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from the web
The Masuyamas have a bit of history behind them. Dr. Masuyama created this line of his own signature eyepieces back in the 86 and 87. His eyepieces didn't exist for long because after awhile, his company was bought over by Takahashi. Today, the Masuyama optical shop is still around (but the founder, Dr. Masuyama has died) but they prefer to be very low profile because they design a lot of OEM eyepieces. Some say that the Tak LEs were by them, as well as the Ultimas, UO orthos, etc....
The 25mm 65 degree eyepiece is rare because for some strange reasons, Masuyama designed another 25mm eyepiece but with 52 degrees FOV at only half the price. Obviously most people went for the 25mm 52 degree as it was much cheaper. So the 25mm 65 degree became really rare.
The Masuyamas eyepieces were revolutionary back then. Infact even today, 20 years later, this range of eyepieces could still easily beat most of the current fancy designs. But the Japanese didn't really appreciate them....they are too busy collecting Pentaxes, Naglers and the Vixens. But the Americans are collecting the Masuyamas. Check astromart and you will see a few post wanting these eyepieces. But they often have problems getting the final piece : - the 25mm 65 degree version.
It is interesting to note that Dr.Masuyama was so proud of these eyepieces that he put his own name on it (and not even his company name). Something like what Nagler does. But Nagler lasted for years....the Masuyamas only a few years, hence its rarity. Even the Masuyama eyepiece box is a piece of art.
I have personally seen the Masuyama 30mm (not as rare though), the contrast, flatness and sharpness is amazing. It's hard to tell that it is a 20 years old eyepiece.
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You can dig a little more and you will find a hint or two by some well known in the industry that the optical company is indeed still around
Doing a lot of OEM work probably has some disclosure issues tied up in the mix as well... So enjoy em if you can get them cause there aint no more.... Anyone know who made the meade series 4000 smooth barrels from the late 80's ?
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