Graflex Press 5×7 Camera Operating Instructions

Graflex Press 5×7 SLR Overview

The Graflex Press 5×7 large format SLR camera, an icon in the world of professional photography, is renowned for its exceptional image quality and historical significance. Produced by the Graflex company in the early 20th century, it remains a favorite among large format photography enthusiasts and collectors.

Go to my dedicated page for a more comprehensive overview of the Graflex Press 5×7 camera.

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History and Development

Graflex, a company established in 1887, quickly became a leader in producing high-quality cameras. The Graflex Press 5×7, introduced in the early 1900s, was designed for press photographers who required a reliable, portable, and versatile camera. Its development was a response to the growing demand for high-resolution images, especially in the fields of journalism and documentary photography.

Key Features

Large Format Capabilities:

• The Graflex Press 5×7 uses 5×7 inch film sheets, providing exceptional detail and clarity. The large negative size allows for high-quality enlargements with minimal loss of detail.

Single-Lens Reflex (SLR) Design:

• The SLR mechanism allows photographers to compose and focus directly through the taking lens, offering a precise and accurate view of the final image. This feature was revolutionary at the time and contributed to the camera’s popularity among professional photographers.

Versatility:

• The camera is compatible with a range of lenses, allowing photographers to choose the optimal lens for their specific needs. This versatility makes the Graflex Press 5×7 suitable for various photographic genres, from portrait to landscape photography.

Build Quality:

• Constructed with robust materials, the Graflex Press 5×7 is known for its durability and longevity. Its solid build ensures that it can withstand the rigors of professional use, making it a reliable tool for photographers.

Shutter Mechanism:

• The camera features a focal plane shutter, capable of high-speed exposures, which is essential for capturing fast-moving subjects. This capability was particularly advantageous for press photographers who needed to capture decisive moments.

Usage and Applications

Press photographers primarily used the Graflex Press 5×7, but its versatility and image quality also made it popular among portrait and landscape photographers. Its ability to produce large, detailed negatives made it ideal for creating high-quality prints for publication and exhibition.

Legacy and Collectibility

Today, the Graflex Press 5×7 is highly sought after by collectors and large format photography enthusiasts. Its historical significance and superior image quality have cemented its status as a classic in the world of photography. Owning and using a Graflex Press 5×7 is considered a testament to a photographer’s appreciation for traditional photographic techniques and craftsmanship.

The Graflex Press 5×7 large format SLR camera is more than just a piece of photographic equipment; it is a symbol of a bygone era of photography. Its design, functionality, and image quality have left an indelible mark on the history of photography. For those who value precision, detail, and historical significance, the Graflex Press 5×7 remains an enduring icon.

Graflex Press 5×7 Operating Instructions

USE CASE: LONG EXPOSURE FOCUSING ON REAR GROUND GLASS

STEP 1: Set Tension Knob to 7 (this ensures the curtain will have enough speed)

STEP 2: Cock Mirror Down by Pulling Lever Toward the Back of the Camera (use index finger)

STEP 3: Set I/T Setting on Mirror Cocking Lever to T (Time) 

STEP 4: Release the Shutter with the Pushbutton or Lever on the Left Side of the Camera 

STEP 5: Set Curtain Knob to “O” (Open)

STEP 6: a) Open Aperture on Lens Wide Open

                    b) Meter Scene based on EI Rating of Negative Medium

                    c) Focus on Rear Ground Glass

                    d) Stop Lens Down (if applicable) 

STEP 7: Set the Curtain Knob to “T” (Time) and Insert Holder 

STEP 8: Remove the Dark Slide 

STEP 9: Press the “M” Lever Forward (Below the Mirror Cocking Lever) Until the Curtain Opens and Stops.  (Exposure Begins Now)

STEP 10: When the Desired Exposure Time is Done, Press and Hold the M Lever Until the Curtain Closes.  

STEP 11: Replace The Dark Slide 

To Expose the Second Side of the Holder – Go to Step 5 and Repeat. 

USE CASE: LONG EXPOSURE VIA VIEWING HOOD

STEP 1: Set Tension Knob to 7 (this ensures the curtain will have enough speed)

STEP 2: Cock Mirror Down by Pulling Lever Toward the Back of the Camera (use index finger)

STEP 3: Set I/T Setting on Mirror Cocking Lever to T (Time) 

STEP 4: Release the Shutter with the Pushbutton or Lever on the Left Side of the Camera 

STEP 5: a) Open Aperture on Lens Wide Open

                    b) Meter Scene based on EI Rating of Negative Medium

                    c) Focus on Ground Glass via the Viewing Hood

                    d) Stop Lens Down (if applicable) 

STEP 6: Set the Curtain Knob to “T” (Time) and Insert Holder 

STEP 7: Remove the Dark Slide 

STEP 8: Press the “M” Lever Forward (Below the Mirror Cocking Lever) Until the Curtain Opens and Stops.  (Exposure Begins Now)

STEP 9: When the Desired Exposure Time is Done, Press and Hold the M Lever Until the Curtain Closes. 

STEP 10: Replace The Dark Slide 

To Expose the Second Side of the Holder – Go to Step 2 and Repeat.

USE CASE: SHUTTER EXPOSURE ON REAR GROUND GLASS

Example: 1/30^th exposure time. 

STEP 1: Set Tension Knob to 7 (this ensures the curtain will have enough speed)

STEP 2: Cock Mirror Down by Pulling Lever Toward the Back of the Camera (use index finger)

STEP 3: Set I/T Setting on Mirror Cocking Lever to T (Time) 

STEP 4: Release the Shutter with the Pushbutton or Lever on the Left Side of the Camera 

STEP 5: Set Curtain Knob to “O” (Open)

STEP 6: a) Open Aperture on Lens Wide Open

                    b) Meter Scene based on EI Rating of Negative Medium

                    c) Focus on Rear Ground Glass

                    d) Stop Lens Down (if applicable) 

STEP 7: Refer to the Shutter Chart for the Spring Tension & Aperture Curtain Settings.

NOTE: Depending on where your spring tension is currently set, if you need to release tension (go to a lower number), go past the target setting by one click and then rewind to the target setting. 

STEP 8: Insert Holder & Remove the Dark Slide 

STEP 9: Press the “M” Lever Forward (Below the Mirror Cocking Lever) Until the Curtain Opens and Stops.  (Exposure is tripped)

STEP 10: Replace the Dark Slide  

To Expose the Second Side of the Holder – Go to Step 7

USE CASE: INSTANTANEOUS SHUTTER EXPOSURE VIA VIEW HOOD (TYPICALLY HAND-HELD)

Example: 1/200^th exposure time. 

STEP 1: Insert Holder & Open Lens Wide Open for Brighter Viewing 

STEP 2: Meter Scene or Subject 

STEP 3: Set I/T Selector to I for “Instantaneous” Exposure

STEP 4: Cock Mirror Down by Pulling Lever Toward the Back of the Camera (use index finger)

STEP 5: Refer to the Shutter Chart for the Spring Tension & Aperture Curtain Settings.

STEP 6: Remove the Dark Slide

STEP 7: Focus Using View Hood

STEP 8: Stop Down Lens (if desired) 

STEP 9: Release the Shutter with the Pushbutton or Lever on the Left Side of the Camera 

STEP 10: Replace the Dark Slide

For the Next Exposure, Go to STEP 5