Thinking of purchasing this 4x5. Was handed down to owner who doesn't know make/model and it has no markings or plates on it. Found a photo of it on the web, but the page owner only says that it is similar to a Nagaoka 45. Can anyone ID it for me, thanks?
the Nagaoka 4x5 was made in at least two models (versions)
this one looks identical to the original version of the Nagaoka which was my first
LF camera. So I vote that it is a Nagaoka.
You can distiguish the first and second versions of the Nagaoka from the shape of the hinges which support the rear standard.
It is a very nice (and light) camera. I replaced it with a Chamonix 45 N1 because it is easier to set up has more movements and the fresnel makes it much easier to see the ground glass. But I did get some very decent shots with my Nagaoka. Don't know what you plan to pay but in following some auctions on Ebay they seem to go in the range of $300 to $450 depending on condition.
I should have some pictures of my camera in my files. If you want some images from different perspectives, email me and I will send you some.
Thanks Frank, will try and find a pic of each.
There are a number of Japanese field cameras of similar construction, such as Anasuma (http://www.largeformatphotography.in...d.php?t=70131), Tachihara (http://www.largeformatphotography.in...ad.php?t=58660) and Okuhara. There are also some similar Indian cameras (http://www.largeformatphotography.in...d.php?t=27588). There have been threads about all of these before, so you can search for the threads.
The wood in your camera does not look like that in the Okuhara I own, so it probably is not that manufacturer.
What size is the negative? A number of the cameras I am referring to are 1/2 plate (about 4.75 x 6.5 inch , IIRC) and used book-form holders.
The camera pictured is missing its tripod mount, which would have been a rotating metal ring (that fits the hole in the base) either with a 3-pronged adapter or with 6 holes for the 3 tripod legs (2 each). I have posted pictures of the mount in another thread (
http://www.largeformatphotography.in...d.php?t=49776).
Bob
Last edited by r_a_feldman; 5-Dec-2011 at 20:15. Reason: Added links
further to your email
I have sent you some pictures of my Nagaoka
looks the same as the one you posted a picture of
the tripod mount is not missing
you will see it is a metal plate behind the cut out hole
the cut out is so the camera can be folded with a small lens attached.
Looks like a Nagaoka, but it could be an Ikeda - They look very similar and have similar hardware. I believe both companies' factories were in the same neighborhood near Ueno in Tokyo. Nagaoka was still there as of a couple of years ago.
On my knee is a Calumet Woodfield. It look 98% as your picture. The only difference is the bottom lens board metal bar has 4 screws instand of 3 on your picture. My wood color is darker than your picture. My one is cherry wood, very light weight. This camera max bellow extension only around 270mm, so longest lens can use is 250mm. The lens board is smaller than Linhof board which is impossible to find. Get some ply wood from hobby shop diy is simple. I'm not sure from which factory from Japan.
I have a Charten camera which looks very similar to this one.
OK. Does this mean that this camera has a regular tripod socket to the rear of the large hole? The older Japanese half plate field cameras has a mount like inOriginally Posted by Frank_E
http://www.largeformatphotography.in...d.php?t=49776, which the pictured camera does not. In these older mounts, the central 3-pronged "spider" could come out so the camera could be folded with the lens mounted.
Bob
in answer to your question here is a picture of the bottom of the Nagaoka which I used to own.
My camera took regular Linhof boards.
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