Got Lucky with a 5x7..

[photomc]

Sometimes you get lucky...just won this on ebay http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3857511413

Looks to be in good shape, any comments.

Now to find a lens for it after I find the funds for the lens.

 

[TPPhotog]

Well other than I'm jealous, it looks a beauty and Congratulations Mike I can't think of any helpful comments. I guess you could use it as a pinhole camera until you score a lens LOL

 

[Nick Zentena]

Hey I think I paid 127.50 for my Ansco 5x7-) 5x7 is great. Just to find the enlarger.

 

[bobfowler]

Nice catch! I have an Eastman #2 (different lensboard and mounting) that I picked up about 15 years ago and has been in constant use since. They're nice cameras IF you don't need any front movements other than rise. I use mine primarily for portrait work. My camera came with the extension rail and the sliding block to balance the camera. You'll want to at least find or make the block mechanism which is a simple matter to make, but check ebay as they show up often enough.

You'll want to upgrade the groundglass if it still has a stock one in place. Get yourself a Satin Snow, it makes a huge difference. BTW - I had a new bellows made earlier this year by Western Bellows. It took a few extra weeks, but it was worth the wait - they do a great job.

I have a page on my website about making a box lens board for the Eastman to allow easy mounting of barrel lenses in front of Packard shutters without mods to the camera. I use mine with a 12" Artar and a 14" R.D. Artar for portraiture. You can see it here.

 

[Donald Miller]

Hey I think I paid 127.50 for my Ansco 5x7-) 5x7 is great. Just to find the enlarger.

I have two Durst enlargers. One is a model 138 and the other a 138 S. Both have the condensors for 5X7 format as they are now equipped. Both have the three lens turrets. Message me if you are interested in either of these.

 

[Donald Miller]

Congratulations Mike. This should be a good camera. Look forward to seeing images from this.

 

[lee]

that 150mm you bought last Sat ought to work on this camera. We can make a lens board at the shop/darkroom when you want. Just let me know.

lee\c

 

[roy]

Nice. I hope we get to see some of the images you take with it.

 

[Jeremy]

Now we really have to go out shooting, Mike, our 5x7's together almost equal Lee's 8x10

 

[photomc]

Hey Thanks for the kind words guys...May not show, but I am a little pumped about the camera. The price was where I hoped to find one, now to order some film and will see about mounting that 150 on a board for it Lee. Already have a couple of wood film holders so should be set by the time the camera gets here.

Don't recall if I have mentioned it here or not, but the camera fits into a project I am hoping to get done - which was take a 100 +/- yo camera and locate some 100 +/- yo churches and produce a series of 5x7 contact prints (maybe silver - AZO and Palladium - Ziatypes?) with a print from the outside and inside of each. Have located a few buildings already and with any luck can get interviews with members or ex-members that will recall what the area used to be like.

 

[Nick Zentena]

I have two Durst enlargers. One is a model 138 and the other a 138 S. Both have the condensors for 5X7 format as they are now equipped. Both have the three lens turrets. Message me if you are interested in either of these.

If you were closer I would. I've been keeping my eyes open for a local one. I'm putting the money I hope to save on shipping towards the Shen Hao that I'm ordering from J&C next month.
Thanks

 

[Jeremy]

Hey Thanks for the kind words guys...May not show, but I am a little pumped about the camera.

I know what you mean, Mike. Today I was able to get out and shoot 6 sheets of film, they are all of the same scene for film testing, but it was a thrill to actually get out a shoot with it!

 

[jimgalli]

A very pretty old camera and you will find it very useable. I had my Kodak Improved #2 along with me last Saturday while I was Christmas tree hunting. Printed a couple of the negs just today. Fun to make the old stuff work for you.

 

[photomc]

The 5x7 Is Hear!!

Well, the camera arrived today and it is a beautiful thing. General comments for anyone with a suggestion.

1. Bellows seem light tight (will test later tonight) but can tell they are starting to get brittle. Found the screws on the back , should there be some on the front as well - thinkging down the road when the bellows will be replaced. Are most new bellows leather or some other material?

2. Need to pick up/ebay at least a couple of film holders - any thoughts on if they should be more recent types or wood?

3. Will need to take you up on the offer to make a new lens board Lee..one came with it but it is home made one and will not fit the Copal 0 on the 150mm.

4. Need to pick up a dedicated lens for the camera at a later date (read when funds are available) - thoughts on a reasonable priced lens, say around $300 - is that possilbe maybe a 210mm or so.

5. Will be replacing the GG with one from Satin Snow, I think - that will be after the first of the year, but one of the first things I do to the camera.

6. The leather handle is gone, anyone have any ideas of a good sub. or know of anyone that makes replacements.


The camera is very light, and seems pretty tight considering it's age - inside the back are patent dates of 1902 and 1908. All in all I am very please, the cmaera has front rise, remove the back to rotate and rear tilt and shift so not all the movements, but more than the Crown Graphic (which I still plan to use). Oh yeah, and a fresh box of Efke PL100 that JandC got here before the camera...Thanks for the fast shipment.

 

[Jeremy]

Need to pick up a dedicated lens for the camera at a later date (read when funds are available) - thoughts on a reasonable priced lens, say around $300 - is that possilbe maybe a 210mm or so.

The leather handle is gone, anyone have any ideas of a good sub. or know of anyone that makes replacements.

$300 is easily doable, I bought a Fujinon W 180mm f/5.6 with 305mm of coverage for $265 on keh.com. The modern 210 is very common and you should be able to pick one up for less than $300--but my heart says you should get an old 8 1/2 dagor to use on that classic camera

If you need a replacement leather handle go to the local pet shop and pick up a leather dog collar--they should have some for very cheap.

 

[Jeremy]

Need to pick up/ebay at least a couple of film holders - any thoughts on if they should be more recent types or wood?

Missed this one somehow, if you're adventurous or are offered a money back guarantee for light tightness, I picked up 8 film holders on ebay (2 wood) for $80 total shipped. If you are not one to gamble, though, I know someone who is selling 4 Like New 5x7 film holders for $20/each (I believe they are around $35 new)

 

[mark]

The holders on EBAY are so freaking cheap that you can mix and match parts. Keep your eye out for a big lot of wood ones. I bought 15 for 40 bucks and out of those I have 10 perfectly light tight and parts if needed. It's great. I used out of date 5x7 paper and sunlight to check them. That is all you need. I think the old wood ones look better with my old wooden 2d. Modern holders are not really expensive either so the options are wide open.

 

[removed account4]

hi mike -

sounds like you found a beauty !
i love my 5x7, and one of the things i love about it
is that most of the lenses i use with my 4x5 will cover 5x7

you might consider checking if you can get an adapter-board so you
can interchange lenses & cameras <g> ... my szabad 5x7 takes square 3" <?> boards like a graphic view 2, so i have everything mounted on speed graphic boards (read: small!) and adapters 'tween the szabad & toyo view camera & the speed ...

that all said - if i used only one lens on my 5x7 it would be my symmar 210/370 convertable. both elements it is pretty sharp, remove the front element and it is a bit softer (schneider suggests using the single element with any of their symmar conv. lenses would be good for portraits.)

if you don't already know it, there is a TON of information on the schneider website. there is a table to determine the age of you lens using the serial number here: http://www.schneideroptics.com/info/age_of_lenses/
hyperfocal distance information here: http://www.schneideroptics.com/info/depth_of_field_tables/ and info on the convertable lenses here: http://www.schneideroptics.com/info/faq/large_format_lenses/#q14 .
you might already know this, but with the schneider lenses, if it says "linhof technica " those were the best ones. they say linhof had "first dibbs" on the lenses and put their name on them

good luck with your new camera
-john

 

[photomc]

Thanks for the input guys..good stuff

Jeremy - have a couple of old wood 5x7 holders, though one is not usable, had considered that, wanted to hear what others had found. Thanks for the suggestions on the lens at mpex.

Mark - 15 for $40!! Man now that's a good deal, with 10 working holders..that would hold me for a while.

John - thanks for the idea about the adapter, the Kodak D1 uses a 4 1/4 board, and the Crown of course is 3 but maybe with little work I could make something - like that idea a lot. Schneider lens..would love a good lens like one of those. Not sure what the classic models are..need to do a search, the check the specs to see what coverage they have.

Anyway..thanks all for the good wishes and advice. Now to get this puppy rigged to go and burn some film.

 

[photomc]

Well found a lens on feebay last night. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=3867037019&ssPageName=STRK:MEWN:IT

A 190mm (71/2") WOLLENSAK f4.5 Raptar $86..from description sounds like it needs a CLA, but looks good. Any thoughts on this lens..did I end up with a dude or should it be a good 5x7 lens?

Thanks,

 

[Ole]

Looks good to me! I don't know much about Raptars, but I believe it's a very good lens.

Have fun!

 

[Peter Schrager]

5x7

Photomc-that camera is almost identical to my first 5x7. Found it many moons ago and took some pretty good photos with it.Even though it doesn't have extensive movements you'll get much use out of it. Still have it as backup to my Dorf. Have a great time and good luck with the project!
Regards Peter

 

[wfwhitaker]

A 190mm (71/2") WOLLENSAK f4.5 Raptar $86..from description sounds like it needs a CLA, but looks good. Any thoughts on this lens..did I end up with a dude [sic] or should it be a good 5x7 lens?

According to Kingslake in A History of the Photographic Lens, the Raptar is one of many lenses which are of the same type construction as the Zeiss Tessar. That family includes many other lenses with familiar names such as Ektar and Xenar. It should be noted that not all lenses carrying the Raptar name are of this design, but the f/4.5 design most likely is.

More information on the Wollensak (and other) lenses can be found at http://www.cameraeccentric.com/ . The 1957 Wollensak catalog shows that the 190mm Raptar (it actually lists the Series II) covers 5x7. You won't have much room for movement, but it should be a good sharp lens. The catalog page also shows that the Alphax #3 shutter was a factory option and that appears to be what you have. For the price you paid, it looks like you did well and with money left over for a CLA.

 

[photomc]

Thanks, All, for the input ... looking forward to getting the lens in and giving it some film time.

 

[jimgalli]

Have used a 190 Raptar on 5X7 and it is a VERY nice combination indeed. It covers with room for a little movement. It never ceases to amaze me what can be accomplished in LF for very little $$!