Going rate for a Tachihara 4x5 with lens?

evites · Aug 1, 2015

I've been considering the purchase of a Tachihara 4x5, with the gold tone fittings and a Nikor lens for $500. It has everything I, as a total newb to LF, would need to get started (film holders, dark cloth, cable release, etc) Is this a good price? It's at the top end of my budget, as I am only a student. I've shot plenty of 35mm medium format, but I'm taking a class this semester based solely on 4x5 and I'd like to have my own equipment, as my schools equipment is mediocre, to be nice about it. I had been considering a Crown Graphic in the $250, $300 range, but is this Tachihara a better deal? I've searched this forum and the LF forum but prices seem to be ALL over the place for this guy. Any advice would be appreciated. Class starts in 3 weeks! I'd like to go in with a folder full of negatives ready to enlarge
thanks in advance!

trythis · Aug 1, 2015

Seems ok to me but I dont own nor have I used one. Look on ebay for completed auctions, as in sold.

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Alan Gales · Aug 1, 2015

I sold one on Ebay in mint- condition with a Caltar 210mm lens for $800.00 maybe 2 years ago.

Tachi's are extremely light weight and have a very bright focussing screen. They are not as sturdy as a Shen Hao, Chamonix or Crown Graphic. You will get about 13" of bellows so a 210mm lens works great. You can focus a 300mm at infinity. You can use a 90mm on a flat board. Some argue a 75mm on a flat board too.

Crowns are nice but have no back movements and limited front movements.

If the Tachihara and Nikkor lens are in good shape I'd say it's a good price.

Alan Gales · Aug 1, 2015

Ken Rockwell did a nice write-up about Tachi's. http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/tachihara.htm

grahamp · Aug 1, 2015

New film holders will likely run $75 per pair, if you can find them. Used ones run anywhere from $15 each and up. The lens/shutter combination can vary a lot depending on age. Something like a Symmar or Sironar at 150mm maybe $200?

Things to research for any 5x4: bellow length (limits maximum focal length and close-up ability), movements (rise/fall, tilt, swing, shift) on the front and back. Typically cameras like these are limited to at most 6 of the 8 options.

What does the class specify for the curriculum? And you should definitely read the material at http://www.largeformatphotography.info/ before you go to far down the road.

Do you have a suitable developing method? No point in having the tool and no way to use it!

BradS · Aug 1, 2015

I think you'd be better off learning with a Crown Graphic....They're easier to set up. rugged and hold their value very well. You can always buy a more expensive kit later if you decide large format is something for you.

I've seen many folks here and on the Large Format forum start out with an expesive "all in" kit only to realize six months or a year later that they'd really rather stay with 35mm or medium format.

evites · Aug 1, 2015

Both look as though they've hardly been used. As long as when it comes time to sell I don't lose any money on the deal. I have a hard time hanging onto gear, always selling, moving onto the next exciting find... Can't seem to let go of the old Zeiss 6x9 Super Ikonta though. That might be the perfect camera. Still excited to try 4x5 tho! Maybe even some 8x10 one day.

BradS · Aug 1, 2015

evites said:
.....I have a hard time hanging onto gear, always selling, moving onto the next exciting find... Can't seem to let go of the old Zeiss 6x9 Super Ikonta though....

Yeah....me too. Gear comes and goes. Only a select few cameras and lenses have stayed for more than a year or two. My 6x9 folder is a Rolfix...it's a keeper. I've had a 4x5 Crown Graphic for more than 11 years!

evites · Aug 1, 2015

I've yet to get a syllabus for the course, it just has a basis in 4x5. Lost of studio work I'm sure is to come, lighting, etc. the only 4x5's I've ever seen around the lab are monorails, so I assume that will be the equipment we learn on.
I process my own black and white at home, and make tiny contact prints from my 6x9's. I have the Patterson tank that holds 2x 120 reels, and it will fit the mod54 adapter, which I planned on buying if this 4x5 thing works out.
I abandoned 35mm long ago, as my favorite printing size is 11x14, and I was always unsatisfied with the results. Been with medium format through a few different yashicas, an old hasselblad, an old Rollie, miscellaneous toy camera, and finally the super ikonta. Since I'm stuck in bathroom making contact prints (at least until school starts) 4x5 seems like the next step! I already take my time setting up to get the shot, simply because I only get 8 exposures per roll.

Alan Gales · Aug 1, 2015

evites said:
Both look as though they've hardly been used. As long as when it comes time to sell I don't lose any money on the deal. I have a hard time hanging onto gear, always selling, moving onto the next exciting find... Can't seem to let go of the old Zeiss 6x9 Super Ikonta though. That might be the perfect camera. Still excited to try 4x5 tho! Maybe even some 8x10 one day.

Brad is correct about some spending a lot on a kit only to return to a smaller format.

Nice Tachiharas easily get $500 body only on Ebay from what I have seen. I don't know what Nikkor lens is with it but in nice shape the lens has to be worth $100 to $200. If you later decide 4x5 is not for you and sell I don't think you would get hurt on it.

whlogan · Aug 1, 2015

I've had a Tachie for years now and it gets a little use and will alwaybe in the "kit" which is all my stuff. It is super. You'll fall in love with it as you should and never be able to sell it. Well made and sturdy.... it'll be your Pal for a lot of years I think just as mine did and is... I'd do it ... skip a few beers... get a film pack... can't think of the correct name just now... 12 shots in a pack... great way to really get some work done...

Logan

daleeman · Aug 11, 2015

I have one and besides taking great photos, it seems to bring out the question, how many megapixels is that?

Really enjoy mine. Just got off the phone from talking with someone who asked me to get it out and do some shooting with them. Yea.

GKC · Aug 12, 2015

You'll have plenty of movements with the Tachi and hardly any with the Crown.
With the Crown you can shoot handheld which isn't an option with the Tachi.
The Tachi will be lighter, slimmer, and easier to back pack, while the Crown is boxy, heavier and more rugged.
The Tachi comes with "all you need" while the crown needs "stuff."
Take your pick, but the Tachi sounds like the better deal if it's in good condition.

Going rate for a Tachihara 4x5 with lens?

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