Calumet's Wood Field Question

[Changeling1]

While visiting Ken Rockwell's photography website I came across this comment from Mr. Rockwell regarding the Tachihara 4x5 wood folding field camera- quote:

"What do I use? I use the very light weight Tachiharas, which are hard to find. I bought mine from Adorama.com for $700. The same camera is sold by Calumet as their "Wood Field" and others, too, as the Osaka camera, but they are all the same."

Are the 4x5 Tachiharas really "hard to find" and are they the same camera that Calumet sells?

I noticed about six months ago that the Tachihara 4x5 was being sold for $599.00 at Midwest Photo. Are these all really "the same" camera?

 

[davekarp]

Today, Tachihara cameras are readily available at Midwest Photo Exchange, Badger Graphics and other places. I do remember that they were also available at Adorama for $700 many years ago, and that it was a good price. At one time the camera was sold under many labels, including Calumet's.

 

[steve simmons]

Here is an article looking at a variety of cameras priced under $1,200.00

http://www.viewcamera.com/quality4x5.html

The prices may be a little out of date but are still in the ballpark.

This article looks at the features of the Tachihara compared to other modestly priced cameras.

steve simmons

 

[Ted Harris]

Two additions

The Osaka mentioned earlier has a slightly different finish and is imported by Ted Bromwell. I believe the Horseman Woodfield is also manufactured by Tachihara (not sure about this though).