[LargeFormat] 5x7 Cameras - some feedback

[Clive Warren]

At 7:28 am -0700 28/5/02, Rich Lahrson wrote:
snip
>I'm looking at 5x7 size cameras, but will take my time to decide.
snip

There are a number of us on the list using 5x7 cameras - tell us what 
you are interested in and perhaps you'll get some feedback from users.

I use a Korona and a B&J field camera that are 5x7 but also use 8x10 
cameras with 5x7 backs mainly for portraiture. The most recent 
acquisition is an 8x10 Korona field camera with a Bausch and Lomb 15 
1/2" Portrait lens. This has a 5x7 back and I'm still looking for an 
8x10 back for it........

As far as the Korona goes, I am a great fan. For a 100 year old 
design they do a pretty good job. Lighter than the Kofak or Agfa 
equivalent and fairly stable. If you compare them to some 
contemporary cameras they are wobbly but there's something about 
using an old camera that appeals to me - apart from the price :-) All 
you need to do is wait for 10 seconds after setting up with the 
darkslide out to take the photo - I would do that with a modern 
camera anyway.

The 5x7 B&J field is a little more challenging even though it is a 
modern camera compared to the Korona. The only thing I would change 
is the locking mechanism for focus travel. Apart from that it is made 
from Maple and has more movements that you're ever likely to need 
unless you use it in the studio for still life work. The red bellows 
and grey painted wood are a hallmark of the cameras. There is a photo 
of the camera being used in the Abbey House Studios, Tintern in the 
f32 Discussion Forum at : 
http://www.f32.net/cgi-local/discus/show.cgi?93/248

I also use a 5x7 B&J Grover monorail. These are actually a nice 
camera and very light, however most have had heavy use and 
restoration requires machining skills. When the rail is worn you are 
stuffed - they are made from alloy and do wear. I should really 
replace the bellows on mine but am going to try that Elmer's (PVA) 
glue and lampblack trick on the myriad of pinholes that have now 
developed. I may give it a real treat next year with a new set of 
bellows from the Camera Bellows company.

As you may have guessed, all of my cameras are at least 30 years old 
and still going strong.

Cheers,
        Clive