This is the Burke and James Watson 5×7 it was introduced back in the 1940’s ( I have not yet nailed down a date). The camera produced images onto 5×7 inch sheet films and one can assume that you can get reducing backs for smaller film sizes. Currently this is my Largest camera in my collection and I have yet to shoot with it.
The the Burke and James Watson 5×7 is made with mahogany wood with both brass and steel hardware. The camera is of the field large format type, meaning that it folds down to a more compact size for transportation.
Being a Field Camera it sports several features that SLR cameras can’t replicate with out the use of specialized lenses or adaptors. the camera supports Front tilt, Front swing, Front rise and fall, as well as Front shift. The Back of the camera moves forwards and back for focusing and also supports the use of Tilt and Swing movements.
The Specs:
Type of camera: Wooden Large Format Field
Film/picture format: 5×7 inch.
Lens Mount: Wooden lens board
Lenses: Interchangeable with use of lens boards
Shutter: lens dependant
Exposure metering: none
Viewfinder: none
Focusing screen: Ground glass viewing screen
Reflex mirror: none
Depth-of-field preview: yes via lens being stopped down
Frame counter: None
Power source:None.
Camera Back: Ground glass Graflok black that can be removed and rotated to vertical or horizontal orientation.
Body Finish: Black or Natural wood. (Camera in collection had it’s finish removed on the front portion of the camera due to finish and wood deterioration)