Re Topcor 135/2.8, 200/3.3, 50/1.8 (all latest, black ver)

mandarin · Joined: 11 Feb 2009 Posts: 3

Hi all,

Has anyone used any of the above lenses? I wonder what their performance is like. I could find no info on them on google at all. It would appear that they are either rare or don't share the same reputation as Topcor's 58/1.4. Thx!

casualcollector · Posted: Fri Jul 24, 2009 2:39 am Post subject:

They are rare branded as Topcor but are more common under other names. They were not produced by Topcon. Here's a link to more information.

http://www003.upp.so-net.ne.jp/Topconclub/lens5.htm

mandarin · Joined: 11 Feb 2009 Posts: 3

Thanks a lot. So in other words, these are OEM lenses not having the character and quality of earlier topcon lenses?

casualcollector · Posted: Fri Jul 24, 2009 6:29 pm Post subject:

Certainly not in regards to the mechanical aspects. The RE Auto Topcors are some of the nicest looking, made and working lenses I've ever laid my hands on and that includes a couple of Leitz Elmarit R lenses.

mandarin · Joined: 11 Feb 2009 Posts: 3

Thx, what about optically speaking? from what I read the OEM manufacture was merge with Topcor.

blaahhi · Joined: 07 Apr 2009 Posts: 20 Location: Helsinki, Finland

I have the 200mm f/3.3 and the 50mm f/1.8. In my opinion, they are ok, not bad, but really nothing special either. The older RE Auto Topcors are really mechanically (and to my eyes, optically) in a different league.

However, I do actually like the 50mm f/1.8, especially for its colors. But it is prone to flaring, so a hood is needed... Alas, this is the only Exakta/Topcon lens that does NOT lock into place in my 4/3/Exakta adapter, so using it digitally is a bit awkward. Sad

Would use it more then, I guess...

I believe these newer RE Topcors were manufactured by the company that became Cima when Topcon stopped making cameras. They have the Cima/Cimko characteristic look. I don't know if Cima ever sold these lenses under other names, or were they just for Topcon. I doubt it...

casualcollector · Posted: Sun Jul 26, 2009 7:38 pm Post subject:

John Shriver · Joined: 24 Dec 2009 Posts: 192

The "RE Topcor" (and subsequent "AM Topcor" K-mount) lenses are definitely Cimko (Cima Kogaku). The unevenly spaced four screws holding on the lens mount are one clue, as is their patented lever system for auto-diaphragm. Also distinctive is the asymmetric diamond used as the focusing mark.

Definitely a cut below "RE. Auto-Topcor" lenses in finish and quality.

The 200/3.3 is respectable, and faster than anything Topcon made in that focal length. Very prone to internal haze on one element.

The normal is really a 55/1.7. If you have a 50/1.8, it might be the RE GN Topcor, which is "the real thing".

The Cimko lenses were sold under a lot of brands.