Asanuma cameras?

<p>My local university just posted on their surplus web site a " Asanuma Large Format Camera Tube with 90mm f5.6 lens" After searching the interwebs I'm still not sure what they have. Should I spend 3 hours in line to try to get it? What the heck do you suppose it is?</p>

<p>My guess is that it is an extension tube of some sort with an unnamed 90mm f5.6 lens attached. However whether this is for a large format camera or not I would doubt. I think the only way you are going to get an accurate description would be to call them and ask to speak to someone who has the object sitting there grinning at them.<br /> Asanuma are a Japanese company who made a mahogany and brass large format camera in the earlier part of the 20th century. But more recently they seem to have made third party accessory parts, mostly for 35mm as far as I can tell. These parts include such things as tele-converters and extension tubes but also large format roller blind shutters. They use the brand name 'King'.<br /> http://camerapedia.wikia.com/wiki/Asanuma_Sh%C5%8Dkai<br /> http://www.ebay.com/itm/King-Asanuma-Roller-Blind-Shutter-for-Brass-Lenses-Large-73mm-Size-NO-RESERVE-/181238356083?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a32a5d873<br>

http://www.collection-appareils.fr/x/html/appareil-3274-Asanuma_King%20Check%20Polaphy.html<br /> So I reckon the only way you are going to find out definitely is to talk to the people who are selling it at the university.</p>

<p>What they're selling is probably the same as the camera in <a href="http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Asanuma-Large-format-Camera-with-Fujinon-ex-90mm-F-5-6-Lens-545i-Film-Holder-/251268736049">this ebay listing</a>.</p>

<p>It looks like a fixed-focus device for photographing something on a copy stand, or at a fixed distance. Probably for copying electrophoresis gels or something like that, possibly for copying the readout screen on an instrument.</p>

<p>Further quick googlage indicates the Fujinon EX is a medium format enlarging lens. An old thread on photo.net says it covers a 6 x 9 frame for enlarging. It comes with an attached Polaroid 545 back, but that doesn't mean it covered the whole frame. Alternatively it may cover 4 x 5 only at the close distance it was designed for.</p>

<p>In other words, save your three hours in line.</p>

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<p>Interesting. It looks like it might take a 4x5 or maybe polaroid back. Well. I'll check it out tomorrow and report back. Whatever it is, I bet its not $899!</p>