Toyo 4X5 value

[Marvin]

I am not familiar with large format equipment but I have found a Toyo 4x5 camera at a local camera store that is priced at $499.00. The camera I think was a lower end and may also have been sold as an Omega brand as it looks like some of those. This is a complete kit with camera, lens, case and film holders. It is in excellent condition and looks great. Would this be a good deal for a starter 4x5 camera.

The kit includes
Toyo 4X5 Camera
Caltar II 150mm Lens
Tenba padded 4x5 case
4 Film Holders

Thanks Marvin

[DanielStone]

I'd say go for it, offer his $450 cash, if you got cash in your hand, he'll probably bite.

the Tenba case alone I've seen sell on ebay for $100 and up. If the lens is a Caltar II-N 150mm, its a re-branded APO-Sironar-N lens, $200-$300 or so is the general selling point for these in good condition. Camera, maybe $75-200 depending on model, and condition. 4x5 holders are about $5-10/each depending on age/condition, also on how much buyer is willing to pay.

if he won't budge from $499 on the price, see if he'll throw in a box or two of film(10sht) to get you started. Otherwise, I'd offer $400(cause I'm a business-minded kinda guy, and the dealer probably paid $150-200 for the whole kit from someone wanting a D300s )

but this would be a nice kit to get started in 4x5 with, if you're just getting started or want a rail camera to work with. They're nice cameras, both the Toyo's and the Omegas.

-Dan

[pgomena]

Ditto DanielStone's comments, including price/offer suggestions. These are perfectly good starter cameras, sounds like a good starter kit. Go for it!

Peter Gomena

[Christopher Walrath]

Posted wirelessly..

Nothing else need be said. Take $500 and wave $450 at him. He'll bite, I'll wager.

[coriana6jp]

If its a Toyo Field Camera like a 45A then it alone is worth about $500, if its a monorail you can probably get him down some.

Enjoy.

Gary

[hspluta]

I had the Calter II-N 150 about 15 years ago and it is a tack sharp lens with really nice bokah and great color rendition. I seem to recall paying over $500 for it used!

I say go for it, I used to tote a Sinar F2 in a backpack and got some amazing landscape shots with it. Those old monorails are hard to beat and are a great into to large format, well those and the old Speed Graphics ;-).

-Harry