Summary Table

My thesis here is that most Kowa items typically sell today for close to what they cost the dealers in the mid-1970s (new). Compare Current Avg 2000 prices to the mid-1970s dealer and consumer list prices to see these trends. I have highlighted items which are substantially below or above these ranges with a minus (-) or plus (+) in the table. The Kowa camera kits (body + lens) are relative bargains, as are most of the common lenses (55mm, 150mm, 200mm, 250mm..). Professional accessories such as polaroid backs and metering prisms finders fetch substantial premiums. Use the table below and the dealer price listings to identify good buys and avoid overpriced offerings. Notice also the ranges in prices, sometimes related to condition (e.g., EX vs EX++), which can be seen in the followup dealer price listings below this table.

Some Kowa items are sufficiently rare that they may command higher prices due to scarcity and possible collector interest. Examples might include lens extremes (19mm fisheye, 35mm, 500mm) and the microscope adapter/shutter. Relatively rare items such as the 40mm and 110mm macro lenses may vary widely in asking price. We suggest some budget alternatives in sections below.

                                               Current  -- mid-1970s --
Item#   Description:                           Avg 2000 Dealer  Consumer
660-101 Kowa Super 66 Camera Complete		$419-	$462.00 $660.00
660-202 Kowa Super 66 Camera Body		$314-	$362.20 $466.00
662-301 Kowa 12/24 magazine			$183	$139.30 $199.50
662-302 Kowa 16/32 magazine				$160.97 $229.95
662-303 Kowa Polaroid magazine			$347+	$202.65 $289.50
661-260 19mm f/4.5 Automatic Fisheye Lens		$1,890  $2,700
661-252 35mm f/4.5 Automatic Wide Angle Lens		$642.60 $918.00
661-254 40mm f/4.0 Automatic Wide Angle Lens	($1299)+$560.70 $801.00
661-256 55mm f/3.5 Automatic Wide Angle Lens	$305-	$323.40 $462.00
661-258 85mm f/2.8 Automatic Standard Lens	$208+	$135.80 $194.00
661-260 110mm f/5.6 Automatic Macro Lens	$398	$349.30 $499.00
661-262 150mm f/3.5 Automatic Telephoto Lens	$338	$323.40 $462.00
661-264 200mm f/4.5 Automatic Telephoto Lens	($256)-	$331.10 $473.00
661-266 250MM F/5.6 Automatic Telephoto Lens	$362	$349.30 $499.00
661-268 500mm f/8.0 Automatic Telephoto Lens		$699.30 $999.00
661-285 Kowa Automatic 2X Teleconverter			$325.50 $465.00
663-310 Folding Viewfinder Hood			$45	$42.20  $68.00
663-311 Critical Magnifier Hood				$97.50  $150.00
663-314 Prism Viewfinder 45 degrees		$191+	$96.85  $149.00
663-315 Prism Viewfinder 90 degrees		$181+	$96.85  $149.00
663-316 ''TTL'' Meter/Finder			$156-	$161.85 $249.00
663-318 45 degree Prism ''TTL'' Meter/Finder	$450+	$230.75 $355.00
663-312 Sports Finder for 55/85/150mm Lenses	$65+	$28.93  $44.50
663-357 Flash Bracket				($14)	$28.28  $43.50
663-365 Carrying Case				($29)	$25.97  $39.95
663-355 Neck Strap				($15)	$6.18   $9.50
663-358 Quick-Load Tripod Mount			($19)	$34.45  $53.00
663-352 Hand Grip/Release			$55	$42.22  $64.95
663-361 Body Cap for Kowa Super 66		$9	$4.55   $7.00
663-424 Automatic Extension Bellows			$227.18 $349.50
663-420 Automatic Extension Tube Type T1 (75mm)	$124+	$64.35  $99.00
663-421 Automatic Extension Tube Type T2 (32mm)	($149)+	$64.35  $99.00
663-422 Automatic Extension Tube Type T3 (16mm)		$64.35  $99.00
663-369 Microscope Adapter In Shutter			$129.35 $199.00

($XXX) prices are from single listing; Avg prices as of 2/2000 listed below, dealer and consumer prices from mid-1970s price lists. See actual 1970s ad prices to see discounted selling prices (vs. consumer list prices above.) Again, these prices are closer to dealer prices and actual original investment in Kowa items.

Current Dealer/Ebay/Ad Prices and Sources

Kowa Six Basic Kit
Kowa Six w/85 f/2.8 WLF EX Kenmar $299
Kowa Six w/85 f/2.8 WLF 8+ CT $299
Kowa Six w/85 f/2.8 WLF 8++ MPEX $375
Kowa Six w/85 f/2.8 WLF EBAY (02/04/00) $306
Kowa Six w/85 f/2.8 WLF Wall $349
Kowa Six w/85 f/2.8 WLF Yerkes $550
Kowa Six w/150 f3.5 WLF Ebay (01/21/00) $300

Kowa Six Packages
Kowa Six (black) w/85 f2.8 WLF grip filters (pol/UV) Ebay (01/21/00) $333
Kowa Six w/85 and 55mm, sunpack flash etc. Ebay (02/05/00) $395
Kowa Six w/85 f2.8 & 90 degree prism finder , 8++ MPEX $475

Kowa Six MM Basic Kit
KOWA SIX MM W/85/2.8 BLK E+ CT $389
Kowa Six MM w/85/2.8 WLF Wall $250
Kowa Six MM w/85/2.8 WLF Silvios $399
Kowa Six MM w/85/2.8 WLF Ex++ Kenmar $459
Kowa Six MM w/85/2.8 WLF Yerkes $650

Kowa Super 66 Basic Kit
Kowa super 66 12/24 back w/85 f2.8 WLF EBAY (01/21/00) $280
Kowa Super 66 12/24 back w/85 f2.8 WLF EBAY (01/21/00) $305
Kowa Super 66 12/24 back w/85 f/2.8 chrome WLF EBAY (01/21/00) $340
Kowa Super 66 12/24 back w/85 f/2.8 WLF Wall $350
Kowa Super 66 (black) w/85 f2.8, 12/24 back, WLF, 8++ MPEX $425
KOWA SUPER 66 W/85/2.8 W/12/24 BACK E- CT $489
KOWA SUPER 66 W/85/2.8 W/12/24 BK E CT $489
Kowa Super 66 w/85/2.8 W/12/24 WLF E EBAY (02/05/00) $370.53
Kowa Super 66 w/85/2.8 w/12/24 WLF 9- (2) Cole $550
Kowa Super 66 w/85/2.8 w/12/24 WLF 9+ (2) Cole $595
Kowa Super 66 w/85/2.8 w/12/24 WLF Yerkes $750

Kowa Super 66 Packages:
Kowa Super 66 16/32, 12/24, prism, 55mm, Ebay (02/12/00) $611

Bodies:

Six MM WLF LeCamera $299
SIX MM W/W.L. FINDER U EX+ Wall $319

Kowa Super 66 body/back EBAY (01/21/00) $205
Kowa Super 66 body/back with grip EBAY (01/21/00) $295
Kowa Super 66 Body/back 8 Ebay (02/12/00) $335
Kowa Super 66 Body/back EX CT $359
KOWA SUPER 66 BODY/BACK 8 TPP $375

Lenses:

Kowa 35mm f/4.5 $1,536.50 Adorama [8/2000]

Kowa 40mm EBAY 12/2000 $660
Kowa 40mm Yerkes $900
Kowa 40mm Silvios $1,299

Kowa 55 f/3.5 8- EBAY (01/21/00) $233
Kowa 55 f/3.5 chrome EBAY (01/21/00) $250
KOWA 55/3.5 BLACK (CHIP /DENTED) U EX/AS-IS Wall $269.00
Kowa 55 f3.5 Black 67 filter, V Adorama $289
Kowa 55 f3.5, chrome, 8/8+ MPEX $295
Kowa 55 f3.5 Olden $295
Kowa 55 f3.5 EX+ CT $299
Kowa 55/3.5 Wide Angle Ebay (01/21/00) $300
Kowa 55 f3.5 Black 67 filter Ex++ Kenmar $359
Kowa 55/3.5 9- Cole $375
Kowa 55/3.5 Silvios $399
Kowa 55/3.5 new style Yerkes $475

KOWA 85/2.8 ($179.95 $Canada) CE $125
KOWA 85/2.8 BLACK U EX+ Wall $179
KOWA 85/2.8 F/6 & 66 U EX+ Wall $189
Kowa 85/2.8 chrome 9+ B&H $199
KOWA 85/2.8 BLACK U LN- Wall $219
Kowa 85/2.8 Olden $245
Kowa 85/2.8 LeCamera $299

Kowa 110mm Macro f/5.6 10- Ebay (01/21/00) $300
Kowa 110mm Macro f/5.6 E Adorama [8/2000] $359
Kowa 110mm Macro f/5.6 (ad post below) $495
Kowa 110mm Macro f/5.6 Yerkes $800

Kowa 150/3.5 $151 EBAY
Kowa 150/3.5 Chrome Midwest $259
Kowa 150/3.5 (Recent overhaul) 8+ EBAY (01/21/00) $260
KOWA 150/3.5 (CHROME) M- CT $279
Kowa 150/3.5 Black Midwest $295
Kowa 150/3.5 (recent CLA) Ebay (02/06/00) $306
KOWA 150/3.5 Chrome 3/4D CC $329
KOWA 150/3.5 Chrome 67mm filter E- Adorama $319
Kowa 150/3.5 Chrome Olden $345
Kowa 150/3.5 Black 67 filter, Ex++ Kenmar $349
Kowa 150/3.5 Black Olden $375
Kowa 150/3.5 mint Lecamera $395
Kowa 150/3.5 Silvios $399
Kowa 150/3.5 new style Yerkes $475

Kowa 200 f/4.5 9 EBAY (01/21/00) $256
Kowa 200 f/4.5 E+ Adorama [8/2000] $474
Kowa 200 f/4.5 Yerkes $500

Kowa 250 f/5.6 Exc. EBAY (1/11/2001) $330
Kowa 250 f/5.6 9+ EBAY (01/21/00) $325
Kowa 250 f/5.6 E Adorama [8/2000] $364
Kowa 250 f/5.6 Silvios $399
Kowa 250 f/5.6 Yerkes $500

Kowa 500mm f/8 Yerkes $1,500
Kowa 500mm f/8 EBAY 12/2000 $862.50 (w. case/holder/hood/caps)

Extension Tubes:

Kowa Six T1 Tube GP $124
Kowa Six T1 Tube CT $124

Kowa Six T2 Ex++ CT $149

Kowa Six T1-T2-T3 Tube set (ebay 1/30/00) $190

Bellows:

Kowa Bellows EBAY 12/2000 $885

Backs:

Kowa 12/24 Film Back EBAY (01/21/00) $96
Kowa 12/24 film backs Black E Adorama $144
KOWA 12/24 FILM BACK E- CT $169
Kowa Super 66 12/24 film back EBAY (01/21/00) $177.50
KOWA 12/24 FILM BACK E CT $189
Kowa 12/24 film backs 8 B&H $199
KOWA 12/24 EXPOSURE FILM BA F/SUPER 66 U EX/EX+ Wall $219
Kowa 12/24 film backs (3) Cole $225
KOWA 12/24 FILM BACK U EX+/LN- Wall $229
Kowa 12/24 Film Back Yerkes $250

Kowa 16/32 Film Back Yerkes $325

Polaroid Back for Kowa 66 (ad post below) $225
Polaroid Back for Kowa 66 8++ Midwest $295
Polaroid Back for Kowa 66 (ad post below) $300
Polaroid Back for Kowa 66 EBAY (01/21/00) $355
Polaroid Back for Kowa 66 EBAY (01/21/00) $410
Polaroid Back for Kowa 66 Ex CT $499

Finders:

KOWA 90 deg prism (corner chip), VG+ PAC $125
Kowa 90 deg prism finder Ex+ Kenmar $149
Kowa 90 deg prism finder, 8+ MPEX $150
Kowa 90 deg prism finder Ex++ Koh $195
Kowa 90 deg prism finder Yerkes $200
KOWA 90 deg PRISM FINDER E CT $229

Kowa 45 deg Prism Finder EBAY (01/21/00) $131
Kowa 45 deg prism finder Ex+ Kenmar $149
Kowa 45 deg prism finder Silvios $159
Kowa 45 deg prism finder 8+ Midwest $189
Kowa 45 deg prism finder Yerkes $220
KOWA 45 deg PRISM FINDER E CT $229
Kowa 45 deg Prism Finder E+ (Ebay 02/11/00) $255
Kowa 45 deg prism finder 9- Cole $225

Kowa 45 deg meter finder CT $449
Kowa 45 deg meter finder Yerkes $450
KOWA metered EXPOSURE FINDER E CT $149
Kowa metered exposure finder EBAY $159
Kowa metered exposure finder Midwest $159

Kowa Sports Finder EBAY (01/21/00) $31
KOWA SPORTS FINDER W/BX E CT $39
Kowa Sports Finder 9 GP $79
Kowa Sports Finder mint- Brooklyn $85
Kowa Sports Finder Olden $89

KOWA WLF ($29.95 Canada) CE $21
Kowa WLF (needs work, usable) TODCO $39
Kowa WLF Cole $50
Kowa 6 Waist Level Finder KEH $47
KOWA WLF F/ K SIX U EX Wall $69

Screens:
Kowa 6 focusing screen Cole $35
KOWA FOCUSING SCREEN CLEAR SPOT W/BX M- CT $59
KOWA FOCUSING SCREEN CLEAR SPOT II E CT $49
KOWA FOCUSING SCREEN CLEAR SPOT II W/BX M- CT $64
Kowa 66 screen clear spot II boxed 9+ Cole $45
KOWA FOCUSING SPLIT W/GRID E- CT $39
Kowa 66 grid/clear II screen boxed 9+ Cole $60
KOWA FOCUSING SCREEN CLEAR W/BX E CT $39
KOWA FOCUSING SCREEN ($29.95 $Canada) CE $21
KOWA SCREEN STANDARD 9 TPP $24
Kowa Clear Spot II EBAY (01/21/00) $15
KOWA DIAGNAL SPLIT F/6X4.5 F/66 BOX U LN- Wall $59
Kowa Focus Screen for Super 66 boxed GP $39.00
caution: screens are different between Kowa 6 and 66!

Maxwell Bright Screen for Kowa (with exchange) Yerkes $100

Grips:
KOWA CAMERA GRIP E CT $49
Kowa Side grip w/cable release, 9 MPEX $59
Kowa Grip EBAY (01/21/00) $40
KOWA FLASH BRACKET W/BX E+ CT $14
Kowa Six Grip GP $55
Kowa 6 Grip/cable release Ebay (02/08/00) $77
Kowa 6 Deluxe Grip Ex+ Kenmar $49

Quick Focus Rings
KOWA QUICK FOCUS LEVER E CT $19
Kowa focusing ring for lens EBAY (01/21/00) $29
Kowa focus handle Yerkes $30
Kowa Speed Focus ring GP $45
Kowa Focus ring EBAY (02/13/00) $33.50
KOWA LENS BRACKET E CT $49

Caps:
KOWA CAP FRONT 70 9 TPP $10
Kowa 70mm Caps GP $9.95
KOWA CAP, PLASTIC SLIP ON, 70MM, EX PAC $8
Kowa body cap Yerkes $10
Kowa Lens Cap Yerkes $8

Instructions:
Instruction Books PAC $15
Instruction Books Wall $20
Kowa Super 66 Manual (ebay 02/02/00) $18

Misc:
KOWA TRIPOD MOUNT (6MM) E CT $19
Kowa Tripod Mount adapter Yerkes $50
KOWA CAMERA CASE F/ SIX E CT $29
KOWA CORRECTION LENS FOR VF #0 10 TPP $10
KOWA 86mm SKY BOX (CRACK) U AS IS Wall $15
KOWA 86mm F/55/3.5 BLACK BOX N NEW Wall $39
Kowa Metal Prism Cover GP $15
Kowa 66 body top cap (when WLF is off) EBAY (02/12/00) $45
Kowa 77mm lens cap Ebay (02/09/00) $11
Kowa strap (ebay 1/28/00) $15.50
Kowa 66 Back/Body Unjamming Manual (7pg) $20 + $3 s/h M.G. Green [email protected] (from EBAY 1/2001)
[Ed. note: see posting below, now $25..., 5/2002]

EBAY prices from EBAY completed auctions, no glitches, sold -reserves met, starting from full listing on 01/21/00 (not all sold on that day). Generally, EBAY prices are moderately less than most dealers, but w/o warranties. Dealer prices change, web site prices may vary from prices published in Shutterbug (originally from February 2000 issue ads above).

Comparison Prices from 1994

But the following prices from an earlier edition are provided to illustrate our thesis that Kowa prices are largely conservative. You can also get some past price points for some rarer items. Another main reason for including this chart is to caution overly enthusiastic buyers (e.g., on EBAY!) against over-pricing some items.

Given the low amount of inflation since 1994, it is hard to justify paying 150% or more for these same items today. Conversely, you should also have an idea of what the other party may have paid to buy the item half a dozen years or so ago.

Analysis

The last column shows how today's average price (2/2000) compares to the average of the 1994 prices (Hi+Lo/2). Today's average price for a 150mm lens ($338) is 24% above the 1994 average price ($272.50). That figure corresponds to an annual inflation rate of under 4% over the last six years since 1994 (e.g., 24%/6 years = 4%/year). The single 200mm lens price is below the 1994 average (a bargain), while the asked $1,299 for the single listed 40mm lens is nearly triple the average 1994 price (ouch!).

The only really surprising change is the 85mm lens has doubled in price over the last six years. U.S. Dealer prices for the 85mm lens vary from $179 to $299. Since you can buy the 85mm lens with a Kowa 6 camera body/wlf for under $300, the upper end of Kowa 85mm lens pricing seems hard to justify. For example, one dealer (Wall St) will throw in a Kowa 6MM body/wlf/screen for only $39 more than what they ask for the 85mm lens alone. My guess is that dealers are stripping the 85mm lens from a body to make such sales, and raising prices to offset slower sales of the camera body without lens. The good news is that this odd pricing structure certainly encourages you to buy the 85mm lens with a backup camera body to go with it! ;-)

From the buyer's viewpoint, they are getting a fully depreciated medium format camera with leaf shutter optics of surprisingly high quality for 1970s prices (see below). Except for rare optics and items, dealer prices are rising little faster than inflation on Kowa items. Prices for other newer medium format cameras with leaf shutter lenses continue to rise much faster than inflation (due to need to recover costs of new designs..).

From the seller's viewpoint, they can recover their investments in used Kowa gear, with prices adjusted for inflation, so they aren't losing any money. But they are able to use the Kowa gear for years without suffering any depreciation. Even if you factor in costs of maintenance (CLA..), that's still a great bargain!

Discussion

The interesting exceptions lie in those professional accessories like polaroid backs and metering prisms, where prices have risen sharply. Exotic lenses (ultrawide, long telephotos..) and unusual accessories (microscope adapters, tilt/shift bellows, macro lenses and tubes) also command potential scarcity and pro user price tags. For example, the 45 degree plain prism can be had for $150 up from dealers, while the 45 degree metering prism favored by pros goes for $450 or 300% more! Amateurs on a budget might make do with the $150 metering chimney finder, or spend that $300 difference on a versatile Minolta or Sekonic ambient/flash meter. I suggest that this is because the pros can readily justify even the higher prices for these needed pro items against other pro camera system prices, especially in light of the huge savings from using Kowa bodies, backs, and especially leaf shutter lenses.

By contrast, Hasselblad prices for used lenses, prisms, backs and accessories compatible with current models have risen much faster than inflation, often at 15% or more per year. The reason seems to be the rapidly rising prices of European made cameras and optics has dragged the price of used but compatible older versions upwards. If your old Hasselblad back does the same job as the new $695 model, its price will rise from the $85-120 you paid for it to be closer to the new model price. In effect, you are profiting from the continued compatibility of the Hasselblad line thanks to earlier "investments". But should a new AF design obsolete your older backs and lenses, watch out!

Conversely, prices for Eastern European post-Soviet cameras and optics have fallen significantly (30% to 50%+ in many cases), largely due to eliminating layers of official importers via direct importing to the USA market for hard currencies (e.g., on EBAY, Russian emigre networks..). On the other hand, prices for importer guaranteed quality Kiev cameras and lenses from sources like KievUSA have raised prices circa 100% for these refurbished cameras and optics. These importer guaranteed quality prices are price limited by being rather close to prices (e.g., $1,000+) for similar used pro model cameras of Japanese and Western European origins. So we really have an interesting dual market, a high tiered "pro" price one for those who want to avoid potential problems, and a bargain basement "amateur" price tier for those with the time or desire to get the best buys with willingness to put up with problems in the process. But while new, these budget tier Kiev cameras may be expected to have many more problems than even a used 1970s Japanese quality Kowa camera body or lens.

I would also project that as the new Hasselblad compatible Kiev backs and prisms (and lenses?) become more available, they may sharply depress prices for used Hasselblad items (often 300-500% more for the original than the Ukrainian copy). Similarly, when "official" importers are removed, as happened recently with RolleiUSA or in the 1980s with NikonUSA, there are often sometimes substantial drops in prices too. The Internet is making direct importing by individuals from grey market sources overseas quite feasible. The savings of 40-60% over prices for similar new items from official USA importers is putting a growing squeeze on prices for both new and used items. Who will pay 30% more for an out-of-warranty used Mamiya 7 when they can buy a new one with manufacturer's warranty for much less from Seoul or Singapore by credit card and air freight?

Unfortunately, leaf shutter lenses are inherently more costly than similar design and quality focal plane shutter lenses. Roughly one third of the price of these lenses comes from the leaf shutter. So a lens that costs $450 to make with a leaf shutter might have cost circa $300 without the leaf shutter. Stated from the focal plane user's viewpoint, the leaf shutter lenses cost circa 50% more ($300 x 150% = $450). Now double the price to the wholesaler or importer and nearly double it again to get retailer or dealer prices. The only low cost new medium format optics available are the post-Soviet Ukrainian and Russian ones. These optics are all for focal plane shutter cameras. While there are many leaf shutter lenses being made today, they are all high dollar Japanese and western European products.

What does this mean to us as Kowa owners? Stated simply, we probably enjoy the lowest cost, highest quality leaf shutter medium format (6x6/6x4.5) optics for any SLR system camera. As the above price table shows, we can buy our used medium format leaf shutter optics for average dealer prices in the $300 to $400 range. Wow! Those prices aren't much more than the lowest cost used classic Bronica 6x6cm or even Kiev/Pentacon focal plane shutter lenses. Similar age Zeiss leaf shutter lenses for Hasselblad run 300% to 1,000%+ more, depending on the optic. So now you know why we call Kowa cameras "the poor man's Hasselblad."

Prices from mid-1970s Pop Photo Ad:

Kowa super 66 w 85/2.8 12/24	$454.95
kowa super 66 body  		$314.95
eveready case 			$29.95
12/24 magazine 			$149.95
16/32 magazine 			$169.95
 55mm f3.5 kowa wide angle 	$349.95
110mm f5.6 macro 		$359.95
150mm f3.5 kowa telephoto 	$349.95
hand grip w release  		$49.50
rapid focus level  		$13.50
                                                  
90 degree prism viewfinder	$109.95
TTL meter finder 		$179.50
45 degree TTL meter finder 	$259.95
45 degree prism view finder 	$109.95
                                                  
Cambridge Camera Exchange Jan 75 -
Kowa S66 body/85/12/24		$467.50
55mm/3.5 blk: 			$329.50
110mm/5.6: 			$359.50
150mm/3.5 blk: 			$329.50
200mm/4.5 blk: 			$329.50
250mm/5.6 blk: 			$356.50
45 prism: 			$109.50
90 prism: 			$103.50
TTL meter: 			$163.95
Prism TTL meter: 		$233.95
case: 				$32.50
focusing lever: 		$12.95
extension tube: 		$69.95
lens hood: 			$9.95
filters: 			$9.95
polarizer: 			$14.95

Competitive Camera Corp.
S66 body/12/24/85: 		$469.95
12/24 back: 			$149.95
16/32 back: 			$169.95
55mm/3.5: 			$256.95
110mm/5.6: 			$358.95
150mm/3.5: 			$256.95

OLDEN Camera:
Kowa-6 outfit (body,wl,85) 	$239.50
40mm/f4 Kowa chrome: 		$524.95
Kowa-6MM outfit: 		$299.50

Thanks to Art Curths [email protected] for many of these price points
See Deja Vu - Past and Present Prices
Note: consumer price index has about tripled since 1970s, so multiply by 3 to get rough price in today's inflated dollarettes.

Prices from Individual Ads:

1. idea of relative availability of items such as bodies, lenses...
2. idea of individual's pricing points range for various items

Kowa 6 Camera for sale! Camera body, Focusing screen (with diagonal split in the middle), Waist level finder (with magnifier), 80mm lens, sidegrip (no cable or handstrap though), and original neck strap. Also included are a polarizing filter, UV filter, and a yellow filter. Takes good pictures, no scratches on the lens. Some brassing on outer metal rib of back cover. Problems: Self timer doesn�t work. The 1 second setting on the lens shutter is a tad slow, but beyond that, the other speeds work great. I want to sell the camera because I already have two other medium format cameras and the Kowa is a little redundant. A check or money order will bring this baby to your door. Shipping costs are included in your check. Once it clears, I�ll send the merchandise off to you.

Chris Urso wrote:

 > Let me tell you what. I am looking for an F4, a sb26 or sb28 and a 50 f1.4
 > AF, or 50 f1.8 AF.
 > 
 > I have:
 > 
 > 1 - Kowa Six body
 > 1 - Kowa 85mm f/2.8
 > 1 - Kowa 110mm f/5.6 with lens hood
 > 1 - Kowa 55mm f/3.5 with lens hood
 > 1 - Kowa eye level view finder
 > 1 - Kowa grip handle with cable release
 > 2 - Kowa accessory holders for the body
 > 1 - Kowa B-80A blue filter for 55mm lens
 > 
 > The lenses and body have caps, and are in immaculate condition.
 > 
 > What do you think???
 > 
 > Please let me know.
 > Chris Urso
 > [email protected]

Subject:             F.S. Kowa Six Outfit
   Date:             12/14/1999
 Author:             TFPierce [email protected]



Kowa Six exc++;w/ Kowa camera strap,lense cap& 85mm F:2.8,K2&Tiffin close
up filter set, Black Cordura Camera Bag; Non-Kowa Handle Grip; no
brassing, beautiful camera.$350.00 or best offer. please contact:

 [email protected]; (remove the X)

Subject:             FS: KOWA 45* Prism
   Date:             05/13/1999
 Author:             IGORcamera [email protected]


 Hi,
  
 Kowa 45* prism, Ex+/Ex++  $150.
 Kowa 150/3.5 black, Mint-  $350.
  
 Please, E-mail me for the Medium Format List or
 www.igorcamera.com
  
 Thanks
 Igor

 Subject:              F.S./TRADE Kowa 6MM
 Date:                 10/12/1999
 Author:               gino [email protected]

 Kowa 6MM body
 prismfinder and/or waistlevel finder
 150mm lens-black
 85mm lens-black
 55mm lens-black
 platform grip or side grip
  
 Good working condition.
  
 All for $US850 or BO or trade for
 Kodak DC265 Digital Camera

 Subject:            FS: KOWA Large List
 Date:               07/27/1999
 Author:             Doug Olsen [email protected]

 I am selling all my Kowa equipment to concentrate on 35mm only.  Please,
no trade offers.

 Pre Payment via US Postal Money Order or cashiers check in
advance. References on photo.net and eBay.
  
 BODIES w/ std back, lens, finder.  I  want to sell the bodies as shown
with back,  lens etc.
  
 Kowa Super 66 body w/12/24 back, waist level finder, 80mm f2.8 chrome
lens. Body and back exc plus condition, lens is mint minus.  Price $385 
  
 Kowa Super 66 body w/12/24 back, waist level finder, 80mm f2.8 same as
above $385.  Recently serviced by the former head of Kowa's service dept.
(of Berkey Marketing).
  
 Kowa Super 66 body w/12/24 back and waist level finder, no lens.  A user
but fully functional body and back.  Not beat up and recently serviced by
former head of Kowa's service dept.  Still a smooth operating extra body
with good extra back.  $175
  
 BACKS
 12/24 Back in mint minus cond. with cover. $150
 12/24 back  is fully functional but about a 7 on scale of 1 to 10.  Good extra back. $90
 Polaroid back with cover in mint conditon.  $300
  
 LENSES
 150mm f3.5 black tele with Kowa lens hood.  Condition is Mint glass, mint
- cosmetics as their are 3 small initials engraved on underside of lens. $325
  
 55mm f3.5 black wide angle with Kowa lens hood.  Cond. Mint glass, exc
Plus cosmetics as there was a small ding, since removed, in the filter
ring area in front of lens. Filters screw on fine now.  $300
  
 150mm f3.5 chrome tele.  Mint condition.  $325
  
 FINDERS
 90 degree prism finder - Mint glass, mint minus cosmetics.  $175 90
degree prism finder - Small piece of corrosion on inside of prism on the
mirror where two pieces meet.  Its at the apex.  Has no effect since you
look under it and past it anyway.  Functional and cosmetically exc. $125

45 degree prism finder. mint glass.  Eyepiece has been epoxied in place
with black epoxy as I understand prior owner stripped threads.  $125
  
 45 degree METERED PRISM finder.  purchased from Ross Yerkes in
So. Calif. for $450 he calls it mint.  In the box with instructions.  Sell
for $425 
  
 Kowa magnifying hood which replaces waist level finder.  It is the
chimney type which provides diopter correction.  Mint glass, mint minus
cosmetics. $120
  
 ACCESSORIES
 Focusing lever - $30
 Tripod adapter mount - $40
 Kowa L grip with mechanical shutter release (not the cable type).  $65
Kowa L grip with mechanical shutter release - Not quite as nice as above $50 
 Ross Yerkes lens cap $8
 Ross Yerkes Body Cap $9
 Leather strap with Kowa attaching clips which fastens to lugs on camera body.  $25

Subject:         Kowa 6 complete (9) $250 Also 100mm & 55mm
 Date:           05/17/1999
 Author:         Andray [email protected]

 Please use : [email protected] and NOT AOL
  
 Kowa 6 body w/80/2.8, handle, (no strap, no Booklet) (9)  $250
 55/4 chrome (9) $225, 150/4 black (9+) $300.

Subject:            F/S Kowa medium format gear
 Date:              03/21/1999
 Author:            Andray [email protected]

Kowa 6 body w/80/2.8, handle, (no strap, no Booklet) (9)  $275 
Kowa 6 body w/handle no cable no strap (8+) $125  
50/4 chrome (9) $225,
55/3.5 black (8+)  $275, 
150/4 black (9+) $300. 
Spare back for 66 (8) $75
Shipping extra

Subject:           FS: Kowa 150/3.5 black
 Date:             03/20/1999
 Author:           IGORcamera [email protected]

 Hi,
  
 Kowa 150/3.5 black, caps, box.
 Condition is Ex++, perfect glass.
 $350.
  
 Also Kowa 110/2.8 Macro, 85/2.
  
 Please, E-mail me for the Medium Format List.
  
 Thanks
 Igor

Subject:              FS: Kowa Six equipment
 Date:                01/06/2000
 Author:              CKEJ [email protected]

 Kowa Six equipment for sale:

 Everything is in clean condition unless noted.  By this I mean no dents,
dings, scars or scrapes (unless noted).  There may be minor edge paint
wear on the bodies, but nothing severe.  All optics clear and scratch-free
unless otherwise noted. I have fired the shutters, checked X synch, shined
light through optics. But, no film has been run through.  Everything
guaranteed to be fully functional unless noted. Prices do not include
shipping.  All items returnable for any reason within 10 days of receipt
for full refund, less shipping.
  
 Kowa/Six with 85mm f/2.8.  Chrome lens.  Strap, chrome cap.     $295.00
 Kowa/Six with 85mm f/2.8.  Black body and lens.  Cap, strap     $375.00

 Kowa Super 66 body and magazine.       $295.00
 35mm f/4.5, black.  There is a faintly hazy internal  surface.  Caps. $995.00
 55mm f/3.5, black.  Caps         $395.00

 110mm f/5.6 �Macro�, black.  Caps.     $495.00

 150mm f/3.5, chrome.  With a pen light, some thin �lines� can be seen on
the surface of the element below the front one.  On the barrel, 15mm from
the front rim there is a thin 6mm crease.  The metal has been minutely
dented, but it�s more like the impression of a finger nail in clay.  
Chrome front cap.  $150.00

 150mm f/3.5, black.  Rear cap, generic skylight and rubber
shade.               $295.00

 45 degree meter prism (porro).  Rim of eyepiece dented (slightly).  
Meter reads within half stop on a quick test.  Battery (625) not included.
Bottom cover.  $175.00

 Polaroid back for Super 66.  In box with cover, instruction manual $225.00

 Side grip with cable release, swivel shoe, hand strap. $  30.00
 L grip with linkage shutter release.  Hand strap starting to deteriorate.           $  30.00
 Quick focus lever.  Epoxy repair seems strong.  $10.00
 Last three items sold only with a camera or lens purchase.
  
 Craig Siegel
 [email protected]

 Subject:                Kowa Stuff for sale
 Date:                   07/13/1999
 Author:                 gino [email protected]

 Kowa 6mm body (recently repaired and cleaned)
 250mm lens in mint condition with caps
 150mm lens in VG condition
 80mm black body lens in good condition
 80mm chrome body in good condition
 55mm black body lens in good condition
 55mm chrome lens in good condition
 Extension tube set #1, #2, #3.
 3 side grips
 handle grip with trigger
 handle grip
 2 speed focusing rings
 prism finder
 porro finder with meter
 3 waist level finders
 66 Super back (includes FREE body that jammed)
 Kowa 6 body (jammed)
  
 Buy as lot or individually. Will be putting on Ebay next
 week if not sold here. All reasonable offers considered.

Subject:           FS: Kowa 6 outfit
 Date:             01/30/1999
 Author:           F. Hayashi [email protected]

 FS: Kowa Six outfit includes:
  
 Kowa Six body
 85mm f2.8 lens, with UV filter and front cap
 2 WL finders (one in Excellent+ condition, one a bit rougher)
 clearspot focusing screen
 L-style grip (made for Kowa 66, but fits Kowa Six acceptably)
 Ever-ready case
 4 rolls of 120 Agfa APX25 (haven't expired yet... have to check on the date)
  
 Everything is working properly.  The focusing screen is missing a small
piece of metal which does not affect function.

 This medium format camera takes 120 or 220 film.
  
 $475 + shipping and insurance, or best offer

Subject:           FS: Kowa, Super66
 Date:             01/27/1999
 Author:           MIKEOFWA [email protected]

 I've got a Kowa Super 66 body, 85mmf2.8 & 150mmf3.5, 2each 12/24 backs,
Grip with shutter release, 45 degree prism finder(nonmeter),speed focus
handle. Plus non working wide angle lense. I've never used this equipment.
It's been stored for 12 years since I bought it. It's in very good
condition. The backs show a little brassing or whatever it is along the
back bottom edge. I posted a FS on this ng about month ago. I had a couple
of offers for $500 and one for $900. The guy that offered $900 couldn't
come up with the money after I accepted, so make me an offer in between.

Thanks, Mike Oh, I also have the folding waist level viewer. It's kind of
neat.

 Mike Baum

Subject:          F.S. complete B/W darkroom; Kowa Six
 Date:            12/05/1999
 Author:          TFPierce [email protected]

 CAMERA: $350.00 or best offer
  
 Kowa Six mint-,excelent+; with Kowa camera strap
 Kowa 85mm F:2.8, ( Aluminum Barrel) with Kowa lense cap
 Tiffin close up filter set
 Black Cordura Padded Camera Bag
 Non-Kowa Handle Grip
 No brassing, beautiful camera

Subject:           Kowa Super 66 for sale
 Date:             03/06/1999
 Author:           Amy Hart [email protected]

 This was my first medium format camera and I hate to see it go, but I
have moved onto other things. 
  
 CameraSpecs:  Kowa Super66 120 SLR (once called "the poor mans
Hasselblad")  -6x6 on 120/220 roll film (back has an adjustable pressure
plate)  -waist level finder with clear spot focusing screen -85mm/1:f2.8
Kowa lens (available shutter speeds 1-1/500sec., available f-stops go from
f2.8 to f22, all f-stops and shutter speeds are accurate as far as I can
tell) This lens yeilds very sharp results -camera also comes with grip
which has a finger trigger for the shutter and cold shoe for a flash (when
I bought the camera I was told the lens is a leaf shutter lens which means
the flash syncs. at all shutter speeds but scince I rarely use flash ,I
don't for sure if that is true)
  
   Cosmetically the camera has the usual wearmarks in all the usual
places.  The camera has no physical problems that affect its picture
taking ability.  I used this camera for 5 years and never had one problem
with its operation and I was, always, more than satisfied with image
quality. This is a good workhorse camera that has seen moderate use.  
Perfect as a professional backup wedding camera, studio camera or as an
affordable, comprehensive intro. to medium format. I am also including 3
(never used) Hoya filters;  81B (slight warming filter) softener B center
spot (all perfect for wedding/portrait)
  
   If you shop around for accessories you will find several lenses, backs,
finders, screens, bodies and grips are still available for this camera
(just look in Shutterbug mag).  So you would be able to expand the camera
system.

    I am asking some where in the neighborhood of $ 350. for the whole
lot.  This is a fair price.  I commonly see this camera listed for about $
350. but that price never includes a grip or the extra filters (approx
value $90). Of course I am willing to entertain any offers made.

   Thank you for your interest and feel free to comment or to ask any
questions via e-mail at:
             [email protected]

From: "Tom Bowar" [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.marketplace
Subject: FS: Kowa Super 66 system
Date: Mon, 10 Aug 1998

For sale:

Kowa Super 66 body, waist level finder, 85mm black lens, back, extra "grid" focusing screen $450

55mm black lens with metal hood, case and caps $250

250mm chrome lens with case and caps $300

Extra 6x6 back $100

45 degree prism $120

45 degree meter prism with bottom cover $180

Speed focusing handle $20

Tripod adapter (allows you to switch backs without removing from tripod), brand new $40

Close up filter set, 67mm (fits all lenses), brand new in box, $40

Whole system: $1350

All pieces in great condition, some normal wear of paint on edges. Please make offers, any reasonable offer considered. Buyer pays shipping.

Tom Bowar
[email protected]

rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
From: David & Robyn Brown [email protected]
[1] Re: Looking for Input on Kowa 66 Super
Date: Sat Nov 14 22:12:14 CST 1998

Sounds like a decent deal. I bought a basic Kowa Six in 9+ shape a couple of years ago, and have been able to accumulate 4 lenses for it. One lens was sent off to Ross Yerkes for CLA at about $100; but even with that, I've only spent just over $1000. A medium format SLR and four lenses for $1000! I am a big Kowa fan!

Cheers!

David

rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
From: [email protected] (Mopar p15)
[1] Re: Kowa 6 Meter
Date: Sat Nov 21 20:52:21 CST 1998

Watch around the net, I've bought 2 45 degree metered finders (one chrome trim one black trim) for $135 and $145 plus shipping. There are good deals out there, keep your eyes open.

mike

Observations from some recent personal Kowa Buys:

• Buying a package deal can save major dollars over separate dealer prices:
  photonet ad (feb 2000):
  $800 - Kowa 6 with 85mm, 35mm superwide (in carrying case), 150mm, and 250mm lenses plus parts lens (85mm) and spare Kowa 6MM parts body; manual, prism finder, kowa 6 grip, quick focus handle (for 150mm), tripod mount for 250mm, extension tube, Kowa 6 strap... (n.b. I was glad to get the above package after the first responder bowed out)

• Buying an item out of a package buy can yield substantial savings:
  ninety degree Prism from photonet ad 1/2000 $50 US

• Buying an item oddly listed on EBAY [1/2000] can save money:
  Ex. 110mm f/5.6 Kowa macro lens listed in Australian dollars; a $475 in Australian dollars was really only $300 US dollars. Looking at the $475 AUD listed bid on EBAY, the price looked high enough to drive off most bidders.

• Buying a lens with a minor blemish can save major dollars (see lens faults pages):
  

  Rec.photo.marketplace ad (1/2000):
  $150 for Kowa 150mm f/3.5 (67mm chrome) with slight 6mm ding on lens body
  

  Online Dealer ad (1/2000):
  $129 for 55mm f/3.5 chrome (67mm) wide angle for kowa - filter ring ding, slight 2mm front lens scratch...
  

Building a Kowa System in a Month

Another observation from the above purchases is that in less than a month, for under $1,500 US (plus shipping), I was able to amass a Kowa system consisting of 2 bodies, 7 lenses (35, 55, 85, 110, 150, 150, 250mm + 85mm parts lens), 45 and 90 degree prisms viewfinder, T3 extension tube, and accessories:

• Kowa 6 body with 85mm lens and waist level finder
• Backup Kowa 6 body/WLF and backup 150mm lens (and 85mm parts lens)
• 110mm f/5.6 macro flat field lens
• 35mm ultrawide and 55mm wide angle lenses
• 150mm telephoto and 250mm long telephoto lenses
• 90 degree prism finder
• extension tube, grip, 250mm lens tripod mount, quick focus handle (150mm), strap, manual...

I want to emphasize the point that if you are going to be investing in a major system, you simply should have a second body for backups! A spare body is not a luxury, but a necessity for even serious amateur shooting, let alone semipro projects. This new setup is in addition to my original Kowa 6 kit (circa $300 years ago). So even if I need to send off one body for repairs, I still have a prime body and a backup and duplicate lenses.

One of the benefits from creating this page has been the discovery of just how much Kowa gear is for sale at any one month, between dealers, private sellers, and EBAY ads. There is a steady supply of the most useful items such as 55mm and 150mm lenses, as well as camera kits and bodies, backs including polaroid backs, prisms, and many accessories. We can also see which items are priced right or over-priced, and which items are less common. In the section below, we will suggest some work-arounds and options which may expand your Kowa kit capabilities.

Work-arounds for Rare or Pricey Kowa Items

Fisheye Adapter Alternative
The Kowa 19mm fisheye lens is unique in medium format photography as the widest lens ever, but very few were made or come up for sale. But with a modest cost ($50-100 US) fisheye adapter (0.18X) you can convert your normal 85mm lens into a 15mm fisheye equivalent!

Ultrawide Lens Adapter Alternative
Similarly, the 35mm and 40mm ultrawide Kowa lenses are rare, but with an ultrawide (0.42x and 0.5x) adapter, you can also enjoy such ultrawide shots at low cost (e.g., $50).

Short Telephoto Portrait Lens Alternative
There is also a 1.25x telephoto adapter (under $25) which slips on a 67mm filter ring to convert the 85mm into a short telephoto (at 105-110mm). The telephoto adapter is quite soft, but you may find that handy for doing portraits where it can replace an expensive softar filter.

While these various low cost adapters are not the same high quality as the prime lenses, they may prove sufficient for many purposes. Their performance is better on medium format than on smaller 35mm images. However, the latest adapters are much smaller and lighter than the older ones (often labeled "macro titanium") and really meant for video cameras. Try to get the older heavier big glass adapters for best results.

Compendium Lens Shade Alternative
While Kowa lens shades are not that expensive, they may be hard to find. But a compendium lens shade to fight flare can be both more flexible and low cost too ($20-$35 and up). These compendium shades mount via a 67mm filter adapter ring, and can be extended to cover a wide angle (55mm etc) to mid-telephoto lens shading needs.

The low cost Ambico+ series also provide a slot for three inch square filters (gelatin, Cokin A or Ambico size), as well as a mask kit (great for Valentine's Day schmaltz shots). Such filter kits may save a lot of money by sharing filters between different sized lenses with different adapter rings, instead of buying filters in each size for each lens.

500mm f/8 Lens from "Shutter Lens"
What is a "shutter lens"? This is a 85mm Kowa normal lens in which the glass has been removed, leaving the mechanical mount and leaf shutter. Unlike the microscope adapter shutter, the standard lens shutter is quite a bit larger, making it useful for adapting various lenses to the Kowa camera body. The trick here is to use a metal lens cap (or 67mm metal stack cap from a filter stack cap kit). We drill a centered hole in the metal lens cap. Only now we have a "shutter lens" behind the adapter that works seamlessly with the Kowa body. All you have to do now is supply the optics in front of the metal filter or lens cap mount.

An ideal candidate is the low cost 500mm f/8 lens (see homebrew lens pages for photos and related lens hacking ideas. This T-mount preset 500mm f/8 lens is used on many 6x6 cameras in an adapter from Cambron. It rated all "excellents" - center and edge - from Popular Photography in its tests. It is very lightweight and cheap, at $50 and up used and $100 to $129 (multicoated) if bought new. The rear tube of the lens is a hollow tube and air space, with no optics. So you can cut off what you need to make it fit your "shutter lens" adapter and epoxy it in place. The 500mm f/8 lens also has a focusing helix in it, a tripod mount, and a preset diaphragm you set manually prior to exposure. In use, you focus normally with the lens focusing helix, use the preset aperture rings to stop down prior to exposure manually, then fire the Kowa shutter release to take the photo. The Kowa Seiko shutter in the "shutter lens" fires off the shutter for the set time duration as usual. Advance the film crank to take another shot, while cocking the lens shutter normally.

400mm, 800mm, and 1000mm primes?
Some others have reported success with a 400mm f/6.3 preset T-mount lens of similar vintage and origin, especially when used with a 2X teleconverter which minimizes vignetting. Just to state the obvious, you could have multiple lenses (at this price) which just screw into your one "shutter lens" on camera. Each lens ends in the 67mm filter sized metal filter cap or lens cap that threads into the "lens shutter" filter threads. Again, be sure to support the lens and the camera so as to minimize stresses on your homebrew adapter mount.

Monocular Adapter for 1200mm to 2400mm and beyond!
There is also a monocular or telescope adapter which can be found for sale at moderate prices. An adapter ring on the monocular mates to the normal lens filter threads. Most monoculars I have tried vignette somewhat in the corners on 35mm, and more so on medium format. But a 7x50 monocular is equivalent to 7 x (85mm normal lens) or nearly 600mm. Some zoom monoculars go up to 2400mm or more. Many of these monoculars have zoom eyepieces, which permit zooming from about 400mm to 2400mm as one example range. But these lenses are small in aperture (typically 50 to 75mm), hence slow optically, and most useful in full daylight. Still, this is one low cost way to get a really long lens effect. You can also use them as a monocular for bird watching and sports use.

Microscope Shutter Adapter
Most amateur astronomical telescopes are optimized for a 7mm eyepiece exit pupil, and perform poorly on 35mm and terribly on medium format coverage. Only a few special refractors do acceptably on medium format cameras. You may find eyepiece projection techniques useful. An adapter can be made from a piece of pipe to match the eyepiece inside diameter (1" or 1.5" or 2" etc.). A metal lens cap fitting the 67mm normal lens filters can then be drilled out from its center to match the pipe, and epoxied in place. This same trick will provide eyepiece projection on a microscope. This approach is basically how a monocular adapter works too.

In a few cases, you may need to put in a coupling, say a 1" to 2" pipe coupling adapter, so as to minimize cutoff in your setup. Paint the inside elements with flat black paint to minimize reflections (or use black felt glued to the interiors). Be sure to support the weight of the camera and/or instrument so there is minimal stress on your homemade adapter. See the homebrew lenses and adapters page for another simple microscope/telescope tube adapter setup. Most books on astronomical photography will also review eyepiece projection. Be sure to test your planned setup at the instrument before construction to check for feasibility and avoid problems such as vignetting.

If you opt for turning a parts lens into a glass-less "shutter lens", then you can also easily adapt the lens with a metal 67mm filter stack cap or metal lens cap to hold a 1", 1.5", or 2" tube for mating to sundry telescopes and microscopes and other optical instruments. The lens aperture will be larger than the standard Kowa microscope shutter block, which may be handy with some instruments (esp. large 2" and 1.5" telescope eyepiece mounts).

Homebrew 1.4X - 2X - 3X Teleconverters?
You have probably noticed that there isn't a 1.4X teleconverter for Kowa, nor a 3X, and the 2X are not common and a bit pricey. One option would be remounting the optics from another teleconverter inside a more common automatic extension tube. In fact, Sigma makes a teleconverter that is also an automatic extension tube, simply by popping out its optics module. You simply have to do the reverse - pop some optics into the Kowa extension tube! The key is to get a good quality (4 to 7 elements preferred) teleconverter and appropriate extension tube (small for 1.4, long for 2x or combo for 3x).

Now you have to experiment for best results. A piece of ground glass at the film plane can cut down on wasting film until you are close to the ideal position. Some silicone putty can be used to temporarily mount the optics in the extension tube during your experiments. Once you have the ideal position located, you simply epoxy the optics in place. A better design might be to epoxy a mounting ring (such as a T-mount ring for M-42) in the tube. Now you can still use the extension tube for macro work with the optics out of the tube. Simply mount the optical adapter to the T-mount to locate it at the ideal position for teleconverter use. While probably less ideal than a commercial mount, the cost is low if you already have a teleconverter and extension tube and only need some epoxy and the T-mount ring to make this project. You will probably not get an exact 2:1 or 1:1.4 ratio, but the actual factor can be estimated easily. While optical results may be less than ideal, you can also stack teleconverters to get higher factors such as 4x, albeit very much dimmer optics!

[Ed. note: Wayne modifies an existing Nikon closeup adapter that costs circa his asking price to fit the Kowa finders, so this is like getting the modification made for free ;-)...]
Date: Fri, 23 Jun 1995
From: graphic [email protected]
To: Robert Monaghan [email protected]
Subject: query about the KOWA eyepiece magnifier

Hi Robert:

I personally shoot with a Kowa Super 66 with 55mm, 85mm and 150mm lenses and the eyepiece adapter makes a world of difference --- when people ask about it, I tell them it's the only gadget that takes 10 years off my age!

It truly can change an image from almost in focus to absolutely in focus It slips over the existing Kowa eyepiece flange to enlarge an area about twice the diameter of the central plain ground glass focus "spot".

It's $ 95.00 which includes shipping by U.S. mail and takes about 2 weeks for me get it in the mail to you.

NOTE: I will be out of town (convention) July 6th thru the 13th.

Personal checks are ok since they clear by the time the unit is assembled and mailed.

Wayne Catalano
P.O. Box 96
Chalmette LA 70044-0096

Thanks,

Wayne

From: JOHN GARAND [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Date: Sat, 22 Jul 2000
Subject: Re: Kowa 66

zeitgeist [email protected] WROTE:

>Don Bryant wrote:
>>
>> Are the Kowas still worth buying?
>>
>
>for the price of a new lens or a hassy back you can own a whole system.
>I inherited my dad's, its a quality camera.  for wedding work I would
>invest in having a machinist make a special thin bracket or you will
>have to remove the camera each time to change film.

Tripod brackets are (or were) available, though not cheap (IIRC about $45). Check with Ross Yerkes, he had some machined from aluminum and anodized about a year ago or so.

From Kowa 6x6 SLR Mailing List:
Date: Tue, 12 Sep 2000
From: Duncan Ross [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Kowa6x6slr] Bellows

I saw one once on ebay - it sold for $600. I bid "really high" at $475 in the last minute. It would be very handy to have one as it has some movements built in.

....

[Ed. note: newsflash - 2X Teleconverters Exist! ;-)]
Date: Wed, 13 Sep 2000
From: Seth Friedman [email protected]
Reply to: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: [Kowa6x6slr] Re: Bellows and Teleconverter

Hi Bob,

Thanks for the bellows suggestions. I recently purchased a Kowa teleconverter for too much money, so they do occasionaly show up.

Seth

...

Date: Wed, 13 Sep 2000
From: Duncan Ross [email protected]
Reply to: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Kowa6x6slr] Bellows

Yes, the 500's exist - Ross Yerkes usually has 1 or 2 in stock. I have been pretty happy with the 250mm and the 2x teleconverter (yes, they exist too!). It's very sharp, but requires my big tripod (and camera bag!).

Date: Sat, 04 Nov 2000
From: [email protected] (MPS)
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Kowa Lenses

"Don Bryant" [email protected] wrote:

>How many Kowa lenses are available for the Kowa 66?

The real question with the Kowa system isn't how many lenses were made or conceivably exist, but rather what is commonly available now at a reasonable price. The 55mm, 85mm, and 150mm are all common enough to be considered more or less readily available to one willingly to regularly look for them for a few months. Beyond that things get both harder to find and vastly more expensive. However, as I believe it was Bob Monaghan once pointed out, the real beauty of the Kowa system is that an amatuer can likely get a 3 lens 6x6 system for about what a body and standard lens from other more prominent mfrs. would normally cost.

Both http://www.midwestphoto.com and http://www.keh.com have various bodies and lenses at irregular intervals.

I have a very nice Kowa Super 66 w/standard 85mm/f2.8 lens, WL finder, 45* finder, "L" flash grip and 120/220 back and accessory filters and sundries that I'll probably be selling very soon. The camera has been recently CLA'd w/seals replaced and leaf shutter cleaned etc. I'll sell it for what I have into it as a system + shipping. My reason for selling it is that I prefer a smaller, lighter camera and don't really need the interchangeable back feature which in my particular case adds weight and bulk while not providing me a feature that I personally find terribly useful. The original Kowa 6 and Kowa 6mm's without the interchangeable backs have a well deserved reputation for having soft film advance gearing. The Super 66 does not have that problem but is larger and bulkier. One real selling point on the Kowas is a waist-level finder that is much brighter than other similar cameras of similar vintage.

The downsides to the Kowa as a current system are a fixed number of parts and accessories due to being out of production for decades, a dwindling number of places that will repair them, etc. The downside to the leaf shutter Kowa lenses are that they have a tendency to stick after years of storage, so a professional cleaning should be factored into the cost of any of them. Still, for the person that wants a 1,2 or 3 lens 6x6 system in a fairly durable package the Kowa Super 66 may be a pretty decent consideration. I've met a woman locally that uses a Kowa system for her work as a photographer for an independent newspaper. I've emailed others that use the system semi-professionally for proms and weddings. Like everything else about MF photography the Kowas are a series of tradeoffs.

Hope some of that helps,

mps

Feel free to email me if you have any q's about the system I have or my experiences with it.

From Contax Mailing LIst:
Date: Sat, 11 Nov 2000
From: Bob Shell [email protected]
Subject: Re: [CONTAX] Pentax 645 to Contax 645 adapter?

Sorry to hear that your Pentax lens arrived damaged. UPS will sometimes pay with no hassle and sometimes they will fight tooth and nail not to pay. No way to predict. I once had a fisheye lens for a Kowa 66 medium format camera somehow shattered in shipping. The box was undamaged and UPS admitted that it was packed very well wrapped in multiple layers of bubble wrap. The only thing I could think of was a sudden temperature change, maybe in the cargo hold of an airplane. The front element, which was about eight inches across, was just shattered like a bullet had hit it. UPS refused to pay. This was a very rare lens, only a few made, and I had insured it for $ 3,000. Ultimately, after getting my lawyer involved, we ended up getting $ 500 from UPS.

...

Bob

...

[Ed. note: these tips on macro may be of general interest?...]
From: Struan Gray [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Kowa Macro (was Re: Kowa 250/5.6 vignetting)
Date: 21 Mar 2002

Robert Monaghan, [email protected] writes:
>from Willem's pages at http://www.a1.nl/phomepag/markerink/mounts.htm
>Kowa Six/Super 66      breech lock                       79.00mm
>Kiev 60/Kiev Six       breech lock                       74.10mm
>Kiev 88                        multi start thread                82.10mm
>
>in theory, maybe an adapter is possible as a custom job (3mm for kiev88 at
>infinity); for a macro only lens, it won't matter a lot if you don't need
>infinity, right? ;-)

        I did look at adapting a Pentacon 500/5.6 MC I found in beautiful
condition and a good price.  That lens has removable adaptors anyway,
and it would have been possible to make a thin adaptor that allowed
infinity focus on the Kowa, but there was no simple way to add a shutter.

>I'm told that the kiev lenses have identical setups, but different rear
>mountings (at least on some lenses like 30mm?), which makes sense? Anyway
>the lack of affordable/findable kowa bellows and even tubes are $100 US$
>makes macro harder than it needs to be.

        I managed to find a T2 for $40, which I've used with my 85 and 150
lenses for small flowers and baby headshots.  Reversing the 55 on the
150 works quite well, and a handheld tryout on my new 250 indicates
that a reversed shorter lens on that will also work well.

        I have a proper drawing for a reversing ring, but my tame workshop
are too busy doing real work at the moment to make it up for me.  (Any
Kowa owners reading this are welcome to have a pdf of it if they email
me: it allows 67 mm lenses to mount reversed, and has an internal 67 mm
thread so that filters can still be used without stressing the filter
mount on the lens).

        I was hoping that the bayonet lugs and light trap flange on the
Pentacon/Kiev 60 mount would be directly compatible with the Kowa.  If
I have to remove the auto-aperture gubbins that's no big deal, but if
I have to take a lathe to the actual mount I might as well make
something from scratch.

        My motivation was the large number of extension tubes and bellows
available at low prices on eBay and from the more upmarket Kiev
dealers.

> hope this helps bobm

   As always, yes.  Thanks.

Struan


From: Struan Gray [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Kowa 250/5.6 vignetting at close focus
Date: 25 Mar 2002 

Robert Monaghan, [email protected] writes:

> sounds like you are already working up lots
> of macro options ;-)

        I don't do a lot of macro, but I would like to experiment without
investing a lot of money (otherwise I'd not be using Kowa :-) and I
like the idea of having a simple, compact kit I can add to my
carry-round system.  For example, I use my T2 tube in museums and
while hiking, and it fits quietly in the corner of my camera bag.  It
would be nice to extend that capability without breaking the bank.  If
I find myself doing a lot of macro, then I would invest in a
full-blown, precision rig.

> one interesting option might be getting a low cost
> junker 85mm lens and sremoving the glass, providing
> a glass less shutter lens.

        I've thought of this, but junker Kowa lenses seem to go for daft
amounts.  Too many people chasing too few spare parts.  I have various
shutters and other homebrew components I have scavenged out of
dumpsters and unguarded storerooms, so the Heath Robinson/Rube
Goldberg option is already in place.  I need something more convenient.

...
Struan


From: [email protected] (Willem-Jan Markerink)
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Mega topic drift  (was Kowa)
Date: Thu, 28 Mar 02 

[email protected] (Willem-Jan Markerink) wrote:
>In article ,
>   [email protected] (Robert Monaghan) wrote:
>>re: more 35mm kowa or 500mm kowa lenses?
>>hard question to know how many 35mm kowa and 500mm lenses out there;
>>short answer seems to be not many ;-)
>
>I asked because you estimated the 35mm to be about 50 (it would surprise
>me massively if not another zero was required, perhaps even two,
>worldwide)....in that context, regardless of absolute numbers, do you
>estimate more or less 500mm's?
>
>>IIRC, Ross Xerkes had not seen
>>a 19mm, despite decades of being one of top kowa repairers in USA ;-)
>>no serial number or factory data that I have seen or know of anywhere ;-(
>
>Serial number endings 44 and 25 exist....:))

Oh, and that includes a shift in labeling, from "Kowa/Six - Made in Japan"
(aluminum plate) to "Kowa - made in japan - 19mm" (aluminized foil
sticker).

Not sure about the camera quantities between Six(6?) and 66, in an attempt
to quantify the 'before' and 'after' production of 19mm's....

The odd thing is, I realize now, that the 19/35/500 were released along
with the (black) 66, not?

Hence such an early, 'Six' labeled 19mm (both are black) should not even
have existed?

--
Bye,

Willem-Jan Markerink
[email protected]
[note: 'a-one' & 'en-el'!]




[Ed. note: if anyone has a source for these manuals, please contact Rod - thanks!]
Date: Wed, 22 May 2002 
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Kowa S66

The unjamming manual mentioned on p7 of the Kowa 6/66 Medium Format
Camera Price Guide is now $25 from Gary at [email protected].

-----

Obtained Service manual for Kowa Super66 on CD from [email protected].
It makes reference to a service manual for KOWA-SIX interchangeable
lenses. Not clear whether a separate publication from the KOWA-SIX
service manual or merely a section thereof? Do you know please?

Either way, any ideas where I might obtain a copy please?




Date: Thu, 23 Jan 2003 
From: Duncan Ross [email protected]
To: [email protected], [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Kowa6x6slr] Wanted: 35mm or 40mm lens

I saw a 35mm lens in an ad that Adorama ran in last month in a magazine -
they may still have it.  It was priced around USD $1300.   For that price
you can pick up a NEW Mamiya 7 43mm lens (nearly as wide and a lot
sharper).  Of course, you then have to buy the Mamiya 7 body for USD 700 or
so!  I got very tired of hunting for the 35mm and went with the Mamiya 7
rangefinder for wide work.   I had the 40 and found it a touch
disappointing, except at f8-11, where it was quite good (for an SLR WA lens).

Ross isn't a "web" guy - you'll have to use a phone or the postal service
to contact him.

 hansjans1 [email protected] wrote:
>G'day everyone; hope you're having a good day.
>Can anyone put me onto a 35mm lens (preferably) but a 40mm will do as
>I realise they are as rare as hen's teeth. They are impossible to get
>in Australia. I beleive they are expensive to buy; twice as expensive
>for me, as the Aussie Dollar is worth only 59 cents U.S.; but I want
>one anyway.
>Kowa's with standard lens are selling for as little as $150 U.S. here
>in Australia, as everyone is going digital. But I'm hanging onto my
>Baby as I reckon the optics are great and I've never had any trouble
>with the Super66 body. I just chuck everything into my bag when I go
>photographing in the bush. No worries!
>
>Does anyone know if Ross Yerkes has an email address or a Web site,
>as I haven't come across it yet?
>Hope someone out there can help.
>                                 Kindest regards,
>                                                 Hans Jansen.



Date: Fri, 24 Jan 2003 
From: Uwe Flammer [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Kowa6x6slr] Wanted: 35mm or 40mm lens

Duncan Ross unter [email protected]:

> I saw a 35mm lens in an ad that Adorama ran in last month in a magazine -
> they may still have it.  It was priced around USD $1300.

3 years ago, here in Germany, some guy on a used camera trade show offered
me a Kowa 35 mm for 1000 DEM (about 500 USD). Never saw any 35 mm again. But
Kowa was always rare in Germany.

Best regards
Uwe


[Ed. note: long gone by the time you read this, just as an example of a nice bargain! ;-)]
From: "Lloyd Schultz" [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.marketplace
Subject: Kowa Super66 medium format w/extra back
Date: Wed, 19 Feb 2003 


Selling for friend - Kowa Super 66 medium format with 85mm lens and extra
back, prism finder. Technically/mechanically perfect, cosmetically a few
scuffs on prism exterior paint -- 8.5 to 9.

Asking $210, buyer pays shipping from Wisconsin


Email for more info

--
Lloyd
[email protected]





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