Deardorff 5x7 Folding View Camera
The Deardorff 5x7 is a film camera from Deardorff — known for its 5x7 Sheet Film Format and Multi-Format Compatibility. Used copies start from $1,265.82 on GearFocus, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Deardorff 5x7 Folding View Camera
Used Deardorff 5x7 Listings on GearFocus
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$2,499.99
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Camera Overview — Deardorff 5x7
Key Features — Deardorff 5x7
5x7 Sheet Film Format: Shoots natively on 5x7 sheet film, a format that delivers significantly more detail and tonal range than 4x5 or medium format.
Multi-Format Compatibility: Accepts 4x5 and 5x7 sheet film holders with appropriate backs, allowing the body to serve multiple large format workflows.
Lens Board Mount: Uses a standard large format lens board system, compatible with a wide range of vintage and modern large format barrel lenses.
Full View Camera Movements: Provides front and rear rise, fall, shift, tilt, and swing for precise perspective and plane-of-focus control.
Folding Field Design: Folds into a compact, self-contained unit for transport while maintaining the rigidity needed for precise large format work.
Fully Mechanical Operation: No batteries or electronics required — the mechanical shutter and manual controls function entirely independently of any power source.
Camera Specifications — Deardorff 5x7
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Landscape, Studio, Architecture |
Description — Deardorff 5x7
The Deardorff 5x7 Folding View Camera is a large format view camera produced between 1950 and 1959, operating on manual focus with a mechanical shutter system. It accepts sheet film in 4x5, 5x7, and 8x10 formats, giving photographers working with this camera meaningful flexibility across the large format spectrum. Lenses mount via a lens board (technical camera) system compatible with large format barrel lenses, a standard approach for view cameras of this era.
The camera has no flash compatibility and no hotshoe, keeping the shooting experience entirely analog and mechanical. At 3,500g to 4,000g, it is a substantial instrument that rewards careful, deliberate work. For photographers and collectors with an interest in large format film from the mid-20th century, the Deardorff 5x7 is a well-regarded example of American view camera construction from its decade.
Pros — Deardorff 5x7
- ✓Supports three sheet film formats — 4x5, 5x7, and 8x10 — offering significant shooting versatility
- ✓Lens board mounting system accepts large format barrel lenses, providing broad lens compatibility
- ✓Fully mechanical shutter requires no batteries or electronics for operation
Cons — Deardorff 5x7
- ✗Weight of 3,500g–4,000g makes this a demanding camera to transport and requires sturdy tripod support
- ✗No flash compatibility, limiting use in situations where supplemental flash is needed
- ✗Manual-only operation and large format sheet film workflow demand significant technical knowledge and patience
Videos — Deardorff 5x7
A VERY IMPORTANT TIP Large Format Photography with the Deardorff 8 by 10 — tylershields