Sakai Machine Tool (makers of Toyo View cameras) to end operations Jan 31st, 2025.

analogwisdom · Jan 24, 2025

As seen on Twitter, with translation:

Truly sad to hear. Can't believe they lasted this long, honestly.

analogwisdom · Jan 24, 2025

A photo of President Nishi and Azuma from cafe_mekabu's Instagram.

Translation (from Google):

Sakai Machine Tool, famous for its large-format camera Toyo View, has decided to close its business at the end of January. Thank you for all that you've done over the years

Milpool · Jan 24, 2025

Toyo seemed to be “winding down” over the past several years (I think the only camera available is the AX). It’s not surprising but still sad.

Maybe I should buy a few film holders (unless any stock is already gone). I guess that leaves only Chamonix making holders?

analogwisdom · Jan 24, 2025

Milpool said:
Toyo seemed to be “winding down” over the past several years (I think the only camera available is the AX). It’s not surprising but still sad.

Maybe I should buy a few film holders (unless any stock is already gone). I guess that leaves only Chamonix making holders?

Intrepid makes 4x5 holders. Zebra makes wet/dry plate holders. I believe Canham still makes holders for various more esoteric unusual LF sizes.

I do believe Chamonix is the only outfit making 5x7 and 8x10 film holders.

Just from a quick glance, B&H and Catlabs have brand new Toyo 8x10 holders in stock.

xkaes · Jan 24, 2025

I sure hope someone sees this as the perfect -- and perhaps only -- time to put together a history of the firm and their products over time. It's clearly a big hole in the Internet.

ags2mikon · Jan 24, 2025

I have a Toyo 4x5, nice machine. We will miss them. Must be cold in the shop, they have the kerosene heater going and wearing coats. Japan can get cold.

mshchem · Jan 24, 2025

analogwisdom said:
View attachment 388897

A photo of President Nishi and Azuma from cafe_mekabu's Instagram.

Translation (from Google):

Great photo!

Bazamat · Jan 25, 2025

Would love more information on how this impacts Toyo, but this doesn't necessarily mean they are going anywhere. Its just a manufacturer

analogwisdom · Jan 25, 2025

Bazamat said:
Would love more information on how this impacts Toyo, but this doesn't necessarily mean they are going anywhere. Its just a manufacturer

Not really sure what you mean. This company IS Toyo, and they're going to close their doors. How does that mean they're not going anywhere?

john_s · Jan 25, 2025

Not only the field camera, but also the miniature drill press that I still use regularly. I think, not sure, that they also made a model builder's lathe.

Bazamat · Jan 25, 2025

analogwisdom said:
Not really sure what you mean. This company IS Toyo, and they're going to close their doors. How does that mean they're not going anywhere?

You are right, I am mistaken. I was under the impression that Toyo was a sub-brand of MAC group and that Sakai was just a manufacturer. But it seems that MAC is just responsible for marketing, sales and distribution.

gmac123 · Feb 14, 2025

I believe this is one of their cameras, but the video is currently going slightly viral on youtube

3DS-EXP 645

The creator is trying to find a manual for it - does anyone have any ideas on where to get one?

Tomek_ · Mar 17, 2025

analogwisdom said:
View attachment 388897

A photo of President Nishi and Azuma from cafe_mekabu's Instagram.

Translation (from Google):

This is so nice I believe that all businesses should be lead by passionate people like these guys.

Sakai Machine Tool (makers of Toyo View cameras) to end operations Jan 31st, 2025.

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