Advice on 4x5 compatible 5x7 field camera

[Greg Y]

Chamonix 57n

[djdister]

Canham MQC 5x7, also with 4x5 back, with 6x17 motorized rollfilm back...

[Tin Can]

My favorite 2 format camera is a 5X7 / 4X5 Korona factory kit

OE heavy felt lined box containing camera with 2 backs and DDS wood holders

Later Packard shutter, but upgraded with Kodak Commercial Ektar 8" lens in working shutter

Close fit on the new lens board, but all functions work including sync for barrel lenses

Far cheaper than a new camera, many were made

Bellows still great and light tight

Konana 5X7 by TIN CAN COLLEGE, on Flickr

Ektar 8 inch by TIN CAN COLLEGE, on Flickr

Korona 5X7 Packard by TIN CAN COLLEGE, on Flickr

[Drew Bedo]

I agree with Drew Bedo in post #4. My most often used view camera for many years was a B&J tailboard 5x7 with the original back and an improvised 4x5 back. You'll need a recessed lens board to use a 90mm wide angle. and even then front rise will be limited.

One of the things I liked about my B&J 5x7 to 4x5 set up was the long bellows draw. I used that to do some macro imaging. The B&J lens boards are simple enough for home-shop DIY. Recessed lens boards are available online. At the same time, I used a beat-up Speed Graphic with a 90mm for wide angle shooting; no front swing but it did have some rise and a bit of forward tilt.. . . .and in those days, the body was less expensive.

Sadly, I now wish I had kept the B&J. Still have the Speed.

[Luis-F-S]

+1 on the Deardorff V 5 Special. Only available used but they’re generally in better shape than the 8x10’s.

[DrTang]

I have a 4x5 back for my 5x7 Linhof Tech III

[RoboRepublic]

Thanks everyone for the replies and warm welcome. The Deardorff and Canham seem (likely deservedly) very expensive, since its my first foray, I seem to be leaning towards an Intrepid 5x7, or a Burke and James, or the Rittreck View. Would anyone have any experience with the Rittreck and would it be a bad choice? I really like the industrial, all metal design! I'm hesitant on the all wood B&Js though they do seem light.

I'm also interested in understanding the negative carriers, are they all of the same design, or does each camera take its own propriety negative holders?
@DrTang I see alot of affordable Linhof Tech III's but my understanding is that their lensboards are hard to come by.
@Tin Can / Kent The I see no results for the Korona camera on ebay, they seem very rare!

[Andrew Plume]

Hello Mr 'RoboRep'

Welcome (on board again), I suggest you send a pm to our fellow member 'Kumar' who is not only very knowledgeable but now lives in Japan where Rittreck's were made, he is as likely as anyone on here to be able to guide you. Kumar very much know's 'his stuff'

regards and good luck

Andrew

[Tin Can]

Wait a month and put up a WTB when you gain access to both WTB and FS

Suddenly all this is gear is being used OR sold asap

I have nothing for sale

[RoboRepublic]

I have indeed been intouch with him and am trying to spare him from the deluge of questions I have