new bellow, it's a bit tedious and hard to match thinness of commercial ones.

https://i.imgur.com/VnsZqkX.jpg



I am very tempted by a Rittreck because it will be faster to set, then fold and pack again I think, for just like 1 kg more. Yet 1kg more ....

I am often on Yahoo Japan auctions through Buyee, and I spotted another interesting similar camera, the Toyo Sakai, but it is for the 4¾ x 6½ format...

[Vaughan]

I read in some of the many discussions here or elsewhere that it was a studio camera in Japan. Yet it looks very sturdy and ideal for carrying...

I've bought a Rittreck View that had Dymo tape with "STUDIO 2" written on it. I've also read that they were favoured by commercial street portrait photographers around tourist spots in Japan.

Note that there is a bewildering variety of backs available for them. Avoid the old wood half-plate backs. Most come with a rotating 4x5 back. The 5x7 back is lighter than the 4x5 back and more expensive than a camera itself, but it changes the camera from a "big and heavy 4x5" to a "light and compact 5x7". I also have the whole plate back and half a dozen of the matching Rittreck whole plate film holders. The format is a nice size, and a shame more film isn't available. From all reports the 8x10 back is limited in use.

The half-plate Toyo is tempting but it's based on the Speed Graphic so movements etc are limited. Its half-plate film back isn't standard (most half-plate holders have the same external dimension as 5x7, these are smaller) and half-plate film is not readily available anyway, and if it was it would be a pain to develop because no developing tanks fit that size. Note that if the camera used 5x7-sized holders it would be a really cheap 5x7 camera: a back was made but it's rare.

[Joseph Kashi]

I am very tempted by a Rittreck because it will be faster to set, then fold and pack again I think, for just like 1 kg more. Yet 1kg more ....

I am often on Yahoo Japan auctions through Buyee, and I spotted another interesting similar camera, the Toyo Sakai, but it is for the 4¾ x 6½ format...

The Rittreck with 5x7 back weighs slightly less than 4.3 KG, heavy but solid and well-made. It is a good 5x7 folding field camera - I have two - but not a camera for long hikes after taking into account lenses, film holders, and accessories. If you do buy one from a humid place like Japan, ask about the condition of the bellows - they can get mildewed or damaged from improper folding - and about potential corrosion of the metal parts controlling and locking the movements.

Still, aside from the expensive and rate Canham and Technika 5x7 metal cameras, the Rittreck is among the few available metal 5x7 folders, and certainly the most affordable one.

The Canham is definitely lighter and and a more modern design. However, Keith Canham told me, when I was buying my new one from him, that he is out of CNC'd parts for 5x7s and does not anticipate making any more new metal 5x7 MQC models, so you would need to find a metal Canham 5x7 as used.

[landstrykere]

half-plate film back isn't standard (most half-plate holders have the same external dimension as 5x7, these are smaller) and half-plate film is not readily available anyway, and if it was it would be a pain to develop because no developing tanks fit that size. Note that if the camera used 5x7-sized holders it would be a really cheap 5x7 camera: a back was made but it's rare.

if I buy one I will make a back for 5x7. My current 5x7 and 8x10 cameras have homemade backs, I am comfortable with tinkering. Developing tanks also very simple, at least for one sheet at a time.

on the left a bottle of Tetenal BW chemicals. They have almost the Ø of steel tanks for 135 and 120 spirals. Just ~1 mm more. So with a bit of pressure lids of steel tanks do fit, stay put firm, and don't leak, due the elasticity yet stiffness of the bottle's plastic. I cut bottle at height to accommodate whatever size: 135 or 120 spirals, 2x3, 4x5, 5x7, 8x10. Left to right on the picture 4x5, 5x7, 8x10.
Perforated aluminium sheet is inserted so it allows fluid circulation back the film:

https://i.imgur.com/J1z2tvl.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/bRQUyvs.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/MOMvG7V.jpg

the other squarish tank is made with plates glued to corners and with extra construction silicone outside. Film holder from perforated metallic ribbon. Can have 3 sheets in the tank. Can make at whatever sizes. Crude but simple and working. All is needed are snips, reinforced (graphite powder) cyanoacrylate glue, vice, hammer, pliers, perforated bonding ribbon.

https://i.imgur.com/1QrBfaJ.jpg

[rfesk]

The half-plate Toyo is tempting but it's based on the Speed Graphic so movements etc are limited. Its half-plate film back isn't standard (most half-plate holders have the same external dimension as 5x7, these are smaller) and half-plate film is not readily available anyway, and if it was it would be a pain to develop because no developing tanks fit that size. Note that if the camera used 5x7-sized holders it would be a really cheap 5x7 camera: a back was made but it's rare.

The Toyo original field camera is missing shift and swing in the front. Fine for almost all field work but for buildings etc. not so good. The back has tilt only. It is lighter and more compact than the Rittreck. I have adapted a 5x7 back to mine.

[reddesert]

The Toyo / Sakai metal field 4-3/4 x 6-1/2 does have swing in the front. It unlocks with a chrome lever at photographer's right, bottom of the front standard. No front shift, no rear swing (and no rear rise or shift, like many field cameras). Although I guess it has some heritage from the Speed Graphic, the few movements it has over the Graphic are important ones.

The 4x5 back for it (what I have) is not rare (as far as I know). The 5x7 back must be very rare, I haven't seen a picture of it, and there have been threads casting doubt on whether an OEM 5x7 back existed. There was an old thread on the Toyo where someone discussed adapting a 5x7 back but the pictures were long gone. Since then, this blog on adapting a back appeared: https://5x7blog.wordpress.com/2017/11/05/toyo-metal-half-plate-4-34-x-6-12-conversion-to-standard-5x7/

With this camera, it is good to unlock the front rise as well as the tilt when folding it to avoid misfolding the bellows (Perhaps true of most field cameras of this type?)

[jose angel]

I read in some of the many discussions here or elsewhere that it was a studio camera in Japan.

Right, one of the good things about the Rittreck is that feature back focusing.
The Canham is a very different camera and with a very different approach: closer maybe to a "do it all", or a "field-monorail" with its benefits and drawbacks. Worth to think about the use it will take.
My main issue: 5x7" film availability. In my surroundings there is no 5x7" anywhere (only 13x18 scraps) so I need to pay for import (shipping, taxes, and the inflated prices film already have). I use to shoot large format, but although I like 5x7" most, convenience takes me to the 4x5" route. "Small" LF photography is considerably cheaper and more comfortable too.

[rfesk]

The Toyo / Sakai metal field 4-3/4 x 6-1/2 does have swing in the front. It unlocks with a chrome lever at photographer's right, bottom of the front standard. No front shift, no rear swing (and no rear rise or shift, like many field cameras). Although I guess it has some heritage from the Speed Graphic, the few movements it has over the Graphic are important ones.


With this camera, it is good to unlock the front rise as well as the tilt when folding it to avoid misfolding the bellows (Perhaps true of most field cameras of this type?)

You are correct - my mistake. It does have front swing.
It is easy to misfold the bellows if you are not careful.

[B.S.Kumar]

The Toyo / Sakai metal field 4-3/4 x 6-1/2 does have swing in the front. It unlocks with a chrome lever at photographer's right, bottom of the front standard. No front shift, no rear swing (and no rear rise or shift, like many field cameras). Although I guess it has some heritage from the Speed Graphic, the few movements it has over the Graphic are important ones.

The 4x5 back for it (what I have) is not rare (as far as I know). The 5x7 back must be very rare, I haven't seen a picture of it, and there have been threads casting doubt on whether an OEM 5x7 back existed.

The OEM 5x7 back did exist. I sold one in 2017, with an equally rare Linhof Technika lens panel. I sold another in 2018 with the usual Speed Graphic panel. The back was the same as the Toyo 57G.

Kumar

[landstrykere]

The OEM 5x7 back did exist. I sold one in 2017, with an equally rare Linhof Technika lens panel. I sold another in 2018 with the usual Speed Graphic panel. The back was the same as the Toyo 57G.

Kumar


thanks. Good to know, it means DIY 5x7/13x18 back is doable.

I tried to find pages about this older camera, by using online translation, but not much finds. For instance:
http://je2luz.g1.xrea.com/toyofield01.htm
it says body only is 2,8kg.
an idea of the size, folded, vs the 5x7 Graflex Crown Graphic:

247217

exploration of web.archive.org brings nothings, for instance 1999:
http://web.archive.org/web/19990423091357/http://www.toyoview.co.jp/maincame.htm

a succinct timeline of Toyo cameras on wikipedia in japanese:
https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%83%88%E3%83%A8

for the Rittreck details.
https://note.com/mightybear_photo/n/n335adbea6dc4
and

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXm5-HWIBXs


On the other hand the 4x5 Toyo are massively available and documented. Somehow I find it weird, because the size 4"x5" is not much bigger than 6x9cm. 13x18/5"x7"/4¾"x6½" is ideal, still compact enough but almost twice the size.

[reddesert]

The OEM 5x7 back did exist. I sold one in 2017, with an equally rare Linhof Technika lens panel. I sold another in 2018 with the usual Speed Graphic panel. The back was the same as the Toyo 57G.
Kumar

Interesting - I'm not familiar with the Toyo 57G. Was that an interchangeable back with the same fitting as the usual Toyo-Sakai 4-3/4 x 6-1/2, or a uniquely 5x7 version of it?


thanks. Good to know, it means DIY 5x7/13x18 back is doable.

I tried to find pages about this older camera, by using online translation, but not much finds. For instance:
http://je2luz.g1.xrea.com/toyofield01.htm
it says body only is 2,8kg.
an idea of the size, folded, vs the 5x7 Graflex Crown Graphic:

247217

exploration of web.archive.org brings nothings, for instance 1999:
http://web.archive.org/web/19990423091357/http://www.toyoview.co.jp/maincame.htm

a succinct timeline of Toyo cameras on wikipedia in japanese:
https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%83%88%E3%83%A8

On the other hand the 4x5 Toyo are massively available and documented. Somehow I find it weird, because the size 4"x5" is not much bigger than 6x9cm. 13x18/5"x7"/4¾"x6½" is ideal, still compact enough but almost twice the size.

There's a few threads about the Toyo Sakai 4-3/4 x 6-1/2 on this forum. The link I posted to 5x7blog on making a 5x7 back for it has some good pictures of it: https://5x7blog.wordpress.com/2017/11/05/toyo-metal-half-plate-4-34-x-6-12-conversion-to-standard-5x7/
It was made in the 1960s and perhaps into the early 70s, so you're unlikely to find anything on Toyo's websites about it, even the archive.org versions. As of the 1990s and 00s, even 5x7 was a minority interest compared to 4x5 and 8x10, and half-plate even more so, so that aspect was a curiosity. You can read Q-T Luong's LFphoto writeup on 5x7 to get an idea of the 5x7 niche 20 years ago: https://www.largeformatphotography.info/5x7.html

[djdister]

I had this in a document from when I owned a Rittreck:

Rittreck View 5x7 camera

The Rittreck View camera is a versatile large format camera which can accept 8x10, 5x7, 4x5, 6x9cm and 6x7 cm back adaptors. When folded up, the camera is very compact and portable relative to the size of negatives you can shoot, and it is also very quick to setup.

Specifications:
Body: Light die-cast alloy

Bed:
• Max extension forward: 342mm/14 in.
• Max extension backward: 54mm/2 in.
• Full extension front and back: 396mm/16 in.

Front Movements:
• Rise: 50 mm (upward)
• Fall: 35 mm (downward)
• Swing: 21 degrees (to each side)
• Tilt: 25 degrees (both forward & backward)

Back Movements:
• Shift: 28 mm (left and right)
• Swing: 18 degrees (to each side)
• Tilt: 25 degrees (forward and backward)
• Micro tilt: 1 degree (backward)

Dimensions:
• Height: 328mm
• Width: 252mm
• Depth: 88mm
• Weight: 3.2 Kg/7 lbs (body only)

[B.S.Kumar]

Interesting - I'm not familiar with the Toyo 57G. Was that an interchangeable back with the same fitting as the usual Toyo-Sakai 4-3/4 x 6-1/2, or a uniquely 5x7 version of it?

Here are photos of the Toyo 5x7 I sold in 2017: https://photos.app.goo.gl/lriRB0rzIs2Xz6TB3

The back is the same as the 57D, but the fitting is for the Original Field 4 3/4" x 6 1/2" camera. It wasn't an after-market modification - the back plate is the same beige color as the back itself.

Kumar