I have an opportunity to purchase a used Omega camera. I'm new to LF and didn't find anything on the page about this camera. Is it any good? Has anybody any experience with it it? Thanks for any responses.

-- Stuart Goldstein (satgre@worldnet.att.net), October 27, 1997

Answers

Stuart, Yes, I have an Omega View 45F metal monorail camera. It is not fancy, but reasonably well made. It is very much like an older bottom model Toyo View. In fact many parts WERE interchangeable. The model 45F can change to a bag bellows. Though I would recommend the use of a recessed "toyo" lens board with a bag for wide angle use. The model 45E has a non-removable bellows. I do not think that either of these cameras are still made. But they are similar to some toyos I've seen. They are best for use in the studio as they must be carried in a large box case. It is not convenient to back pack the 45F in to the field away from a vehicle. I have done it but I had to take the component parts apart. Very weird! The camera is reasonably stable and rigid to use outdoors. It has full movements. I purchased mine around 1982 for $ 350.00. So, if you can buy one at a low price (today $ ?), IMHO, go for it. I am thinking of replacing mine with a good metal field camera as I like nature photography, say a K.B. Canham DLC.

-- Michael Williams (Lamiaceae@aol.com), January 23, 1998.

used omega 4X5

i purchased a used omega 45e. i've had loads of fun with it. it is similar to toyo (i believe this was the firm which toyo bought over sometime back). by and large, most of the current toyo c modular system accessories work with these older cameras (although i find it a little expensive and end up fabricating my own solutions to a lot of stuff). in fact, toyo is pretty good about helping out with any occasional problem you run into. the camera is pretty rigid. has plenty of movements and is quite easy to operate. its a tad on the heavy side (about 8lbs i would think) but i've still managed a bit of hiking with it. check the bellows to make sure they're in reasonable condition. hope this is useful and helps. dj

-- Dhananjay (ndhanu@umich.edu), April 21, 1999.