My tour of the Cosina Lens and Camera factory

[Dan States]

After 10 years in the RF business, Cosina, manufacturer of Voigtlander and Zeiss 35mm camera lenses quietly rolled out a factory tour program this March. The tour is open to Japanese speakers who can flex their schedules to match available tour dates. Officially the tour can be in any of their manufacturing facilities, but in the interest of time we limited ours to the Nakano Lens and Camera manufacturing unit. The Nakano unit houses the assembly lines for all lenses and cameras.

I have taken the Leica tour several times over the years and found it very interesting, but pretty limited in what you can actually see happening, primarily because Leica does so much of their manufacturing of bodies and lens mounts in Portugal or through other companies. I frankly expected to see no more at Cosina, but as a sucker for anything free I was willing to make the drive to Nakano.

When we arrived as scheduled at 1pm our guide was in the lobby waiting for us. The first 15 minutes was spent showing us a video about the history of the company, their products and a recorded interview with Mr Kobayashi, the company owner. We were then ushered into the halls of the ground floor where a blind was raised and through a window we saw the final assembly of an OEM lens for a MAJOR manufacturer. (Assumptions that Cosina only does low end lenses for others were immediately shot to hell, as this was a well known and respected high speed AF portrait lens!) The blinds were drawn down and we moved on to a very large room where dozens of high precision milling machines were busy cutting and forming the inner lens barrels for what appeared to be the ZF/ZE line.

The Nakano plant creates all the metal parts for CV/Zeiss lenses including anodizing and final assembly and QC. The facility in total is in an older building, but is generally quite clean. There was a strong smell of lubricating oils in the air as computer controlled mills machined precision groves and cams into brass and aluminum mounts.
We passed a computer controlled grinder operated by a technician that was etching the wording into the front lens rings for the new 20mm ZF 3.5. You initially get the impression that there were not that many people to run a LOT of equipment, however, as you pass through to the next room you are faced with an amazing collection of drill presses, unused jigs, lathes and 4-5 skilled craftsmen busily working brass blanks and parts runners pulling various machine parts from racks. The atmosphere is one of a very high precision workshop full of people who could create virtually anything out of a blank block of metal.

We were then ushered RIGHT past anodizing tanks full of bubbling black liquids that were loaded with inner assemblies that changed from brilliant silver to perfect black. (We were so close that if I wanted to anodize any particular body part it would have been quite easy) Workmen shuttled trays of these parts in and out of the plating room constantly as we talked. We then moved to the camera body production area where magnesium inner bodies are precision drilled using a combination of robotic transport and multi tips jigs.

Finally we moved on to the component assembly room where, after donning masks for dust control, we saw Voigtlander and Zeiss lenses being hand assembled and checked for tolerances on test bodies. The new Medium Format folder was also being assembled and tested in this room. It was a very quiet atmosphere with about 15-20 technicians in lab coats in deep concentration. The tour concluded with a question and answer session and some parting brochures and information.

To summarize I'll say that while I have owned quite a few of the products made by Cosina, until now I've never really put much thought into to totality of what they are doing. Unlike Leica, they are still truly a soup-to-nuts camera and lens maker. They produce their own glass, mill their own mounts, design and build their own bodies and lenses and do so with great efficiency and enthusiasm. When I asked why they have been so limited in the past regarding factory tours or publicity they said point blank that the owner does not want to threaten their all important OEM business by stirring up too much attention. A far cry from other major brands who brag about their skills yet frankly outsource much of what they are selling.

I hope this has been an interesting read and if you have any questions please let me know.

Best wishes
Dan

[brachal]

Very cool! Thanks for sharing that.

[bennyng]

A very interesting read. Thanks for sharing.

Cheers,

[photo4ls]

Some people have all the luck. Sounds like
a tour most of us would enjoy.Was it possible
for you to make a purchase at a discounted
price?
Nelson

[Dan States]

Some people have all the luck. Sounds like
a tour most of us would enjoy.Was it possible
for you to make a purchase at a discounted
price?
Nelson

On the contrary...the local Zeiss/Cosina shop/museum only offers a 15% discount from Japanese MSRP...way above what we pay at Cameraquest. On the happy side we did find one hell of a restaurant with the best Sauce Katsu ever for just 500 Yen!

Best wishes
Dan

[Zonan]

Dan,

thanks for a great report! They should consider making something like it available on video (there, I said the word!) for the rest of us.

[ducttape]

Interesting? That was superb. Thank you!

[SolaresLarrave]

Thanks, Dan, for taking the time to type this experience of yours. Have a nice weekend!

[jke]

That's great. Nice to know the back story of a few of my lenses!

[zenlibra]

Thanks for sharing, I too wish a video were available.

[jwhitley]

Sorry for asking, but it's the first time I see a 20/3.5 ZF. Are sure it isn't the Color-Skopar SLII?

The OP is correct: SL-II 20/3.5 Aspheric (http://cameraquest.com/Voigt_SL2.htm), in Nikon F and Pentax K mounts. Tiny and tasty (er.. for those who may dabble with evil SLRs..)

[aizan]

cooooool! i'll have to put that on my itinerary when i go this christmas.

i'm guessing the "well known and respected high speed AF portrait lens" was the canon 85/1.2L. amiright?

[hans voralberg]

Must go to Japan!!! Honestly that sounds awesome, and amusing as well, especially that anodizing any body part bit :D

[DonaldL.]

Thank you for the report.

[Dan States]

Sorry, the ZF part was my mistake...The lens I'm talking about is the Voigtlander 20mm F3.5 that was just released.

[EliasK]

Very interesting, thanks or posting.

[samoksner]

I think Canon assembles it's own 85mm f1.2, but i wouldn't be suprised if the Sony / Zeiss 85mm f1.4 AF was being built by cosina or even if the Nikkor 85mm f1.8 was built by cosina. Although some associate cheap products with cosina, I've had nothing but perfect products from them.

They've proven that they have the know-how and skill to built SUPERB optics :ZM 50mm f1.5, ZM 35mm biogon, Voigtlander 35mm f1.2, 15mm f1.5 heliar and many more beauties. I didn't know they were building the new ZEs... but i can attest to the quality of these lens, both in build and in optics, the 50mm f1.4 is simply a superb lens with a beautiful signature.

I simply love this company, they've proven they can make quality products for oter companies (ask Zeiss or Nikon) and come up for some superb products of their own that can compete with the competition for a very atractive price. They've also shown that they pay careful attention to the demands and requests of customers. They've even come out with products that Leica has been unable to match (the R4 with 21mm frames for instance.)

The fact that they've opened their doors for anyone to come and see, and for free none the less, just shows how serious this company is about what they do.

[Richard G]

Fascinating. And beautifully written. Thanks.

[bmattock]

Don't tell me they forbade the use of cameras!

Well, nice report anyway. Thanks much!

[Sparrow]

Don't tell me they forbade the use of cameras!

Well, nice report anyway. Thanks much!

Ya... where are the pictures? don't be shy let's see what ya'got

[ruben]

I can't add to the exciting comments and feelings this report arises. And my joy for the success of this analog camera gear manufacturer. Thanks a lot.

I would like to comment about Cosina's way of survival in the market, which reminds me a lot (with all the differences in every aspect) of the small sized printshop I work in. Because there is something jumping to our eyes as a miracle, or a non accepted economic rational, that nevertheless works and works: A small sized manufacturer producing more and more in-house,

and if you allow me, I would guess, struggling to produce with the most advanced technologies.

This is not common, nor easy. You have to think deep about the balance between highest technological tools that will cut your production expenses and their own cost. I, e, you will be producing at lower expense at the same time you are paying back for the machines enabling you to cut your costs.

This requires a constant minimum revenue you build on an can maintain. Otherwise you sink.

Sometimes you will still combine older tools in the chain, since technology advances at unequal pace and some new manufacturing tools are either too expensive, or unperforming as expected, or not solving the problems. And you have to think it all successfully.

On the other hand if you loose your in-house tech tools update, you will end paying rent to those, like Cosina, who have them.

This, let's call it "how to move in the market", is not a ready formula according to size, but requires the central role of Mr Kobayashi and his staff.

What a privilege would it be to work there ! I raise my glass of champagne:

Cheers,
Ruben

[zenlibra]

I simply love this company, they've proven they can make quality products for oter companies (ask Zeiss or Nikon) and come up for some superb products of their own that can compete with the competition for a very atractive price. They've also shown that they pay careful attention to the demands and requests of customers. They've even come out with products that Leica has been unable to match (the R4 with 21mm frames for instance.)


I agree with samoksner. I love how Cosina has brought so many things to the table with their rangefinders. A 1:1 viewfinder in the R3's, the ultra-wide R4's, the 1.5x rangefinder in the Bessa-T and the viewfinder in the Bessa-R that apparently matches a Leica in brightness. I'm behind them all the way. I just ordered a R3M, my third Bessa.

[Tom A]

Dan. like you, I have gone through the Cosina factories - in my case many times. It is always fun and there is a feeling that the people working there really like what they are doing.
My favorite is the glass plant - it is a mini version of Dante's hell. Roaring gas furnaces and big "melting pots" and the long cooling conveyor. It looks a bit like the flat loaf of bread coming out of the furnace. The glass is thick and slowly moving along and then cut into chunks.
If we consider that Cosina/Voigtlander has only been making Rf lenses and cameras for 10 years (in the LTM/M-mount) - they have certainly changed the field. The selection of glass available to us is nothing short of fantastic - 12/5.6!, the 15f4.5, the 35f1.2 - the list goes on. The Bessa/Zeiss bodies. the Zeiss lens line - and all of it reasonably priced too!
My feeling is that without an enthusiast like Mr Kobayashi - our choice of lenses and cameras would have been considerably poorer today. CV has forced companies like Leica and Zeiss to sharpen their skills just to keep up. All of which is good for us, the consumer and user.
I like the Voigtlander/Zeiss museum in Nakano. Saw it for the first time last month. Whenever i go to swap meets and find things that I think could be used there, i ship it to Mr Kobayashi ( I did find a "new in the box" Voigtlander 1756-1956 Vito Anniversary some time ago - and it is now in the museum. Nice blue box and gold print.

[ruben]

Thanks Tom for the stress on Kobayashi. I cannot but recall Maitani.

Cheers,
Ruben

[Tom A]

What we have today in the form of affordable and some "cutting edge" glass (and camera bodies, R4M/A, R3A/M and the ZM and SW) is entirely due to Mr Kobayashi's interest in cameras and optics. He is a discerning collector and avid photographer on top of it.
What sets CV apart is that they actually listens to the end-user and will try to accomodate them when it is practical (and economically feasible).
He tends to use a small design team, 2-3 guys and ideas are bounced around until they are analyzed and the decision is made right then and there! It is not a one-way street either, anybody round the table can propose something and it is discussed, occasionally laughed at but never thrown out as "Oh, not feasible" usually only as "Oh, nobody would want it" - though even that is not final!

[NickTrop]

What we have today in the form of affordable and some "cutting edge" glass (and camera bodies, R4M/A, R3A/M and the ZM and SW) is entirely due to Mr Kobayashi's interest in cameras and optics. He is a discerning collector and avid photographer on top of it.

Yes - we traditional photo-hobbyists who love our traditional film equipment owe a debt to Kobayashi san. Great post, and great comment Tom A. Years ago, my first "real" camera was a "cheap" Vivitar 3000S, Pentax K-mount. Made by "Cosina" (I found out very much later), I always thought that camera had quality that belied its small price. It's called "value". It was then, and is now, my only SLR in faithful service since the late 80's. It's sitting on my end table with an M42 Super Takumar 1.4/50 (the radioactive one) and I finished up a roll with it today.

Nice to see they're doing well and have a thriving global OEM business. You posts - regarding the lens they were making, lifts the curtain on a lot of the brand mystique associated with gear.
|

[amateriat]

This is all very thought-provoking, especially regarding what is truly a "maverick" company where thinking outside the box is much more than a buzz-phrase. The comparison with Y. Maitani isn't off-base, either...I think Olympus would be in at least a slightly better position now if Mr. M. had a hand in design matters now. Mr. K is responsible for bringing the RF presence to bear on two fronts (Cosina/Voigtlander and Zeiss), and proving that, while the RF market is by no means huge, it's viable enough to support a line of reasonably-priced bodies and lenses that get better all the time. Mr. K is the most rare person, a shrewd businessman and a RF hero. In this biz, you next to never get both.


- Barrett

[Dan States]

Speaking of Olympus, they are not far away from Nakano Japan, in Tatsuno. Nagano Prefecture is fertile ground for precision manufacturing and so much of what we all use daily in photography springs from this mountainous region. Perhaps there is something in the water!

Dan

[raid]

I may buy my second CV lens one day. I am impressed.
Thanks.

[Keith]

It sounds like as long as Kobayashi lives and prospers ... so will film!

Hats off to you ... I enjoyed reading that immensly and wished it was ten times longer. :p

[bucks11]

Nice write up. Just picturing the group of professionals assembling the pieces brings a smile to my face....

[Chriscrawfordphoto]

I so like the designs, but I will never stop being put off by the name "Voigtlander" applied to these modern Japanese designs. I so wish "Cosina" appeared on the equipment, rather then this has-been German trademark.

The crazy thing is the cameras, at least the Bessa R2 that I have, has "Voigtlander GERMANY" written on the back of them. The bottom plate does say "Cosina Co. Japan"

We all know its made in Japan. Putting Germany on it seems dishonest

[Keith]

I agree to a point ... but would BMW's very successful little box on wheels have sold so well if they'd called it anything other than the 'Mini' ... which they also bought the rights to do of course?

I used to work on BMC products and that vehicle is so far removed from the original 'Mini' it's crazy ... but it sells the car IMO!

[Solinar]

Alright, there's more than one person on this board that's familiar with the A-series engines.

I always refer to my Nakamo gear as Cosina/Voigtlander or CV because I own and use a couple of Voigtlander cameras from the early 1950ies.

[Tuolumne]

That was great. I'm glad someone still does it "the old fashioned way". As for Leica, it looks like there may be more elves in the CV factory than are left in the Black Forest of Wetzlar.

/T

[Tuolumne]

What sets CV apart is that they actually listens to the end-user and will try to accomodate them when it is practical (and economically feasible).


What sets CV apart is that it is run by someone who both loves his products and knows the business inside and out. How different from "professional managers" who are brought in to run a company, know didly squat about the business, and care only for their own interests. And that, my friend, is the definition of "CEO" in today's public companies and what is wrong with most public companies and why they all blew up.

/T

[Sam N]

The crazy thing is the cameras, at least the Bessa R2 that I have, has "Voigtlander GERMANY" written on the back of them. The bottom plate does say "Cosina Co. Japan"

We all know its made in Japan. Putting Germany on it seems dishonest

I agree that it's weird to put Germany on the back, but they don't do this anymore.

[maddoc]

Fooled me -- I thought that they were pre-war cameras found in a warehouse in Germany, a secret war project to undermine the entire western photo industry. :angel:

... "pre-war" cameras in a "secret" war project. How secret would that have been ? :rolleyes: