I've been using a monorail for almost all my work now, and this Wista is simply not getting used enough. There are some marks and scuffs on the body, but all movements and locks work properly. The Graflok back has a strange quirk. When locking it back in place, it must be raised a couple of millimeters to clear the bottom of the camera so that it can fully slide. I think if that portion is filed out, it should lock normally.
The tape on the bellows is purely cosmetic. It is perfectly light-tight, and there are no pinholes.
In addition to the camera, I have both kinds of WA bellows. One needs the special recessed board, and the other can be used with regular lensboards. Both bellows and the Copal 0 special recessed board are in mint condition. The buyer of the camera gets first shot at the bellows and the lensboard.
Prices, including worldwide EMS shipping are:
Camera: 35,000 JPY
WA Bellows for use with regular lensboards: 16,000 JPY
WA Bellows for use with special lensboard: 16,000 JPY
Special recessed Copal 0 lensboard: 8,000 JPY
Nice looking camera. I don't know much about Wista. For the sake of research can anyone compare this Wista 45 D to the Toyo A series? Are they comparable in build quality & usability or is one superior?
I can only speak to the Wista, I bought one from Kumar a few months ago and it is fantastic. It is extremely solid and has scads of movements. It is also pretty quick to set up, and all of the movements are very nicely geared and lock down very well. It is kind of heavy, but I suspect that the Toyo, or any metal field camera for that matter, is as well.