5x7 Field Camera Kit Suggestions?

mmcclellan · Mar 5, 2007

Fellow APUGgers,

I would like to buy a 5x7 field camera in the near future with just a couple of lenses. Ideally, the whole kit with holders would fit in a reasonable backpack or shoulder bag, so don't want too much gear.

In terms of weight, durability, etc., I would appreciate any suggestions anyone has for particular cameras and lens focal lengths you have used that you would recommend as a general kit. FYI, a "normal" lens is about the longest I ever use, but don't go for extreme wide-angles, either. Therefore, suggestions for a couple of focal lengths will be much appreciated as well.

Thanks for your help and I look forward to hearing about your experiences and your suggestions!

Ole · Mar 5, 2007

I'm just thinking about much the same myself right now, as in "how compact can I make my 5x7" kit for holiday travel".

First of all, I have a Gandolfi traditional. It's a great little camera - not the lightest in the world, but significantly lighter than the Technika 5x7" I used to have. The technika is also possibly the only camera that is more stable than the Gandolfi, but at twice the weight I'll stick to what I now have.

I like wide lenses, so I would like to bring my 90/8 Super Angulon. The 121/8 is much bigger and heavier, so I might just bring the 120/6.8 plain Angulon. That one covers nicely, but with no movements.

Then there's the choise between the 150/9 Germinar-W, the 165/6.8 Angulon and the 180/5.6 Symmar... For "normal" length I have a 210/6.1 Xenar, a 210/9 G-claron, a 210/5.6 Symmar, a 240/5.6 Symmar, or maybe the big heavy 210/4.5 Xenar?

I don't need both 180 and 210, but 180 and 240 is an alternative. Or 150 and 210, both f:9 for lightweight. Or the 165 and the 240, since they share the same lens board (Compur #2 - unusual, but nice)...

Donald Miller · Mar 5, 2007

I recently bought a Wisner Technical Field and it is certainly not a light camera. It does have all the movements that I could want including geared rear rise and fall but I would not suggest this as a backpack camera unless you are a lot younger and stronger than I am.

If I were looking for a backpack kit, I would probably look toward the Shenhao 5X7...however in doing so, I would opt to buy directly from the factory because Badger does not carry the 5X7 with the longer bellows extension. I think that the Shenhao represents one of the best values in that format today. I did not purchase one because I bought the Wisner for the price of the Shenhao.

I have settled on the Nikkor W180, the G Claron 305, and the Nikkor M 450 as my lenses for this format. I personally find that the 90 is far too wide for the 5X7 format as to be a very limited usage lens. I have one...but I rarely use it for anything but 4X5...and rarely for that format. I have never been a lover of "standard" focal length lenses and even though I have a 210 Symmar S mounted on Wisner board...I had the lens from my 4X5 kit and did not buy it when I bought the Wisner. To date I have not used the 210 with the 5X7. Personally I have always had a perdeliction toward short wide and short telephoto as my primary lenses.

I have, for years. standardized on filters in the 77 mm size using step up rings for lenses not using that size of filter. The lenses that I use for the 5X7 allow me to continue to use the same filters.

I am sure that there will be other recommendations, both for a camera and lenses, this is just what I have chosen to use. Good luck.

Terence · Mar 5, 2007

I use a well-worn 5x7 Deardorff, which I find quite light, at least compared to my 8x10. If I could afford it, I would have gone for the metal Canham.

My most used lenses are the 210mm G Claron for a normal length and a 150mm G Claron for a wider view. I'm not a super-wide guy as I find it just doesn't look natural to my eye. The G Clarons are a bit dim on the ground glass, but are very lightweight and small. They are also very, very sharp.

Ole · Mar 5, 2007

I'm sure that my liking of "superwide" has more to do with living in the vertical landscapes in western Norway than anything else...

The lightweight wide-to-normal choise would be a 120/6.8 Angulon (if you can find a good one), and 150 and 210mm, both f:9 - G-Claron or similar.

Oddly enough I use the 121/8 Super more often on 4x5" than on 5x7"...

TheFlyingCamera · Mar 5, 2007

Canham 5x7 woodfield. Terrific camera, very lightweight, I can actually field pack it in the same backpack I use for my 4x5 Shen Hao. For lenses, as mentioned before, just about any modern plasmat-style 210 lens is a nice normal. For something slightly longer than normal, but still within the "normal" range, go up to a 240/250. I have a Fuji 250 F6.7 which is a great lens for 5x7. For something on the moderate wide, a Goerz American Optical 110mm (4 3/8") F8 Dagor is a terrific lens. Flat as a pancake (it's small enough I can almost leave it mounted on the camera when closed up), it has room for movements on 5x7.

mmcclellan · Mar 5, 2007

Terrific suggestions, folks! Please keep them coming in -- especially about camera brands and models. I'm using a Zone VI 4x5 with four lenses at the moment and it all carries beautifully, but would like to step up to 5x7 for contact printing. All this APUG experience is helping a lot. Many thanks!

Nick Zentena · Mar 5, 2007

I've got the Shen Hao 5x7. It's not the lightest but it does give a wide to long setup with one camera.

105mm Fuji SW F/8. Good coverage. Fairly wide for 5x7. Good value.

150mm the G-claron must be the lightest choice in the size but it's a little darker then I'd like.

210mm plenty of choices.

Oren Grad · Mar 5, 2007

The champion for compactness and light weight in a 5x7 field camera is the Nagaoka (the Ikeda is virtually identical). Weight is 3.75 lb. And it opens and closes in a jiffy, by feel alone if need be. But it is a bit on the dainty side. Mine has lots of mileage on it and is still fine, but you do have to take a bit of extra care with it.

Right now the lenses in my 5x7 field kit are a 210 Apo-Sironar-S and a 150 Apo-Sironar (W). The Nagaoka with both lenses, a BTZS hood and eight holders fits nicely in the f.64 small backpack. If you don't mind the extra couple of pounds, a similar kit built around the Canham should fit too.

If at all possible, you should try a Canham before you buy. Both the metal and the wooden versions are, IMO, excessively fussy in setup. It's the sort of camera that, if you put it away for a few weeks, you have to relearn how to use it. But as will be evident from the different opinions here, YMMV.

TheFlyingCamera · Mar 5, 2007

I'll agree with Oren that the Canham design is a bit fussy, but I don't think the learning curve is particularly steep or easy to forget. There are some quirks of design that are simultaneously virtues and vices, so I'd definitely get my hands on one before committing to the system. One nice option with the Canham is that you can get it with a front standard to take Technika boards, should you wish (if you already have lots of lenses mounted in Technika boards, like I did, this is a hassle-saver and you don't have to worry about an adapter board). If not, you can get an adapter board (most modern 4x5 lenses will cover 5x7, although perhaps without much movement).

I'll offer another advantage with the Canham- service. Should you need it repaired, Keith offers fantastic service, in and out of warranty. My Woodfield was purchased pre-owned from Midwest Photo. It must be a very early model, because there was a flaw in the back design, and the wood broke. I called up Jim at Midwest, and he had a replacement back in FedEx to me direct from Keith Canham in a couple days. If you need to adjust the Canham, all you need is two hex-wrenches in your camera bag and almost anything on the camera can be fixed.

Oren Grad · Mar 5, 2007

I'd like to elaborate just a bit on my thoughts on the Canham. This is referring especially to the wooden version, which I know much better than the metal one.

Pluses:

- Clever design, beautifully made
- Reasonable weight for the format, if not quite ultralight
- Specifications allow for great functional versatility
- Excelllent service and support from Keith Canham
- Price not out of line

Minuses:

- Very complex mechanical design; large number of flip locks to open and close, arrangement not intuitive
- Noticeable amount of flex, especially in the rear standard; in my experience this has never led to a lost picture in the field, as the standard seems to always return to the same equilibrium point

It's a high-quality camera, but with a very distinctive design. If the design quirks happen to rub you the wrong way, it will drive you crazy. If not, it's a nice, versatile camera one can be very happy with.

Ole · Mar 5, 2007

If you like moderately wide lenses, there's always http://www.argentumcamera.com/_angol/catalog/exc157h_eng.pdf ...

climbabout · Mar 5, 2007

5x7 kit

For years I used a 5x7 Deardorff - I found it to be a good compromise between weight/features/durability. I have recently upgraded to an 8x10 Deardorff. I have a 159 wollensak which is very compact which just covers 8x10 so it would be great for 5x7. Also the compact line of fujinon lenses are hard to beat for their light weight - I have a 240mm and a 450 - which I believe are in a copal 0 shutter. You might google Kerry Thalmann - he has a great informational site on compact field camera lenses. I believe he's also a member here.
Tim
p.s. - even more compact than the 159 wolly is the 165 goerz - I have used this lens several times and it's a dandy moderate wide angle for 5x7

Loose Gravel · Mar 5, 2007

I'm using the Deardorff 57. Not bad on weight. My first lens would be the Apo Sironar W 150mm. And since I'm a wide angle guy, a 110mm XL. Then something a little longer. I have a 210mm, but if you want lighter weight, then maybe the 240mm/9 Fujinon would be good. I have a 300mm, but almost never use it, but I do like the 450mm C Fujinon. For real wide, the 72mm XL is great, but too wide for most folks. Don't forget, with 5x7 there is plenty of room to crop.

highpeak · Mar 5, 2007

Try to contact Kerry Thalmann, he had a post here says he is in the process of import chamonix camera. Chamonix has a lot high quality and light weight camera, one of them is 5X8, it also take 5X7 format too, one version is horizontal 5X8, for vertical shot, you need to flip the whole camera, I think it's weights about 2.2kg the other version is a 5X8 with a back that allow to shoot both ways. The weight is about 2.6kg. It can handle lens from 90 to 600mm.

mmcclellan · Mar 11, 2007

Thanks to everyone! Great advice -- and it's especially good to hear everyone's real-world experience, especially with the Canham and the Shen Hao.

You're a great bunch!

Jeremy · Mar 12, 2007

let me add another vote for the deardorff. great compromise b/w weight, rigidity, compactness, and bellows extension. it's also a camera which doesn't get in the way of taking pictures--it's fluid in its operation.

photobum · Mar 12, 2007

After reading your second post that explains how you already have the Zone VI, I wanted to write. I too used a Zone VI for a number of years. I wanted to go to 5x7 for contact printing Pt/Pd. I bought the new Jack Deardorff 4x5/5x7 model from Midwest. I now only use it as a 5x7. Because of the spacing of the Zone VI knobs the "Dorff is the same width, depth and only 3/4 on an inch taller than the Zone when folded. It weights about a 1/2 Lb. more. I was inclined to buy the 'Dorff because I already had a V8.

I find that the Deardorff is a very instinctive camera to use. There are a lot of 5x7's out there that are lighter if that is a concern. Coming from a Zone VI I think you would be very pleased.

Warning: After looking at those 5x7 negatives for a year I start thinking, boy would that make a nice enlargment. Now I have a Durst 138. I don't really think that when looking at my 8x10 negs because I just don't have that much room.

Ted Harris · Mar 12, 2007

I'll add anoher vote for the Canham Woodfield. At 6.5 pounds it is exactly the same weight as your Zone VI and it is only a bit larger. Also consider that you can get a 4x5 reducing back and leve the Zone VI home. Unlike Oren, I don't find the 3 esets of fliplocks counterintuitive but in fairnss I have been ussing mine for nearly 12 years. Nor do I find any lack of rigidity, especially with moderate length lenses. If you are interested in longer lenses this camera has one of the longest bellows extensions you will find n the 5x7 world. I usually think of it as a precise metal field inside a wooden box.

wfwhitaker · Mar 12, 2007

I don't mean to be insensitive, but Baghdad doesn't strike me as exactly the best place on Earth to have your head under a darkcloth.

mmcclellan · Mar 15, 2007

wfwhitaker said:
I don't mean to be insensitive, but Baghdad doesn't strike me as exactly the best place on Earth to have your head under a darkcloth.

You're right about that! I use only Leicas here (shift lenses), but get out of Iraq from time to time. On those trips out to photograph monasteries and other ancient sites in the region, I love my view camera. But the 5x7 is for life after Iraq, so just planning ahead.

Thanks again, everyone, for the very sage and useful advice.

Tom Stanworth · May 24, 2007

mmcclellan said:
You're right about that! I use only Leicas here (shift lenses), but get out of Iraq from time to time. On those trips out to photograph monasteries and other ancient sites in the region, I love my view camera. But the 5x7 is for life after Iraq, so just planning ahead.

Thanks again, everyone, for the very sage and useful advice.

What you dont now cant hurt you

I also dont shoot view cameras in Afghanistan, even in Kabul (yet). This is 35mm RF/SLR and 120 RF territory. I am pondering bringing a view camera here tho for some pre-recce'd Kabul shots. Its not a problem here as long as you have a friend to watch your back in case of criminals and insane youths. See below

21 May, Kabul City (District 5, Af-Shar Area Hillside over looking Intercontinental Hotel). Attack: At approx 0600hrs four members of the international community were walking on a hill adjacent to the Intercontinental Hotel when they are attacked by a 13-14 year old male with grenades and a hand gun. One grenade was apparently thrown at the walkers but detonated too far away to inflict injuries. The attacker then produced a hand gun - with which he did not appear to have much experience and fired at the walkers. However, the pistol gun jammed a number of times allowing the victims to make their escape. No injuries were caused and the attacker escaped. COMMENT: This was not a robbery or robbery attempt, but appears to be the random act of a disturbed youth (possibly with anti-international sentiments!). Risk of armed robbery exists at all remote look out or adventuring locations and incidents occur reasonably frequently. Internationals walking or enjoying the view from such locations may well be subject to attack of some variety if they are deemed to be a soft target. COMMENT ENDS.

Don't your kids play with grenades?

Bandicoot · May 26, 2007

Tom Stanworth said:
At approx 0600hrs four members of the international community were walking on a hill adjacent to the Intercontinental Hotel when they are attacked by a 13-14 year old male with grenades and a hand gun. One grenade was apparently thrown at the walkers but detonated too far away to inflict injuries.

{SNIP}

Don't your kids play with grenades?

When I was about ten a friend of mine - similar age - found a WWII vintage grenade in one of the coach houses behind my house. Being a good little boy, he took it to the police station and said "Please mister, I found this", reaching up to put the grenade on the front desk. The desk sergeant nearly died of fright, and the police station was evacuated and the road past it closed for some time while they waited for the army to come and take it away.

I rmember that at the time we all thought we could have found something much more fun to do with it...

Peter

k_jupiter · May 26, 2007

This is the funniest line I have read about LF in awhile...

"In fact I cannot tell which 5x7's were done with an Ebony, Lotus or this camera."

Well duh... the camera is for the photographer, the lens is for the image.

tim (5x7 B&J wooden Watson) in san jose

Curt · May 26, 2007

I didn't see any mention of convertible lenses and Commerical Ektar lenses.

5x7 Field Camera Kit Suggestions?

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