Tachihara questions

[Matthew Runde]

I'm considering purchasing a 4x5 Tachihara (saving the money for the glass), and I have some questions. I would certainly appreciate help with this.

1. Perhaps more important than the Tachihara is the fact that I would like to u se the Schneider 90mm XL lens. Will this reportedly huge lens fit on this repor tedly small camera and be well supported?

2. Can the Quickload holder be used with the Tachihara? If so, how well and ea sily?

3. Supposing the above pieces of equipment are compatible, would there be any r eason not to use them with this camera?

Again, I appreciate any tips, tricks, techniques, or Canham DLC donations that y ou can offer here. As you can tell, my budget is not what I would like it to be , but I will do what I can.

Thanks!

[Jason Greenberg Motamedi]

Matthew, You may also want to consider the Shen-Hao HZX-IIA, which is the same price as the Tachi, a bit heavier (and more stable) and has interchangable bellows, so you can actually use the movements that the XL allows. Even with the bag bellows, I suspect that the 90 may well be overkill--I f you really need LOTS of movement with this lens, you are best off with a monorail.

[Eugene]

Matthew, talk to Jeff at Badgergraphic.com You may need to look up his phone number on that website. He sells both, the Tachi and the Shen Hao. The Shen Hao is about two pounds heavier than the Tachi, but if you are using a 90XL, weight doesn't seem to be a concern here. Both cameras are the same price at Badger. Both will take the 90XL and the Quickload holder. The bag bellows on the Shen Hao will make make life easier with that huge lens.

[Larry Mendenhall]

Hi, Matthew

I can only contribute to question 2. I use the Kodak and Polaroid quick/ready loaders without a problem in my Tachihara. I seriously doubt there would be a problem with the Quickload holder.

The Tachihara is my first large format camera, but I've been very happy with it. The only thing I would wish for is geared tilt movements. I suspect such a feature is available but only on the higher priced field cameras.

Good luck!

Larry

[Kevin Crisp]

Matthew: I recently obtained the new Kodak holder, which seems to work quite well. On a recent trip I was in a precarious position on some rocks and used it for one exposure with a later generation Tachihara instead of the Canham I used for everything else that day. I thought at the time I put the holder into the back that it didn't seat with much authority and could be easily pulled out. The slightest tug, without relieving pressure on the back, and the holder would slide out. That one exposure had the only light leak of the trip. At least on my camera, is was necessary to widen the light trap slot on the camera (150 grit sandpaper) to get the ridge on the readyloader to go all the way down and the holder flat against the camera. I don't know if my camera is slightly out of spec or what the problem is, but I did have to make this fix. It seems to fit everything else I own without a problem.

[David Karp]

Matthew,

Given the choice of the 90mm XL, it sounds like you are going to be photographing architecture. If that is true, another possible advantage of the Shen Hao is that it offers more extensive back movements (swings, tilts, rise) than the Tachiahara. If not architecture, I am curious why you would choose the XL over other more compact 90mm lenses.

Another potential advantage of the Shen Hao is that it offers more bellows extension than the Shen Hao, enabling use of a 300mm normal design lens. I do not have a Shen Hao, but if I ever decide to pick up a field camera I would be very interested in checking that camera out.

[Matthew Runde]

Wow. I've been keeping up with the forum for some months now and still I'm very impressed with (and grateful for) these quick and helpful replies. Thank you very much.

It really sounds as though you all have a better idea of what I need than I do so I'll share with you what I hope to get out of the gear I buy.

My style of working is different from that of "landscapers." I tend to stay in one general location, such as a few city blocks, and make different types of images of the same area. I work mainly in urban areas and only rarely in the field, and I like to leave the camera on the tripod and move a short distance between subjects.

The thing is, I may lift and move the camera/tripod many times over the course of a few hours. This isn't so bad with my Nikon, but is a major hassle with the heavy monorail that I'm currently borrowing.

I'd like to buy a 4x5 that will feel more like the Nikon than the Linhof. I like the listed weight of the Tachihara (and the Canham), which is why I mentioned it.

I do photograph architecture sometimes, so basic movements (mainly front rise) would be helpful. You've got me thinking that I may be able to get by with a smaller lens. I'll look into that, as well as the Shen Hao.

Given that this style of working is a bit different from that of many LF photographers (who may pack up between images), would you be able to offer further advice on equipment?

Again, thank you very much for the above answers and ideas.

[Kevin Crisp]

Does exercising a lens mean your negatives get thinner?

[Eugene]

Matthew, the further elaboration of your need to move the camera and tripod around the location does not change any of the recommendations, so far. your only problem seems to be with the weight and bulk of the camera and tripod. A 90XL is heavy and bulky. It has the capability of much movement with it's huge image circle. The 90XL is better utilized when used on a monorail, as you're doing now. Just think compact and lighter weight. You can even reduce the weight of the tripod you use if you change to a smaller, lighter camera outfit. You obviously need a lot of front rise. The Canham is outstanding in that department, but price is the problem. So, either bite the bullet and invest in the Canham you really want, bulk up so you can lift the monorail you're now using, or hire an assistant.

[Kevin Crisp]

Note to self: Make sure quip goes in the right thread.