Tachihara 8x10

[dc1215]

Hello everyone. I've been giving some consideration to getting a Tachihara 8x10, the double extension model. I gave Badger a call just to check out the availability and was informed that they no long stock them, and it would take somewhere between 45 and 60 days if I ordered it.

I checked out the mpex website and saw they had one in stock. I was wondering if these were the only two places in the US that distributed the cameras. I did a search and didn't come up with too much at all, but I could have just missed it.

I've read the old threads about these cameras, but if anybody has any new opinions on them please feel free, I could use all the justification I can get to warrant me putting that type of money into a new camera instead of just having my Empire State redone.

Thanks in advance.

-Dan

 

[Nick Zentena]

I could use all the justification I can get to warrant me putting that type of money into a new camera instead of just having my Empire State redone.

What can the Tach do that your Empire can't?

IIRC the Tach isn't that light.

How about bellows range? Will it go wider/longer then your Empire?

How about movements?

Other then things like that an older camera in good condition isn't any different then a new camera.

 

[dc1215]

The Empire State is a lovely camera, I was very excited when I got it, but it turns out that its going to need a lot of time and a good amount of money to get it to the point that it needs to be. (Having a new back made, most likely bellows in a year or two, and some of the movements need work) I just feel that it doesn't make as much sense to put a lot of time, energy, and money in to a camera thats 100 years old that I have no special attatchment to, if I could get a new one for not that much more and concetrate on making good pictures without having to worry if they're going to come out, which is what I have to do now.

And the couple extra inches of bellows on the Tach would be nice, in case I ever needed it.

 

[Nick Zentena]

Personally I'd have trouble justifying a Tach double extension 8x10. It's not much lighter then many of the vintage 8x10s [Ansco for example] It doesn't go any wider. It doesn't go longer. It's movements aren't much different. $300 or little more for a good condition Ansco made more sense to me.

When I gave up the idea of 11x14 I started thinking of a new 8x10. In the end I ordered the Shen from the factory. If FedEx hasn't lost it I might even see it. But the Shen is lighter then my Ansco. Goes wider. Takes a 4x10 and 5x7 reducing back. If it hadn't provided some thing more then my Ansco I would have just stuck with it.

 

[dc1215]

All very good points. I've also been giving thought to the Shen-Hao. I have one of their 4x5 cameras and really love it. While all of the reasons you stated may make it a better camera, I am still trying to be as cost effective as possible, and to be honest I don't know that I would use any of the features that the SH has and the Tach doesn't. Except maybe a 5x7 back. That'd be great to have.

With that being said, you're most likely right, that an older used camera would probably be the most cost effective, best solution. I've just been frustrated with how things have been going with the Empire State and was thinking that maybe just buying new would be worth the money just in saved headaches and knowing that any ruined film would be my fault and not that of the camera.

-Dan

 

[Nick Zentena]

I know those feelings. I spent money on older cameras that led to more money being spent on fixes that still left me with less then I wanted.

 

[User Removed]

http://cgi.ebay.com/Tachihara-8x10-...7QQihZ010QQcategoryZ15248QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[dc1215]

Ryan, thank you for that. I check ebay quite often and must have missed that along the way. Thanks again.

 

[Wyno]

I had one of the Shen Hao 4x5 cameras. It was really good, a lot more solid than the Nagaoka I has before it. I recently changed to a Tachihara 8x10 (I think it's called triple extension model - bed plus front and rear extension). I looked at the Shen Hao 8x10 but it just didn't impress me as much as the Tachihara. I had to wait nearly 3 1/2 months to get mine. Jeff at Badger Graphics had just sold the last one when my order was placed. I do have to say that I was very impressed and pleased with the camera when I got it and have enjoyed using it since. The wait was definitely worth it. The only thing wrong with the camera is that on the badge wood is spelled with an e on the end, but that just made me laugh.
Mike

 

[c6h6o3]

I've read the old threads about these cameras, but if anybody has any new opinions on them please feel free, I could use all the justification I can get to warrant me putting that type of money into a new camera instead of just having my Empire State redone.

I've used the one they call the Double Extension (like in the Ebay auction below) for about ten years. They're nice cameras, but there are some things that they lack, such as:

bellows draw (a 19" lens is about as long as you can go and even then you have limited movements)
shift (neither front nor rear)
on-axis tilt

I was willing to trade these things for weight, as the Double Extension is nice and light. The one they call the Triple Extension is very heavy, like a Deardorff. I wouldn't want one of those.

Tachiharas are actually pretty well made and will work well in the face of a lot of abuse.

 

[ChuckP]

A similar camera to look at is the Wista 8x10. It's around 10 lbs. They come up used on Ebay every so often.

 

[mmcclellan]

Are Wistas and Tachiharas not made any more? The Osaka is another option . . .

 

[kiku]

Hi Michael: I believe that the "Osaka" is a rebranded Tachihara marketed by "Bromwell Marketing" in Pittsburgh.
Cordially, Howard Tanger

Are Wistas and Tachiharas not made any more? The Osaka is another option . . .

 

[MikeK]

Hello everyone. I've been giving some consideration to getting a Tachihara 8x10, the double extension model. I gave Badger a call just to check out the availability and was informed that they no long stock them, and it would take somewhere between 45 and 60 days if I ordered it.

I checked out the mpex website and saw they had one in stock. I was wondering if these were the only two places in the US that distributed the cameras. I did a search and didn't come up with too much at all, but I could have just missed it.

I've read the old threads about these cameras, but if anybody has any new opinions on them please feel free, I could use all the justification I can get to warrant me putting that type of money into a new camera instead of just having my Empire State redone.

Thanks in advance.

-Dan

I think the Tachihara is great value for the money. I would invest in the 810T (Triple Extension) that gives around 840mm of extension. It is well made and has an exceptionally bright viewing screen.

The only downside to this beauty is you need a recessed lens board for lenses less than 120mm in focal length.

I have had mine for about three years now and love using it. I got mine from Midwest photo.

Mike