Nagaoka - format estimate?

[blacksquare]

Hi,

is it possible to tell from the photo and this description what size it is?
The camera measures approximately 26 cm both vertically and horizontally.
The frosted glass measures approximately 16.5 cm vertically and 22 cm horizontally.
The diameter of the film holder insertion port on the camera's side, behind the frosted glass, is approximately 19 cm.




Thanks
Jan

 

[Kino]

Possibly a Whole Plate camera...

 

[blacksquare]

Possibly a Whole Plate camera...

Thanks. Well, the camera is in great condition, I'm considering buying it. But I wouldn't enlarge the whole plate with my current equipment (Durst 138S) :/.

 

[Steve Goldstein]

No need to enlarge it, whole plate is a wonderful size for contact prints. I should use my WP cameras more often...

 

[Kino]

No need to enlarge it, whole plate is a wonderful size for contact prints. I should use my WP cameras more often...

Yes, I don't have an enlarger that will enlarge above a 4x5 negative, but I have a WP camera. Also, contact printing rather simplifies your printing routine; a sheet of glass and a bare light bulb are inexpensive!

 

[blacksquare]

I know, contacts are nice. Now I have a 5x7 monorail, from which I usually enlarge to 40x50cm (16x20). But I would like something significantly lighter, for occasional outdoor use.

 

[Kino]

I know, contacts are nice. Now I have a 5x7 monorail, from which I usually enlarge to 40x50cm (16x20). But I would like something significantly lighter, for occasional outdoor use.

How deep are your pockets? Lightweight large format cameras are very expensive.

 

[blacksquare]

How deep are your pockets? Lightweight large format cameras are very expensive.

Well, I'll only use it occasionally, so I came across older Japanese cameras, like Nagaoka. I'd like to fit in around 500USD (but I'm from Europe).

 

[Kino]

Does the Nagaoka meet the definition of light weight? I am unfamiliar with that camera; I wonder if is in the light weight category?

My Korona WP camera is largely made of wood, but it's what I would call a medium weight camera.

Of course, it's all relative; if your monorail is very heavy, it might seem light!

 

[blee1996]

Can you still get fresh whole plate film?

Can you find negative carrier for your enlarger? You can probably 3D print negative carriers for whole plate film, that fits your Durst?

Or you can find someone 3D print a 5x7 back for the Nagaoka.

 

[Kino]

Can you still get fresh whole plate film?

Yes, but it has to be through Ilford's Annual Special Order or somebody selling surplus from such an order (as far as I know).

Of course, you can cut-down any 8x10 sheet film to fit. I have cut down Arista Edu 8x10 in the past...

Ironically, it's most often cheaper to cut-down 8x10 than special order WP.

 

[DREW WILEY]

At one time, Nagaoka was considered the ultra-lightweight choice among wooden folding cameras. Now there are other lightweight options due to carbon fiber innovations, etc; but those tend to cost way more.

The maximum carrier size that will work in a Durst 138 is 5x7 or the metric equivalent. But it is possible to make an oversize supplemental stage and carrier for these - I even have an 8x10 cold light system atop one of my 138 chassis.

 

[blacksquare]

Does the Nagaoka meet the definition of light weight? I am unfamiliar with that camera; I wonder if is in the light weight category?

My Korona WP camera is largely made of wood, but it's what I would call a medium weight camera.

Of course, it's all relative; if your monorail is very heavy, it might seem light!

My current 5x7 monorail is 6kg+, so almost anything is a lightweight camera And Nagaoka 5x7 should weigh around 1.8kg.

At one time, Nagaoka was considered the ultra-lightweight choice among wooden folding cameras. Now there are other lightweight options due to carbon fiber innovations, etc; but those tend to cost way more.

The maximum carrier size that will work in a Durst 138 is 5x7 or the metric equivalent. But it is possible to make an oversize supplemental stage and carrier for these - I even have an 8x10 cold light system atop one of my 138 chassis.

Thanks. I'll keep looking for Nagaoka and similar then.
I know that Durst 138S can be modified, but I don't need to go with a format higher. I'll keep looking for 5x7, maybe consider 4x5.

 

[xkaes]

I've seen a few Nagaoka 4x5" cameras that are wooden cameras, but painted/stained gray. That "color" seems to be the exception, however. They certainly stand out thanks to that, but definitely not as attractive as cherrywood or rosewood.

 

[blacksquare]

I've seen a few Nagaoka 4x5" cameras that are wooden cameras, but painted/stained gray. That "color" seems to be the exception, however. They certainly stand out thanks to that, but definitely not as attractive as cherrywood or rosewood.

Definitely. Anyway, this camera is already sold, so I'll keep monitoring it. I would like a 5x7, but those will probably be very rare.

 

[DREW WILEY]

I've never seen a painted Nagaoka - just the normal clear finished mahogany ones. There was still a legacy website up about Nagaoka last year, that is, a biographical site with a lot of specific information about his career as a camera maker.