I really need some help, but...

Stephanie Brim · Jul 17, 2007

Okay, I have a problem.

I'm watching an Ebay auction for a 5x7 wooden field camera that's going to go for a very nice price. I've been looking into things for a while and decided that a 5x7 field would be more appropriate for me than a Graphic. I think the camera looks great. The problem is that I'm not really sure because I'm such a newbie.

So I'm going to do something stupid.

This is the camera. Does it look good to you?

Now I'll probably get sniped out when I put a bid on it, but eh.

JohnArs · Jul 17, 2007

It lucks not to bad Stephanie with one litte exeption the bellows extention seems for me on the short side, but for to be shure ask how much it has.
And if you are not a long lens user and not only work at 1:1 macro it should not be a problem.
Good luck, Armin Seeholzer

Stephanie Brim · Jul 17, 2007

I don't really expect to be using many long lenses, no. Mainly a wide and a normal, most likely. I'm interested in what people think of the Commercial Ektar as well.

Ole · Jul 17, 2007

The extension should be quite a bit more than shown in the pictures - maybe the seller doesn't know how?

I'm not too sure about those holders, though. They look a bit "un-standard" to me, but at keast you get two of them...

Stephanie Brim · Jul 17, 2007

I kinda figure on needing to get holders.

Nick Zentena · Jul 17, 2007

No front tilt. It'll not exactly be light.

Over all if you don't mind those issues the camera would be peachy IMHO. The lens should also be more then just good.

Nick Zentena · Jul 17, 2007

Ole said:
I'm not too sure about those holders, though. They look a bit "un-standard" to me, but at keast you get two of them...

In what way? One looks like the bottom is seperating but they look like normal wooden holders. Maybe Graflex?

Whiteymorange · Jul 17, 2007

Looks like the venerable 2D. papagene has one and he loves it.

Stephanie Brim · Jul 17, 2007

Heh. Can I enter a plea that, since I did something stupid, that no one snipes it out from under me?

Ole · Jul 17, 2007

Nick Zentena said:
In what way? One looks like the bottom is seperating but they look like normal wooden holders. Maybe Graflex?

The rib-to-picture area looks a bit "odd" to me. I may be completely wrong of course, but I have a little stack of "almost right" film holders here that has made me a bit sceptical.

Ole · Jul 17, 2007

Stephanie Brim said:
Heh. Can I enter a plea that, since I did something stupid, that no one snipes it out from under me?

I won't bid - I have one 5x7" camera, one 8x10" with 5x7" reduction back, and an old 13x18cm plate camera. I need another 5x7" a lot less than I need to preserve my marriage!

Stephanie Brim · Jul 17, 2007

Hehe. I'd take one off your hands, Ole, but shipping is a bit much. I think we found that out one time...

Nick Zentena · Jul 17, 2007

I won't bid either -) The holder on the left looks like the bottom is coming off. That's the only thing I see wrong with the holders. Unless they're some weird size. But I think the shape looks like 5x7.

http://imagehost.vendio.com/bin/imageserver.x/00000000/sidedoorone/woodcamera8.JPG

DBP · Jul 17, 2007

Looks good. I just traded away a Burke and James version for three reasons:

1. Hadn't acquired a lens yet, other than the triple convertible on my 5x7 Century
2. It came with a 4x5 back, and I was having trouble finding a 5x7
3. I acquired a Graphic View, which meant that I had the Graphic View for 4x5 with lots of movement, and the Century, Speed Graphic, and B&J Press for field use with less movement. All of the latter three are considerably lighter.

So my only concern would be the weight for field use, as it is not a light camera. As for the Ektar, it was one of Kodak's high end lenses, and with the minimal enlargements people normally do from 5x7 should be better than you need. It's roughly a normal lens on 5x7.

DBP · Jul 17, 2007

And I won't bid either - no more room in the house.

Stephanie Brim · Jul 17, 2007

Depending on what the camera ends up going for, I'll probably put in a bid for some holders. If it goes above my price range, I'll look for another one like it. Heavy doesn't bother me as long as it isn't TOO heavy.

One other thing. On tripods, would a wooden one be the best bet for a camera like this? Perhaps I could build one, then stain it the same color as the camera.

Stephanie Brim · Jul 17, 2007

Oh, and the camera has to have the ability to take a good portrait of a newborn. Think this will be good enough?

Nick Zentena · Jul 17, 2007

If you don't get it I'd suggest adding an Ansco to your watch list. A B&J to. Too heavy? Figure close to 10lbs for the camera.

Any strong enough stable tripod will work.

5x7 holders seem scarce at the moment. Fotoman is making up new ones which I hope will cause some older ones to hit the market.

Ole · Jul 17, 2007

Stephanie,

I have to confess that I have six tripods: One aluminium (crap), one carbon fiber (great) and four wood (from "good" to "ultimate").

This doesn't mean that all aluminium ones are crap, nor that all wooden ones are at least "good". One of the things athat make my assessment of tripods dodgy is that I use the same two ball heads on the crappy aluminium, the great CF and the "ultimate" wooden one. My experience is that as long as the tripod itself is at least moderately decent; the main difference is in the head.

JLP · Jul 17, 2007

Wont bid either, already have one and love it. It is a 2-D 5x7 but, it is missing the tripod block which you really would want, ideally the extension rail too but if you don't expect to use anything longer than 300mm you will be fine without the extension. Limited movements but for general landscape/portrait it is great. Don't find it that heavy compared to my 4x5 Shen-Hao.
Good luck.

jan

David A. Goldfarb · Jul 17, 2007

Doesn't look too bad. I'd say it's got front rise/fall and shift, geared rear tilt, rear swing, focus on the rear, and the front is stationary. It will collapse on the front, and the rear extension will flip up. It also should have a reversible back. I'd say it's at its maximum extension, so this is a double extension camera, designed for field use with a wide to medium longish lens. The lens is coated, and is probably much newer than the camera.

Ask what that plate on the rear says--should be the manufacturer. If they can't really test the bellows, that's always going to be a gamble with this kind of camera, but it shouldn't sell for too much. It's not that fancy, but should be a good servicable camera.

Should be fine for a newborn with the lens included. Good luck!

Toffle · Jul 17, 2007

Stephanie Brim said:
Heh. Can I enter a plea that, since I did something stupid, that no one snipes it out from under me?

Aw Nuts! I'm all tapped out. (seriously... I just broke my piggy bank - you have no competition from me.):rolleyes:

The good thing is you have a few days to do some research so you can really make an informed decision.

Good Luck, Stephanie!

darinwc · Jul 17, 2007

The holders will probably just need to be re-taped. The Kodak Commercial Ektar is a great lens. The description states the camera is 15 inches long when fully extended. That should give you enough extention for a close focus.

k_jupiter · Jul 17, 2007

Those look like standard Type V Film holders from Graflex. If the pieces come through intact. a bit of glue might get you through. That camera will certainly be fine enough to take baby pics, if you can get the youngun to stay still long enough to get set up and focused.

As mentioned, the Commercial Ektar, if in good shape, is more than enough lens for most of your shooting. I have a Gundlach Radar Anistigmat ... not a great lens, but for 5x7 contact prints, it'll do.

Hope you win it.

tim in san jose

JLP · Jul 17, 2007

Just reading David Goldfarbs coments about front shift which made me realize i was to quick to call it a 2-D. The 2-D does not have front shift. The front rise and a couple of other details also looks different than on a 2-D maybe an Ansco instead?

jan

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