Closing Shen hao 5x7?

So what's the magic word to get this thing to fold back up? I know I must be missing something simple.

Hi Nick,

As with most wooden folding flatbed cameras, you need to zero everything, then dis-engage the front standard from the grooves in the uprights. Finally, tilt the front standard forward from the base, and the camera will practically fold itself. Whatever you do, don't force anything. Make certain that the bellows is not folding with crinkles in it before you fold the back forward and lock it down.

Thanks Eugene. I managed to get the front closed. Now I just need to figure out the back. I think I should just have to tilt it forward but so far it's beyond me. I wonder if the think just needs some time. The front now folds easily.

Hi Nick,

After folding the front down, make certain that the focusing racks are zeroed. Then, loosen the right and left rear tilt knobs, disengage the struts from the notched detents. Then fold the entire back of the camera forward. Do it gently and adjust the focusing racks until the lock for the front and back engages easily. Done!

That got everything working. Thanks.

If it's like the Shen Hao 8x10, then the one key trick is to make sure that the front standard is pushed down and back at the same time, towards the rear standard.