David, Yes. I'd like that. I'm a it busy the next few weeks with trade shows. Maybe could slip in a Zoom meeting. Or meet up after October 9th? I have two working cameras. A Burke & James wide angle box camera from about 1940(?). 5x7 format. Wollensak lens -- about 109mm. And a Toyo 45G monorail with SK Symmar-S 180mm 5.6. And two currently inoperative cameras. Both half-plate (4.75x6.5 inch) format -- an old metal field Toyo "Sakai Special" and an unnamed wooden field (looks like an Anba Ikeda). But I would really like to build a whole plate (6.5" x 8.5") tailboard camera that would also take 5x7. I'm in Fuchu-shi, not far from the Musashino line.
That is a wonderful story. There are certain skills in the world that only exist in the minds of a few men.
When they are lost they are really lost and that is a tragedy.
It can be making a saddle for a horse, or making a violin or making a view camera.
These special skills are worthy of honor.
Joe and everyone, I was waiting for a reply from Nagaoka-san and his son.
I have a very sad news. Nagaoka-san passed away.
I found a used 5x7 Nagaoka camera in Yahoo Japan auction if you are interested.
https://page.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/v713765584
Sorry to hear of passing
Rest in Peace
2 hours to buy
Tin Can
Very sorry to hear this! I'm feeling sad.
Thank you, mhayashi, for let me know the history of Nagaoka cameras, and their creator.
"I would feel more optimistic about a bright future for man if he spent less time proving that he can outwit Nature and more time tasting her sweetness and respecting her seniority"---EB White
I am very sad to hear of his passing. It's the end of an era. Thank you to the OP for preserving his story and bringing it to our attention as well.
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