Solid, dead accurate joinery, beautiful to look at. 4x5 and 5x7 backs available. In comparison, it was more stable than a Wisner I looked at. Very bright ground glass with fresnel.

Rear standard has independantly locking and geared movement making it more difficult than necessary for rear movement, however, this also provides a limited amount of rear swing which is a plus. The other annoyance is that front focus can be accomplished on one side only as the other acts as the lock. As with any LF camera, God help you at full extension in a strong wind

Tachihara built and a beauty. Great first 8x10 camera and no other may be needed. You put this camera on a Zone VI tripod and it is rock solid. Shortish belows draw does limit lens choices. With reference to the previous review, Tachihara cameras are available at Midwest Photo Exchange in Columbus, OH

Customer Service

Unknown, Tachihara Japan does not offer any that I am aware of.

Similar Products Used:

Wisner 8x10, Deardorff 8x10

The Calumet wooden cameras are the same as the Tachihara wooden cameras. I have used my Tachihara 8x10 for five years and it has worked great. It has survived a few major accidents( including a trip into the ocean)and has held up pretty good.

Rear gears need to be stronger( mine stripped during the first year)but I just move the rear standard by hand( which is much easier.)A little more bellows draw would be nice( It has 30 inches) I don't think that Calumet is selling these cameras anymore.But I know that Tachihara still is making cameras but I don't know who is selling them in the U.S.
(Calumet use to sell them before they became Calumet wooden cameras)

Great first 8x10. Strong and durable and can handle a beating. But are they still being made?

Customer Service

Calumet is a great company and is always willing to help you find what you need. I you are interested in one of the wooden cameras mentioned, you could contact them and maybe they will know where to get one.

Similar Products Used:

I have also owned a Tachihara 4x5 which is also the same as the Calumet wooden 4x5, and the same as the first zone VI ca