Shen-Hao or Tachihara?

z3guy · Feb 25, 2006

Until now I have been using an ancient monorail for architectural work but it is too heavy and awkward for landscapes, thus I am looking for a field camera. Of course the usual money crunch is an issue.I am interested in any feedback from users of these cameras. Negatives are as important as positive.
Thanks,
Paul

Ted Harris · Feb 25, 2006

One could go on and on but the simple tradeoff is movements (SH) v. light weight (Tachihara). The prices are the same new. The Tachi is manufactured in Japan and the SH in China. IMO the Tachi is better finished, if that matters to you.

sattler123 · Feb 25, 2006

Paul, the Shen Hao has considerably more movements than the Tachihara, especially important for architectural photography. Yes, the She is heavier, but in the big scheme of things in LF it really does not matter that much. I faced the exact same issue - I wanted a 2nd 4x5 in addition to my Canham DLC45 and ended up with the Shen Hao and am very happy with it. I was surprised by the quality of the workmanship and the sturdiness of the camera. I honestly believe that it is the best value out there right now. You get a lot of camera and control with a Shen Hao. Like so many things in photography it comes down to personal taste and how comfortable you are with the camera. I called Jim at Midwest Photo to help me with the decision and have not regret his recommendation (the Shen) based on my requirements. Give Jim a call and explain to him what type of photography you do and he'll help you out. He was even willing to send me both cameras and try them out for a while before I made my final decision - I did not take him up on that offer though - after talking to him I knew which camera I wanted and I suspect it'll be the same for you. You are used to the extensive movements of a monorail - the Tachi might be too limiting for you. Good Luck

Sportera · Feb 25, 2006

I really don't need any more movements that my Tach affords me but the one thing I wish I could change, beleive it or not, is to ugly it up a bit. The Cherry and brass is so pretty I attract attention always in an urban environment. I guess I am too polite because I answer all of their questions instead getting the shot and getting on my way.

dphphoto · Feb 25, 2006

The Shen Hao has a longer bellows draw and also has interchangeable bellows. (I'm looking for a good excuse to replace my Wista DX, and those features just might do it for me.) Dean

waynecrider · Feb 25, 2006

dphphoto said:
The Shen Hao has a longer bellows draw and also has interchangeable bellows. (I'm looking for a good excuse to replace my Wista DX, and those features just might do it for me.) Dean

But the DX has a 4x5 to 5x7 adapter available and an extension track and an extension bellows which looks by the image I see to about double the extension. Just something else to consider.

bobbysandstrom · Feb 25, 2006

If you can live with the bellows you can't go wrong with the Tachi. It's a great little tool!

JBrunner · Feb 25, 2006

For lugging it around in a pack, desert, slot canyons and the like the Tach was clearly the best for me, for all cameras in its price range. You really can't go wrong with either camera, considering what you get for what they cost. One has more movements, one is smaller and lighter. I have never felt my Tach needed more movements, but I don't shoot architecture. If you're keeping your monorail, and want your field camera small and light, the Tachihara is a great choice. If you want one camera to do both, I would go with the Shen. One thing BTW, I like the bellows material on the Tach better than the papery bellows of the Shen.

MikeK · Feb 26, 2006

International Back

I know the Shen-Hao has an international back (read graphlock) allowing roll film backs to be used, not sure if the Tachihara has an international back - so this could be a deciding factor for you.

Mike

z3guy · Feb 26, 2006

Thanks Ted! The finish really isn't as important as the workability.

Sportera · Feb 26, 2006

I use the Calumet 6x7 roll back with my Tach.

z3guy · Feb 26, 2006

Thanks for the info. It is really good to hear from one who has been through the same dilemma and to hear how they arrived at the camera they are using. I might give Jim at Midwest a call and discuss my needs with him, he sounds really helpful.

TheFlyingCamera · Feb 28, 2006

JBrunner said:
For lugging it around in a pack, desert, slot canyons and the like the Tach was clearly the best for me, for all cameras in its price range. You really can't go wrong with either camera, considering what you get for what they cost. One has more movements, one is smaller and lighter. I have never felt my Tach needed more movements, but I don't shoot architecture. If you're keeping your monorail, and want your field camera small and light, the Tachihara is a great choice. If you want one camera to do both, I would go with the Shen. One thing BTW, I like the bellows material on the Tach better than the papery bellows of the Shen.

Papery bellows? I've had my Shen for 5 years, and never thought of the bellows as being "papery". Mine seem to be some kind of waterproof cloth type material. The bag bellows for it is real leather.

Willie Jan · Mar 1, 2006

i am using the shen hao 4x5 now for a year and like it very much.
i ordered it directly from www.shen-hao.com

focusing is not as smooth as a technika, but for field work it weights 1 kilo less...

photobum · Mar 1, 2006

New or used? For the price of a new one you could get a used Zone VI with 22" of bellows. A little more for a Wisner and the same big bellows. For wide, they both accept bag bellows. It can be nice to have that extra 10".

Shen-Hao or Tachihara?

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