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Springback · Posted: Sun Jul 09, 2006 8:37 pm Post subject:

A while back I lucked out on a really nice 5x7 Speed Graphic. Unfortunately by the time it got to me the rails had been tweaked out of shape causing a bit of a struggle each time I wanted to fold the camera up(actually it was quite a nasty struggle!) and no parts for a repair were available. Major bummer! I didn't use the camera that much because of this problem and eventually put it away in storage with fleeting thoughts of eventually replacing it with a big, heavy, expen$ive 5x7 Linhof.

Fortunately I was recently able to get the ol' gal fixed up proper and now she's on her way back home from the shop---its summer and I'm eager to get out and shoot some (lots) of handheld 5x7.

Any advice? I've heard that bag mags are the way to go. Any thoughts?

I like doing night photography and a tripod is a must, but what is the lightest one that would hold a 5x7 Speed Graphic? Would a Tilt-all do it? I'd prefer something a bit lighter and more compact.

Any suggestions as to film? Lenses? It has a 170mm anastigmat barrel lens, but I'm considering fitting a 203mm Ektar to a "c' board and I do have a 168mm Wolly I can steal off the 4x5 anny as well.

Its been so long since I've used this camera, its kind of like starting all over again---and when I was using it I never used it enough to figure out what kind of "kit" I ultimately wanted to assemble. While the whole she-bang will fit in a day-pack(its not much larger than my 4x5 Crown---thats a real selling point for me) are there other options I should look at?

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"A new philosophy generally means in practice the praise of some old vice"

disemjg · Joined: 10 Jan 2002 Posts: 474 Location: Washington, DC

Glad you got it fixed. Does your camera have a Graphic or a Graflex back? My 5X7 Speed has a Graphic back, and for all I know they all do. If its a Graflex, you are going to have trouble finding holders as they are tough to get in this size. If its a Graphic you're OK as regular 5X7 holders work and can be found with a bit of effort. Do not be afraid of older wooden holders if they are in good condition.

Regarding the tripod, I would not go lighter than the Tiltall for this camera.

Get it working with the lens you have, before chasing other lenses. I do not believe the two you mentioned will cover 5X7.

[ This Message was edited by: disemjg on 2006-07-09 17:12 ]

[ This Message was edited by: disemjg on 2006-07-09 17:15 ]

Springback · Posted: Mon Jul 10, 2006 5:48 am Post subject:

Thanks for the tips.

It takes conventional 5x7 film holders with the ridge, not the groove.

I've been going through my edition of Morgan and Lester to get my Graphic juices flowing again!