Tachihara 4x5

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While I find the Nagaoka a fine camera, I had originally set my sights on a Tachihara or a Zone VI, but they all seemed to be bringing silly amounts of money for units that were not always in the best of shape.  I recently scored a deal on a really nice unit out of Japan for a nice price.

My only gripe with the Nagaoka was the lack of any swings, which in one situation would have been very helpful.  I wound up turning the camera on its side and using front tilt to accomplish what I desired.

The only real damage that I could find on the camera was a badly wrinkled bellows and some tarnish on the four corner brackets.  The brackets are lacquered brass and the lacquer has peeled a little bit.  One thing I liked about my Zone VI 4X5 was the fact all the brass hardware was gold plated.  On the surface (pun intended) this seems frivolous, it actually makes sense.  Unless you abrade or gouge the gold coating the hardware stays nice and shiny.  Most of  the hardware on this camera is Chrome plated, which is in fine shape, the balance of which is enameled.   My plans are to get a home jewelry plating kit from Becker Industries to plate these four small parts.  I plan to gold plate the four knobs as well to keep the finish the same.  Here is a video on the use of the Becker Plating Kit.

 The wood on the camera is in impeccable condition and shows little scuffing of any sort.  While it is almost a pound heavier than the Nagaoka, it is decidedly lighter than the Zone VI that I had in years past.  Folded it is about 3/4" thicker than the Nagaoka.

The damaged bellows was caused by a previous owner (not, who I bought it from) that did not understand the peculiarities that surround the folding of this camera.  The bellows is light tight, just kinda ugly.  I am going to replace it with one from eTone.  After wrestling between red and green I decided on green (sales image from eTone).   From what I can tell, based on various web posts, the camera was made in 1986.

 Next was to procure some lens boards.  This camera can use the Linhof Technika 96mm X 99mm lens boards.  I have one recessed Linhof Technika knock-off lens board and verified the fit.  From there it was just a matter of firing up Fusion 360 and designing a part and then 3D printing it using PETG filament.  I used some flat black Rustoleum Camouflage 2X spray paint.  The difference is exceptional.

Lastly I decided to get a case for the body, it is just too nice to not add some protection.   I was made aware of Stone Photo Gear cases in a forum post and got in touch with Dan and ordered a case to fit the Tachihara.   Dan's workmanship is incredible and I am very pleased with the fit and finish of the case.  About a week to get the case on the way to Tempe.  I highly recommend his products.  When my "discretionary funds" account recovers, I plan on getting a couple of his Grafmatic Sleeves   BTW, the iridescence in the images above is a digital camera artifact.

Manual for the camera can be found here

With new bellows and re-plated brass hardware