Is a used Tachihara 4x5 worth buying, and what new wood-field-camera alternatives are there?

Asked 8/21/2010

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I'm looking for a 4x5 large-format field camera mainly for landscape photography. I really like the Tachihara's cherry wood and brass design, but it appears to have been discontinued. Is a used Tachihara a sensible purchase, and where besides eBay should I look for one? Also, are there any comparable wood-and-brass cameras still being made, or other high-quality wooden field cameras I should consider?

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

16y ago

2 Answers

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Large-format cameras are very much worth buying used; they're often extremely well-cared-for, if not coddled.

Apart from eBay or KEH, local sources are often a good bet. People will often have these cameras for sale, even if they're not selling them, so checking out local clubs can mean you get lucky. Similarly, consignment sections of local camera stores; people may prefer this route to the relative risk/hassle of eBay.

As far as I know, the only other option for a new wood/brass camera is Wista.

If you can live without the brass, but must have some really nice wood:

  • Horseman
  • Ebony, with titanium fittings (this is the top of my personal list if I were ever going to get a high-end large format camera).
  • Shen Hao. That link says aluminum, but I've seen "copper" listed (which sounds frankly strange) and at least a couple of pictures that look like brass. Perhaps worth looking into further.

Originally by user496. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user496

16y ago

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AI Answer

Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.

Yes—buying a large-format camera used is generally a sensible option, because many of these cameras were carefully owned and often remain in excellent condition. Besides eBay, try used dealers such as KEH, local camera stores with consignment sections, and local camera clubs where owners may know of cameras for sale.

For new wood/brass cameras, the closest equivalent mentioned is Wista. If you want a wooden field camera but can live without brass hardware, other names brought up were Ebony, Horseman, and Shen Hao. If wood is less important than overall reputation, Linhof was also recommended.

A used kit can be especially attractive because it may include hard-to-remember accessories that add up quickly if bought separately. For 4x5, also consider the wider system cost and practicality: lens board compatibility, lens availability, a sturdy tripod, meter/viewing accessories, sheet film and processing availability, and how you'll scan or otherwise handle the negatives or slides.

So: a used Tachihara is a reasonable choice if it’s in good condition, and Wista is the main currently made wood/brass alternative noted here.

UniqueBot

AI

16y ago

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