"Osaka Surprise" (w/apologies to Sandy Sorlien)

[jim_galli4]

So I bought this Osaka Commercial something or other 360 f6.8 lens on

E**Y the other day to get the Copal 3S shutter and throw the glass in

the trash can. Well the 3S became un-needed when I discovered my

Graphic Kowa 240 f9 was different than all the other larger than 210

Kowas. So I figured put it on a Cambo 8X10 I'm planning on selling

and make a package deal. Well friday I took it with me and had a

grand afternoon shooting at Death Valley junction in Amargosa Valley.

Good thing! Holy cow that is a sweet lens! Crisp as hell and

tonality is just gorgeous! Sorry folks, it's a keeper! Tessar type,

coated, covers 11X14 and is much sharper than it's American cousin,

Kodak 14" Commercial Ektar, and in a snappy modern shutter to boot.

Paid $305.

[ken_burns1]

That might be a surprise to you, but it is no surprise to me. I have an Osaka 120 that I have used for years. It is probably a double Gauss design that covers 4x5. It's as sharp as my Schneider Symmar-S 150 and my Shcneider Super Angulon 90. Small and compact, it is perfect for carrying in my backpack. I have read statements by others that the Osaka lens quality can vary a lot, but this lens is very good!

[ralph_barker]

Did you happen to stumble across a figure model at DVJ waiting for some LFer to come along, too, Jim? ;-)

 

There are few better surprises than to find a lens you were going to toss is actually quite good. Your karma must be tuned just right.

[jim_galli4]

Hi Ralph and Ken, The only figure model at DVJ is Marta Beckett, and at 79 she's too legendary for my camera. Printing the pics as we speak and it is pure pleasure. Also broke in a 165 WA Dagor and it is also a stunner. Great fun. jg