5x7 Field Cameras : a round-up

by Q.-Tuan Luong for the Large Format Page

Summary: This document surveys all the 5x7 cameras that I am aware of.

Some of the cameras described here are just scaled-up version of a 4x5, so look also at the 4x5 round-up.

• Most of classic cameras were made in 5x7 with a 4x5 reducing back. Except the B&J, they have very limited movements, bellows, and are quite bulky.
• The Deardorff (used $600-$2000) is quite comparable to some contemporary wood cameras. It weights 8 lbs and has 22 inches of bellows, and the standard range of movements (ie all front, swings and tilts at rear).
• The Linhof Technika 5x7 came in models III (1950 - 1956) IV, V (1964 - 1986), comparable to their 4x5 counterparts, and are discontinued. They are solid and precise metal cameras, but are quite heavy (V: 12lbs, III: 10.5lbs). An earlier model, the Medizin, which was made from 1936 to the early 1940's, was available in many sizes including 6x9cm, 8 x 10.5cm, 9 x 12 cm, 10 x 15cm, 12 x 16.5 cm, 13 x 18 cm (5x7") and, in the Technika Standard 18 x 24cm (8x10"). The 5x7 model weighed 2.9 Kg (6.4 Lbs).
• The Nagoaka is 3.5 lbs, about the same weight than a 4x5 Tachihara, which, under is already one of the lightest 4x5 ! It is quite thin ( size folded is 8.25" X 9" X 2.5"), but reasonnably well built. The maximum bellows extension with the 5X7 Nagaoka is 385mm, minimum is 70mm. Lenses from 75mm on up to the Nikkor 500 tele work fine. The rear standard can be moved forward, making it good for wide-angle use. The Anba Ikeda is quite similar. I have seen them used for as low as $500. Actually, if you have one for sale, please contact me.
• The Tachihara is also available in 5x7. Available from mpex.com for $1300. This is a true 5x7, not to be confused with the 4x5 with 5x7 extension back. The extension/weight ratio is not as favorable as the 4x5 model, since it weights 8.5 lbs for 18 inches.
• Gandolfi makes 5x7 cameras in a variety of configurations.
• Peter Gowland can make a custom 5x7 based on his 8x10 "backpack" camera for $1400. It would have front moves, 20 inches of bellows, and weight an astonishing 3 lbs.
• The Toho is also available in 5x7, but unlike the 4x5, it's not an ultralight at 2.5kg (5.5b lbs)
• The Wisner Traditional field ($2250), has all movements on front, tilt and swing on rear. It is 7 lbs, but I believe it is the same size than the Technical, which is significantly more bulky than a Canham.
• The Lotus view rapid field camera ($2400) has all movements except rear rise (rear axis tilt and fall/rise optional) 680mm of bellows with lots of focusing tracks in Delrin. Cherrywood, black anodized alumnium. 6 lbs. It's Lotus best selling camera.
• The Canham KBC (wood) ($2500). all movements, except rear rise and front shift. 700mm of bellows the back standard can be moved forward (good for wide-angle). Modern look (Walnut and black anodized alumnium). 6lbs. Folds small.
• The Canham MQC (all metal) ($2500). based on the design of the DLC metal field. 600mm of universal bellows. Modern look (swiss cheese anodized alumnium). 5.7lbs. Folds small. 4x5 graflock back available.
• The Wisner Technical field ($2650) has additional movements (geared axis tilt, and gear fall/rise), and even longer bellows. The operation looked smoother than the wood Canham, and it seemed also a sturdier and more rigid camera, but might not be good with wide angle lenses. It's main drawback is its weight (10 lbs) and size. Classical look (mahogany and round knobs in brass)
• The Wisner Pocket Expedition ($3000) is more versatile than the technical, thanks to the geared sliding top rear focus which makes it easier to use wide-angle lenses. adds also geared front axis tilt and rise. The down-side of the additional features is complexity of operation and set up. It's remarkably light for its features (advertised at less than 5lbs).
• The Ebony SV57 these "no compromise" cameras offer large range of usable lenses (65-680mm), all movements except rear shift, good rigidity. made of mahogany and titanium. 6.5 lbs. No authorized distributors in the USA at the moment, so their products may be ordered directly from the factory in Japan. (well over $3000).

• Sinar makes a 5x7 version of the P2 (15 lbs, $6875, what else needs to be said ?). The cheaper route with Sinar would be to go with a 5x7 format changing kit ($2280) and add that to a Sinar 4x5 camera. The Norma (no longer in production) might be a better choice for field use (less than $2000 used).
• Arca-Swiss sells for all their camera lines (F- classic, F- metric and monolith) a 5x7" version.

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