5 x 7 back for a 5 x 4 camera?

[Steve M Hostetter]

There are advantages to an expansion back ,,, need less bellows to shoot longer lenses,,, so it's possible you'll need less extension rail also.

I just about have my 8x10-11x14 expansion back completed ... I can shoot a 600mm lens on an 8x10" Korona w/ only one rail and a 2" extension lens board w/ the 11x14" expansion back attached.

I can use a 915mm with several inches of rail left using two rails at infinity.. I can use a 210mm as a min. focal lenth with a 1-1/2" recess lens board attached and I can use that lens at it's hyper focal distance with the front rail in the up position so it is not in frame.

My 8x10-11x14 back weight is just over 2-1/2 lbs ,, total weight of back and camera is 11 pounds . I'll dedicate a thread to the beast when I get a chance..

Givin all that,, I can't really tell you how your wista will perform with a 5x7 expansion back since I didn't design it..

I'd check w/ Bob on the specs of the one he sell's . $350.00 sounds like a good price

[Jim Rhoades]

Since your main interest is portraits I would assume that your working in a "studio" or at least near a car or truck. For less than the cost of a 5x7 extension back you could buy a used 5x7 monorail.

I think your standard 180-210 is too short for what your after. Look to a 240-300. The short lived Fujinon 250 f/6.3 can be had for a song because they did not cover 8x10 as well as their f6.7. This makes it a real deal for the 5x7 shooter.