5x7 film

[dennis]

Probably impossible question, but what is the future for 5x7 film? I am only thinking B&W so as to be self sufficient. I quite like the idea of an upgrade from 5x4 & 10x8 seems a jump too far weightwise. Also is there a similar forum to this one which deals with medium format gear?

[George Hart]

Dennis, of course no-one can answer your question, but having a 5x7 setup I have followed film availability for the past few years, based on which the future looks good, particularly for B&W. The choice will never be as great as 5x4, but there are a lot of 5x7 fans out there, particularly in N America, and this bodes well for the future.

I too declined the call of 10x8 for several reasons, including the weight not only of the camera but also of the lenses, film holders and everything else! The aspect ratio of 5x7 is, for me, so much better than 10x8.

There are a number of MF forums but none that are affiliated to this one, afaik.

Going back to B&W film in 5x7, there has recently been a short thread on the Large Format Photography Forum on the possibility of Delta 400 being available in 5x7 format. The stuff of dreams, but it would be equally wonderful if it were to happen…

George

[Robert J Fallis]

Dennis,
this is a good firm for sheet film. as it's in the USA. it has a large market to sell to..and if you time the exchange rate right. the price good.
http://www.freestylephoto.biz/index.php

regards
bob

[Peter B]

Dennis

I'm only starting out on 5x7 and have chosen Shanghai film via ebay as the cheap way to learn. I've only shot a few sheets and am getting the impression it might be a bit picky on exposure and development, but here's a shot to give an idea of the detail and grain in D-76. It was £12.80 + £6 delivery for 25 sheets.


River Blackwater on 5x7 by Northsnapper, on Flickr

[Andrew Plume]

Probably impossible question, but what is the future for 5x7 film? I am only thinking B&W so as to be self sufficient. I quite like the idea of an upgrade from 5x4 & 10x8 seems a jump too far weightwise. Also is there a similar forum to this one which deals with medium format gear?

Hi Dennis

from my perspective and based on what I've read for a number of years + numerous visits to the web based forums, the future is very bright - it's a format that's very popular in the States (and the US represents a very large percentage of LF shhooters worldwide) - adox (Efke) are a strong producer not only of this size but also for odd sizes

there's no problem in sourcing this size - ag photographic in Birmingham (W Mids and not Alabama) stock this format in adox, freestyle as has already been mentioned are big supporters of b&w film and don't forget midwest too - http://www.mpex.com/ - great people to deal with - there's also badger in Wisconsin and the NY superstores, such as B&H and Adorama

hope this helps

andrew

[mark e mark]

Hi Dennis, I hope it is good, because I have recently purchased a 5x7 camera (Walker XL). Remember you can always use a 5x4 back on the 5x7.

[dennis]

Thanks for all the replies. I shall probably go for it. Would still like to find a site for free ads for medium format gear. I am not going to be allowed to retain everything!