WTB: Lightweight 5x7 (or perhaps even 8x10) field camera

[Gareth Gardner]

Hello everyone,
I'm beginning a search for a lightweight 5x7 - or even 8x10 - field camera for a potential new project that will mix architecture/landscape with some portraits. Hence I would preferably like some decent front rise/fall and bellows extension suitable for portrait length lenses.
I thought I'd drop a note on here, just in case anybody has one they are thinking about selling! If you do, please get in touch.
Many thanks
Gareth
www.garethgardner.com

[Andrew Plume]

Hello Gareth

and good luck in your search

in the meantime, there are as you may have guessed plenty of 'variables' to consider

over on The Large Format Photography Forum, they have a dedicated 'Cameras' thread and there is more than a realistic possibility that you will find the answers on there - the search engines are also pretty accurate

you have not mentioned whether you are looking for a modern model or something older and your intended price range but the lighter that you go, generally means that you run the risk of there not being enough support in the front standard to support some of the older and heavier portrait lenses

I have a surplus older wooden Kodak 5x7 which may well fit the bill - very sturdy - send me a pm pse if you would like more details

regards

andrew

[Gareth Gardner]

Hi Andrew
Thanks for your reply.

Indeed, there are lots of variables.

My current preference is towards 5x7, simply because I can use my existing lenses and it's a bit more portable. And I like the size/proportion. But if a lightweight, reasonably-priced 8x10 came along, I might find it hard to resist its charms. Same for whole plate, although film is hard to come by (and I don't want to be cutting film down, to much of a hassle for me!)

In terms of age, it again depends on cost and condition. My main considerations at the moment are:

- must be field type and easy to fold/unfold
- lightweight (3.5kg or under for 5x7 ideally, and I guess 4kg ish for an 8x10)
- decent extension (I would say between 75 minimum and 400 maximum)
- good front rise and fall (for architectural work)
- decent GG screen - preferably nice and bright
- hopefully some levels, particularly on rear standard. I have OCD when it comes to setting up cameras!

So I guess I'm open minded with regards to age and budget, as long as the above criteria are met.

Thanks again
Gareth

[Andrew Plume]

Hi Gareth

Thanks - pm being sent to you shortly

regards

andrew

[Thingy]

Gareth

Robert White are selling a Canham MQC57* if you are interested, complete with reducing 5x4 back. The camera itself only weighs 2.59kg. The lightest 5x7 is a Gowland**, if you can find one.

http://www.robertwhite.co.uk/used-equip ... -back.html

*specifications here: http://www.canhamcameras.com/5x7.htm
**via www.petergowland.com

Steve

[Andrew Plume]

Steve

Gowland's are like hen's teeth, can't ever imagine one coming on to the used market, let alone in the UK

andrew

[Gareth Gardner]

In my intermittent searches over the years, I have never seen one advertised in the UK. I can't imagine that many were made?

The photos on the website are amazing - very atomic era!

[Andrew Plume]

..............as far as I can recall, the Gowland site hasn't been updated since Peter died in 2010


andrew

[Thingy]

..............as far as I can recall, the Gowland site hasn't been updated since Peter died in 2010


andrew

Oh dear... it looks like I won't be buying one in the future then. If only Robert White were selling that Canham in 12 months time, negative the reducing back.....