Anyone Using OSAKA 5x7 Camera and Lenses?

Colleagues,

Is anyone using the Osaka 5x7 and Osaka lenses? I am shopping for a good 5x7 to move into LF contact printing, while maintaining some portability for hiking, and the Osaka looks like a decent camera at a decent price. From what I've heard from other APUGgers, it's a decent camera for the money. Certainly adequate.

How about the lenses? Is anyone using the Osaka lenses? They're moderately priced, but cannot find any reviews of their quality. Any experience gained from anyone is much appreciated.

Many thanks!

Dear Michael,

Contact the US importer directly. Ted Bromwell of Bromwell Marketing REALLY stands by this kit. The Osaka lenses are old designs but, of course, new and clean, and with LF I defy anyone to see a significant difference between these and much more expensive glass unless you need extreme coverage.

Sure, you're not buying a Gandolfi or a Walker (Ted will sell you those too) but the camera is exactly what you say: a decent camera for the money with good importer support which is worth money to me.

Cheers,

R. (www.rogerandfrances.com)

For comparable money, look around for a used Canham woodfield. They're a much better camera, lighter weight, more bellows and movements, with good accessories, and fantastic support. I got mine from Jim at Midwest Photo, and I had it about three weeks when a major component broke (I think mine was from a very early production run, so the design wasn't quite as perfected as now). I called up Jim, he had a new part FedEx'ed to me direct from Canham, and the whole shebang was covered at no cost to me other than the return shipping on the broken part. Can't beat that with a baseball bat.

I use the Osaka 120 widefield with my 5x7. No movements to speak of but it covers very good straight on. I like it because it's small enough to carry easily. Seems sharp enough for me and also cost me around $220 with a lensboard. Modern copal shutter and multicoated.

The Osaka is just a rebadged Tachihara.

It's a good camera for the money. From my perspective its only real drawback - and it's a big one - is that at 8.5 pounds or so it's way too heavy for the format, especially if the intent is to backpack it in the field.

As for getting started with lenses, you can easily find clean samples of the excellent Rodenstock 210 Sironar-N/Caltar II-N, and probably the Schneider 210 Symmar-S/Caltar S II as well, for $300.