1907, to meet the needs of press photographers, encumbered by their difficult to transport view cameras but still wanting to use a format large enough to allow direct insertion of photos in newspapers without enlargement, Graflex conceived this model that was easier to transport and could be used without a tripod.  Its format is 5x7 inches.  The camera can be shot hand-held but note that it is large and heavy; exterior dimensions, ready to shoot, 35 cm long and 45 cm high, 5.7 kg with lens and 12 shot magazine.

This Graflex’ construction is very robust and reliable.  The mechanism that controls the focal plane shutter’s tension is a watchmaker’s masterpiece, with a large spiral spring worthy of the finest watches.

The focal plane shutter gives speeds from 1/5 of a second to 1/1500 and “time”, selected by choosing spring tension and slit width.

The lensboard is large (a 7”/2.5 Aero-Ektar without lens shade can easily be mounted), which allows the photographer a great choice of lenses.  Bellows extension, though, limits the longest focal length usable to 14 inches (355 mm).  For those who want to use longer lenses, the Portrait Graflex is preferable.

It uses slotted 5x7 film holders (in UK English, dark slides) that are larger than normal holders and a very special “bag magazine” with locking slides below and clips above.

Several changes during production, principally to the rear door that gives access to the ground glass, to the shape of the lensboards, shutter release system, …  The spring back was detachable.

It was last offered in 1923.

5x7 Inch

(1907-1923)

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