ArtWorks 5x7 Camera

A 5x7 camera is a wonderful way to get started in large format photography if you have previously used other formats. With just a contact print frame, you can contact print the large negatives with a 15W light bulb, so there isn’t a lot of extra darkroom equipment required initially. You'll find the quality and richness of the large contact print remarkable – irresistible! The 5x7 size is large enough to make a good sized print, and the camera is still a manageable size to carry and use. There is a also 4x5 reducing back available. This camera has rising, falling, swinging and tilting front; and tilting back. Full bellows extension is 18”.

I am uncomfortable quoting specifications on view camera movements because all cameras, including ours, have more movements than will ever be required in actual work. Too many movements can really weaken a wood field camera, and suppliers who quote their camera’s capability for movements have, no doubt, never used it in a moderate wind (or ever!). Much more important than excessive movements is solid construction and ruggedness. I don’t want to be in the middle of the woods, in a rainstorm, in a considerable wind, with a delicate instrument. I want a dependable workhorse. I’ve seen other view cameras with more movements than ours, but never any that were more rugged.

The ArtWorks 5x7 camera is very similar to the 4x5 model, with the same rugged construction and heavy, solid hardware. I use this camera with a Deluxe Field Tripod. It makes for a top notch outdoor outfit. (The smaller size focusing cloth is fine for this model).

Like the 4x5, the 5x7 ArtWorks camera folds into a neat, self protecting package. It weighs just under 8-1/2 pounds. Folded size is 12” x 12” x 5”. Price includes one lensboard.

#AWVC57……………………$1,522.00

#AWVC57-LB Lensboard…….$57.00

The ArtWorks camera is made in Japan. Our standard model now has black cherrywood and brushed chrome hardware.

ArtWorks camera shown here with front extended for a 210mm lens. Lenses from 90mm to 210mm can be used. Rear standard can slide forward to accommodate shorter lenses.

Hardware and fittings on the ArtWorks camera are heavy and all metal. Typical are these eccentric cam locking levers which control rear swing movements.

A strong spring back secures film holders in place. A fresnell screen is standard with a separate grid glass .

The ArtWorks 4x5 camera closes up easily for travel and storage.

ArtWorks 4x5 Camera

Our ArtWorks View Camera is not a Wista, nor an Ebony, Wisner, Canham, Shen Hao or Zone VI wood field camera.

This camera is made for us in Japan. It is beautifully made of cherrywood with brass fittings (cherrywood is a dimensionally stable wood used by patternmakers). The ArtWorks View Camera is the perfect wooden field camera - rugged, well built, simple, uncomplicated.

Our camera has 12" of bellows extension, enough to use an 8" (210mm) lens comfortably. The bellows can compress enough, with the rear standard moved forward, to accommodate a lens as short as 90mm. The bellows is not removable - proper for a field camera.

Movements are extensive. They include rising, falling, and swinging front, and swinging and tilting back - more than enough for most applications.

Many manufacturers and photo writers tout view camera movements as "features", implying that the more there are, the better. The opposite is true for a flat bed wooden camera - too many movements will weaken it. Camera movements in practice are used very, very sparingly. All view cameras (including this one) have many more movements than are needed for normal work - and which are far beyond the ability of any lens to cover.

Fittings are heavy, and all metal - there is no plastic anywhere on the camera. Knobs are substantial and easy to operate, even if you have large hands. Front standard extension and rear swings are controlled by heavy metal eccentric cam levers.

Front and rear standards click into place vertically, and there is a "neutral" indicator for the front rise and fall. The back has reassuringly strong pressure to secure film holders in place. Bellows are made of soft, supple synthetic material which will not dry out and crack -- beware some imported view cameras which actually use coated paper for their bellows!.

The bottom of the camera incorporates a 4-1/2" steel plate for mounting the tripod - unlike some wood cameras, there is no chance of splitting the wood around the threads as you clamp the camera down tight.

The ArtWorks View Camera is perfect for any fine art photographer, and you'll never outgrow it. We have monorail view camera owners who buy them for travel overseas, or for a lightweight second camera. Folded size is 3-1/2 x 8-1/2 x 7-1/2. Weight is 3-1/2 lbs.

An instruction sheet on the set-up and use of this camera is included.

#75-1241 (camera, w/o lensboard).....$875.00

#75-1242 Lensboards (specify shutter size 0, 1, or 3)….$39.00 each

ArtWorks 5x7 camera shown with 12" (300 mm) lens in place. Bellows extend to 18" to accommodate a wide variety of lenses.

ArtWorks 5x7 shown on Deluxe Field Tripod. This camera - like the 4x5 - is rugged and dependable enough for heavy use in rough conditions.