5x7 camera, new to LF, advice please for lenses

[rwestbrook]

I have a 5x7 camera that I recently fetched out of my dad's attic.
It's really old, but the bellows are in great condition and I'd like
to use it.

I have posted photos of it and lenses I found.

http://robertowestbrook.com/client/5x7_camera/

I appreciate any info you may have about this, like how old the camera and lenses are. Most of the lenses have no shutter attached. How do I buy one and attach one?

The lenses are:

• Rodenstock - Weitwinkel - Aplanat 1:12 f - 12cm No. 505145
• Busch Anastigmat Omnar Ser. II F: 5,5 No. 2 1/2 F=150 mm D.R.G.M. Emil Busch A-G Rathenow
• G. Rodenstock Munchen Rekti-Aplanat 1:8 f = 21cm No. 105986
• Koehler Optical Co. New York 5x7 Extra Rapid Anastigmat F:4.5
• C.P. Georz Berlin No.203674 DOPP - Anastigmat. Serie III. Dagor F=180mm 1:6,8
• an old lens with no markings

Also, the lens board is wood with unique cuts. Who can cut a new one for me?

The only issue with the bellows is that it is slightly coming apart
from the front wood element. Only noticed this when I shined a flash
through. How should I reattach it?

The film holders were definitely designed to take glass plates. If I decide to try this down the road, can you recommend a resource. I understand it is chemical intensive and very difficult.

Thanks for your help!

[venchka]

Wet plate: I haven't produced one. I did watch two gentleman working with wet plates one Saturday. Chemical intensive? sure. Very difficult? It didn't seem to be terribly difficult. I'm sure that practice reduces the degree of difficulty. Suffice to say, several wet plate images were made in a period of a few hours. Some folks would have spent that much time making a similar number of exposures on film and then they would have to process the film.

Your dad had flawless taste. Use the equipment. GOOGLE Western Bellows and also search this Forum for Western Bellows.

[Walter Calahan]

You can make your own lens boards. Go to Home Despot or Lowe's to find the wood and drill bit for the lens opening.

[venchka]

If the Big Box stores don't have what you need, Lee Valley Tools online will have the correct drill bits. You may have to visit a real lumber yard to find decent hardwood for the lens boards. Richard Ritter may be able to copy the lens boards for you.

[Michael Mutmansky]

The holders are not for wet plate. They are for dry plate negatives. Look into what is known as 'whole plate' size, as I think that's what you have there.

You can get a metal insert made to hold sheet film, and you can find whole plate sheet film if you look around.


Good luch,


---Michael

[venchka]

10 boxes of fresh whole plate film for sale on this Forum.

[aduncanson]

Measuring the aspect ratio of the film gate in the photo with the back swung open, I get approximately 1.6:1. A 5x7 format gives 1.4:1. Are you sure that this is not a 5x8 camera?

Are you interested in finding film holders for this camera?

[Michael Mutmansky]

Well, looking again, that's not whole plate. You are going to have to measuer the glass size carefully and figure out what it will fit. it may be 5x8 as was mentioned, but even that looks too long for the holder.

You can get an insert made to hold a 5x7 inside for sure. Talk to AWB Enterprises about them; there may be others that can make an adapter.


---Michael

[sanking]

I believe this is a half plate camera, 4 3/4 X 6 1/2.

Sandy King

[Bill_1856]

What an absolutely lovely piece of photographic ephemera! I hope you have a thoroughly great time working with it.