Anyone else have a 5x7 SLR?

[Sirius Glass]

The mirror slap of my 4x5 Super D isn't bad at all, and the camera serves as an anti-VR due to it's size. My 2x3 Graflex JR actually seems to have more of a slap. we'll see what the 5x7 does.

Same for my 1928 4"x5" Graflex Model D.

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

The mirror seems to land pretty gently on a padded surface. There's a kick when the shutter closes, but that's post-exposure.

The slap and shutter vibration are not insignificant, however. My Press Graflex (non-rotating back) has a tripod socket on the side for verticals--rather impractical to begin with using the focusing hood, but manageable with the groundglass back--and even with my biggest tripod and head, you can usually detect some camera vibration in the negs. Maybe sandbags would help. For horizontals, though, it isn't an issue.

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

Inspired by this thread to have a closer look at the ol' Press Graflex, I took it out and the shutter seemed a little sluggish. Ran it a few times at different speeds, cranked up the tension, then SNAP... Looks like I have a repair project. I'm hoping the spring just became detached and didn't actually break.

 

[rjmeyer314]

I have a 5x7 Auto Graflex, as well as several

 

[rjmeyer314]

Sorry about the aborted message. I have a 5x7 Auto Graflex, as well as several other Graflex slr's in assorted smaller sizes. The 5x7 is one of my favorites. It was the only camera I used for about three years. My main problem with it was I had a hard time seeing the f-stop numbers on the lens because of the lens enclosure. I just brought a 5x7 Graflex Series B to see if that different design solves the problem. I also have a Press Graflex that I'm hoping to restore to 5x7. It's been converted to 2x3 rollfilm, with a Bausch and Lomb 20" aerial lens, and a connection for flash tripping. I guess that was someone's idea of a studio portrait camera. I want to try it that way before I convert it back to 5x7.

 

[Steve Smith]

then SNAP... Looks like I have a repair project.

There are other ways to make work for yourself...




Steve.

 

[Andy38]

Hello,
A friend took and gave me a pic when I was with my Press Graflex.
I don't remember when and where, but I am sure I never used it handholded ; I think it was for the fun...
The rear shutter worked (and works) well, but I often used the camera with a front shutter.
Now it's too heavy...

 

[erikg]

Very cool, Andy.

 

[hamradio]

I also have a Press Graflex that I'm hoping to restore to 5x7. It's been converted to 2x3 rollfilm, with a Bausch and Lomb 20" aerial lens, and a connection for flash tripping. I guess that was someone's idea of a studio portrait camera. I want to try it that way before I convert it back to 5x7.

Aha, you're the one who got that camera! I had been watching it like a hawk, but went for a run on a nice day that lasted longer than anticipated, and got home to discover the auction had ended. That huge 508mm/5.6 looked spectacular.

I'm glad it went to someone who'd use it.

 

[Zathras]

Does anybody know if Graflex ever make a 5x7 SLR with a revolving back?

 

[Oren Grad]

Does anybody know if Graflex ever make a 5x7 SLR with a revolving back?

Home Portrait Graflex. Substantially larger and heavier than the Press Graflex.

 

[Sirius Glass]

Same for my 1928 4"x5" Graflex Model D.

It came with a Revolving Back and Bert Saunders added a Graflok back so that I can use two sheet film holders and Grafmatic 45 six sheet film holders.

 

[erikg]

It came with a Revolving Back and Bert Saunders added a Graflok back so that I can use two sheet film holders and Grafmatic 45 six sheet film holders.

You could have done that without the conversion, but I totally get why you would want to make the switch to a Graflok back.

 

[EASmithV]

We need photos!

 

[erikg]

We do? What sort of photos are you looking for?

 

[Sirius Glass]

You could have done that without the conversion, but I totally get why you would want to make the switch to a Graflok back.

I did that so I could freely switch film holders and Grafmatics between the Graflex Model D and the Pacemaker Speed Graphic.

 

[erikg]

Yes. Going the other way was also an option for some. There are Speed Graphics out there with Graflex backs. Maybe some people loved bagmags that much.

 

[Sirius Glass]

I can change sheets of film faster with a Grafmatic than I can with a bag magazine.

 

[erikg]

Sure. Bagmag can hold 18 sheets. I didn't say it was the fastest or smartest choice, but someone must have liked it back in the day.

 

[Sirius Glass]

Send my a bag magazine for my two 4"x5" cameras and I will try it.

 

[EASmithV]

Of your 5x7, with your 5x7, all that goodness

I really like bag mags, enough tape and they are more reliable than a grafmatic

 

[erikg]

Send my a bag magazine for my two 4"x5" cameras and I will try it.

Nope. I'm sure you can find your own. But they did make grafmatics in both flavors, but not in 5x7.

 

[mhcfires]

Nope. I'm sure you can find your own. But they did make grafmatics in both flavors, but not in 5x7.

Yes they did. I have a Graflex Back Grafmatic, though I would usually rather use the bag mag. It's nice to have both.

m

 

[monst]

i have a few sets on my flickr with my 5x7 autograflex, tis a gorgeous beast to use.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/21075475@N02/sets/72157635218127566/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/21075475@N02/sets/72157633888202250/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/21075475@N02/sets/72157637316106915/

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

i have a few sets on my flickr with my 5x7 autograflex, tis a gorgeous beast to use.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/21075475@N02/sets/72157635218127566/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/21075475@N02/sets/72157633888202250/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/21075475@N02/sets/72157637316106915/

Nice work!

I've gotta fix that spring on mine....grrrrr.....