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Topcor 58mm f/1.8
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PostPosted: Sat Nov 16, 2019 3:51 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
Here is my solution for my 58 f/1.8 where the rubber expanded. Probably unacceptable for a collector lens, but does the job for a lens that you intend to use. I believe these rubber bands were on some veggies I bought.



PostPosted: Mon Jun 12, 2023 4:31 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Lightshow wrote:
That's a much earlier lens than we have mostly been talking about, it's earlier than my 5.8cm/1.8 #632468 which was my dad's.(Which suffers from separation).

https://www.wesellyourcollection.com/topcon/product/07-topcon-r-sn-157746-with-auto-topcor-58cm-118-lens-sn-287739-set-of-boxed-topcon-r-assesory/
(FYI nothing is for sale on that site, it's just a persons collection)


I have the 5,8 cm 1.8 sn 6310.. nice little lens very hard to see wonder how many are out there nowadays


PostPosted: Sun Sep 29, 2024 12:57 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
I just acquired a copy, serial number 11625645, labeled as 5.8cm, not 58mm.

I am very happy with the output from this lens. The combination of sharpness, color rendition and bokeh appeals to me a lot.



PostPosted: Sun Sep 29, 2024 5:43 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
The pictures and DOF produced by this lens strongly remind me of early Yashica lenses, particularly the pre-ML series.
Based on my photographic memory, I would rank them as follows:
Auto-Yashinon 5.5cm f/1.8 at the top,
followed by the DX 50mm f/1.7
and the DS(B) 50mm f/1.9.

These lenses are widely available and very affordable.
For hobby use, I don’t think a pixel peeper will notice significant differences.
As for collecting, well, that’s another matter.
But it's also not photography either.


PostPosted: Sun Sep 29, 2024 2:20 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
alex_d wrote:
The pictures and DOF produced by this lens strongly remind me of early Yashica lenses, particularly the pre-ML series.
Based on my photographic memory, I would rank them as follows:
Auto-Yashinon 5.5cm f/1.8 at the top,
followed by the DX 50mm f/1.7
and the DS(B) 50mm f/1.9.


I own a copy of the Auto Yashinon 5cm F2 - the Topcor Bokeh reminds me of the bokeh of that lens, but the Topcor is better at longer distances and sharper in the middle. Both are lovely lens, but if I had to keep just one, at this point, I would lean to the Topcor.


PostPosted: Sun Sep 29, 2024 2:29 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
I own all the mentioned lenses, and beyond the similar wide-open bokeh of the Auto-Yashinon, I don't personally find the Topcor rendering or colors very similar to the Yashicas, but as always, it's a matter of opinion. IMO the Topcor tends to give a much more microcontrasty/textured look than the Yashicas, which tend to smooth tonal gradations out more. This is particularly evident in portraiture.

One thing to watch out for in this Topcor lens is that the late (Code 129BG black trim) versions of it are mechanically utter trash, with much lower-quality internals than the other one. Very out of character for Tokyo Kogaku, and the only lens of theirs where I've encountered such low quality construction.


alex_d wrote:
The pictures and DOF produced by this lens strongly remind me of early Yashica lenses, particularly the pre-ML series.
Based on my photographic memory, I would rank them as follows:
Auto-Yashinon 5.5cm f/1.8 at the top,
followed by the DX 50mm f/1.7
and the DS(B) 50mm f/1.9.

These lenses are widely available and very affordable.
For hobby use, I don’t think a pixel peeper will notice significant differences.
As for collecting, well, that’s another matter.
But it's also not photography either.


PostPosted: Sun Oct 06, 2024 8:14 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
BrianSVP wrote:

One thing to watch out for in this Topcor lens is that the late (Code 129BG black trim) versions of it are mechanically utter trash, with much lower-quality internals than the other one. Very out of character for Tokyo Kogaku, and the only lens of theirs where I've encountered such low quality construction.


Is this true for all the late, black Topcors, or for the 58/1.8 specifically?

I picked up a 100/2.8 and 58/1.4 in black because they looks so nice. But I have wondered about which versions were best build quality.

My black 58/1.4 (SN 11234xxx) had a stuck filter I had to cut off. When first trying to remove the filter the whole front of the lens forward of the helical came loose and now needs repair.


PostPosted: Mon Oct 07, 2024 4:05 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
woodrim wrote:
Has anyone ever observed any real difference in performance among the different versions?


I can only say that mine was ok but didn’t really stand out. I can’t tell you which version it was, but probably not the latest.


PostPosted: Thu Oct 10, 2024 8:40 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
caspert79 wrote:
woodrim wrote:
Has anyone ever observed any real difference in performance among the different versions?


I can only say that mine was ok but didn’t really stand out. I can’t tell you which version it was, but probably not the latest.


Check your serials here:
http://www.artaphot.ch/topcon-re/re-auto-topcor-lenses/484-re-auto-topcor-58mm-f18

The latest optical computation starts with 1166xxxx or greater. All my four samples of the lens - three silver and one black - are from this newest computation; so I can't comment about the performance of the older ones.

S


PostPosted: Thu Oct 10, 2024 10:07 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
stevemark wrote:
caspert79 wrote:
woodrim wrote:
Has anyone ever observed any real difference in performance among the different versions?


I can only say that mine was ok but didn’t really stand out. I can’t tell you which version it was, but probably not the latest.


Check your serials here:
http://www.artaphot.ch/topcon-re/re-auto-topcor-lenses/484-re-auto-topcor-58mm-f18

The latest optical computation starts with 1166xxxx or greater. All my four samples of the lens - three silver and one black - are from this newest computation; so I can't comment about the performance of the older ones.

S


I'm not sure. I sold mine, because it didn't seem to stand out.


PostPosted: Thu Oct 10, 2024 3:41 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
caspert79 wrote:
woodrim wrote:
Has anyone ever observed any real difference in performance among the different versions?


I can only say that mine was ok but didn’t really stand out. I can’t tell you which version it was, but probably not the latest.


That doesn't surprise me if you are looking for something like unique bokeh. The Topcors are just good, sharp, well corrected lenses with very modern rendering except they are from the 1960s-1970s.

What stands out to me is their build quality and compactness. The aperture and focus feel is exceptional. As good or better than anything else out there. They also have the best color accuracy of any manufacturer I own. Some might call them cold, but they are basically just accurate. Other lenses tend to render warmer, and this can be more pleasant but less color accurate. People talk about Minolta and how they color match, but I think the Topcors are better. This may be due to the short period they were manufactured, but they all color match well.


PostPosted: Thu Oct 10, 2024 4:22 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
cbass wrote:
caspert79 wrote:
woodrim wrote:
Has anyone ever observed any real difference in performance among the different versions?


I can only say that mine was ok but didn’t really stand out. I can’t tell you which version it was, but probably not the latest.


That doesn't surprise me if you are looking for something like unique bokeh. The Topcors are just good, sharp, well corrected lenses with very modern rendering except they are from the 1960s-1970s.

What stands out to me is their build quality and compactness. The aperture and focus feel is exceptional. As good or better than anything else out there. They also have the best color accuracy of any manufacturer I own. Some might call them cold, but they are basically just accurate. Other lenses tend to render warmer, and this can be more pleasant but less color accurate. People talk about Minolta and how they color match, but I think the Topcors are better. This may be due to the short period they were manufactured, but they all color match well.


I love the build quality as well. I have the 100/2.8 RE which I like very much.

I didn’t dislike the 58/1.8, it just didn’t stand out like for instance the Mamiya 55/1.8 does, but it could have been just my sample. Color accuracy was good indeed.


PostPosted: Thu Oct 10, 2024 5:30 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
cbass wrote:
caspert79 wrote:
woodrim wrote:
Has anyone ever observed any real difference in performance among the different versions?


I can only say that mine was ok but didn’t really stand out. I can’t tell you which version it was, but probably not the latest.


That doesn't surprise me if you are looking for something like unique bokeh. The Topcors are just good, sharp, well corrected lenses with very modern rendering except they are from the 1960s-1970s.

What stands out to me is their build quality and compactness. The aperture and focus feel is exceptional. As good or better than anything else out there. They also have the best color accuracy of any manufacturer I own. Some might call them cold, but they are basically just accurate. Other lenses tend to render warmer, and this can be more pleasant but less color accurate. People talk about Minolta and how they color match, but I think the Topcors are better. This may be due to the short period they were manufactured, but they all color match well.


well i have the early topcor 5,8cm f1.8 not auto and the RE 1.4 , both of them very capable lenses with pretty much unique bokeh (i would only have other 50 and 55mm lenses , but they mostly render different - probably the RE auto 1.8 it would be more clinically modern, but i only have one with very bad shape front element) - it`s true that i mostly shoot portraits with these , if landscapes, i would close f8 - f11, so probably none of these lenses would render equal like modern mamiya ef or canon nFD


PostPosted: Fri Oct 11, 2024 3:21 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
caspert79 wrote:


I didn’t dislike the 58/1.8, it just didn’t stand out like for instance the Mamiya 55/1.8 does, but it could have been just my sample. Color accuracy was good indeed.


If you are talking about IQ, then I agree. It's essentially just a f/2 58, which is pretty boring and well behaved. Yes, it's a f/1.8 but that doesn't really gain you much and f/1.8 has worse vignetting then at the f/2 stop. Mine essentially sat there although it was a very competent lens until I found out it covered the GFX sensor and was able to achieve corner to corner sharpness stopped down. The 58mm works perfectly for me on the GFX and it becomes a 45mm FF equivalent. I find 50s in some situations just slightly too tight and 45mm perfect. 50mm lenses becomes 40mm equivalents and those I don't work as well with as 45mm.


PostPosted: Fri Oct 11, 2024 5:48 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
cbass wrote:
caspert79 wrote:


I didn’t dislike the 58/1.8, it just didn’t stand out like for instance the Mamiya 55/1.8 does, but it could have been just my sample. Color accuracy was good indeed.


If you are talking about IQ, then I agree. It's essentially just a f/2 58, which is pretty boring and well behaved. Yes, it's a f/1.8 but that doesn't really gain you much and f/1.8 has worse vignetting then at the f/2 stop. Mine essentially sat there although it was a very competent lens until I found out it covered the GFX sensor and was able to achieve corner to corner sharpness stopped down. The 58mm works perfectly for me on the GFX and it becomes a 45mm FF equivalent. I find 50s in some situations just slightly too tight and 45mm perfect. 50mm lenses becomes 40mm equivalents and those I don't work as well with as 45mm.


Well it’s cool that it covers the the gfx sensor. Did you try the petri 55/1.8? It has almost perfect corners at f/2.8 on fullframe, so I’m curious how it does on an large sensor.


PostPosted: Sat Oct 12, 2024 8:37 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
caspert79 wrote:


Well it’s cool that it covers the the gfx sensor. Did you try the petri 55/1.8? It has almost perfect corners at f/2.8 on fullframe, so I’m curious how it does on an large sensor.


I have never tried a Petri 55/1.8. I do not own a copy.

At some point I stopped trying various manufacturers. After several lenses I found three brands that consistently stood out: Leica, Zeiss and Topcor. These three consistently produced quality products when it came to handling and IQ. Each company had a different set of compromises giving each line a slightly different feel. Build and handling the Leica and Topcor are the best. Leica produced heavier lenses with more brass. Topcor used more aluminum and were lighter. However, both are precision tools above the rest when it comes to focus feel and aperture. I know I upset people in the past when I said IMO Topcor build quality was better than Leica especially the aperture rings which was much smoother with nicer clicks while the Leica R aperture being more clunky. Both Leica and Topcor prioritized lenses that were smaller in size. Leica R's were bricks of lenses. Topcor much lighter and easier to carry.

For landscape I prefer Zeiss because of the micro contrast and flare resistance and less curvature. For people I like Leica because of less contrast in bokeh and better skin tones and less micro contrast. The best balance between the two is Topcor. Topcor would allow curvature in their designs like Leica, but never to the point the corners never cleaned up. Leica had designs with curvature so bad the corners never became excellent. Every Topcor lens I own will be corner to corner sharp by at least f/8 if not sooner. Topcors also have much better flare control closer to Zeiss. Plenty of Leica designs do not hold up well compared to the competition when it comes to flare. All three have excellent color saturation and color performance, but Topcors have the most accurate colors. Topcor also had very good CA correction closer to Leica if not better. Zeiss was much looser in their CA correction in their older lenses.


PostPosted: Mon Oct 14, 2024 2:54 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
i had cy planar 50mm 1.4 but i sold it when i got the topcor 58mm 1.4 wich i believe (i have never weighted) is much heavier than planar.
My topcor has a bit stiff focus grease but still usable, regarding mechanics, i consider both lenses same/close very high quality, without even knowing what material are they made from; regarding image , i don`t miss the planar, instead i prefer canon FD, topcor is a longer focal length 58mm so it`s not fair to compare (for portraits i prefer 58 vs 50mm same aperture). I`m using 24mp sensor mostly for portraits shots, so, maybe on a higher mp , things would change.


PostPosted: Mon Oct 14, 2024 3:24 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
The Topcor and the Contax are both aluminum barrel lenses, but the front glass elements in the Topcor are quite a bit larger, which gives it most of its additional weight. I've seen claims that this was required due to the smaller thorat of the Exakta mount compared to other vintage mounts. In size and weight it approaches the various MF-era 55/57/58 1.2s by various manufacturers. Lens-DB gives the weight of the Topcor as 340g vs 275 for the C/Y Planar, and it's not a particularly light lens. By comparison, the 50mm f/1.4 Takumars weigh 230g, and the Minolta MD 50mm 1.4 weighs only 220. The Canon "New" FD is pretty light, too at 235.


kiddo wrote:
i had cy planar 50mm 1.4 but i sold it when i got the topcor 58mm 1.4 wich i believe (i have never weighted) is much heavier than planar.
My topcor has a bit stiff focus grease but still usable, regarding mechanics, i consider both lenses same/close very high quality, without even knowing what material are they made from; regarding image , i don`t miss the planar, instead i prefer canon FD, topcor is a longer focal length 58mm so it`s not fair to compare (for portraits i prefer 58 vs 50mm same aperture). I`m using 24mp sensor mostly for portraits shots, so, maybe on a higher mp , things would change.


PostPosted: Mon Oct 14, 2024 6:41 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
kiddo wrote:
i had cy planar 50mm 1.4 but i sold it when i got the topcor 58mm 1.4 wich i believe (i have never weighted) is much heavier than planar.
My topcor has a bit stiff focus grease but still usable, regarding mechanics, i consider both lenses same/close very high quality, without even knowing what material are they made from; regarding image , i don`t miss the planar, instead i prefer canon FD, topcor is a longer focal length 58mm so it`s not fair to compare (for portraits i prefer 58 vs 50mm same aperture). I`m using 24mp sensor mostly for portraits shots, so, maybe on a higher mp , things would change.


Good point. The Topcor 58 f/1.4 is heavy especially when you compare to Zeiss Contax 50 f/1.4. Topcor eventually did make a 50 f/1.4, but even that one was heavy at 350g. I had the 28, 35, 58 f/1.8, and 100 in mind when I was thinking about light and compact.


PostPosted: Fri Oct 18, 2024 1:15 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Specifically the 58mm f/1.8. Generally, the RE era Topcor lenses are extremely rugged, which makes sense, considering their use by the U.S. military. However, suddenly for some reason, the 58/1.8 gets extremely chintzy with the late versions. Perhaps a shift in strategy to try to sell more cheaper low-end kits? Some one with more knowledge of the history of the brand might chime in on whether this coincides with when they were no longer able to rely on lucrative gov't contracts? This was their very most basic Exakta mount lens at the time.

Noritar wrote:
BrianSVP wrote:

One thing to watch out for in this Topcor lens is that the late (Code 129BG black trim) versions of it are mechanically utter trash, with much lower-quality internals than the other one. Very out of character for Tokyo Kogaku, and the only lens of theirs where I've encountered such low quality construction.


Is this true for all the late, black Topcors, or for the 58/1.8 specifically?

I picked up a 100/2.8 and 58/1.4 in black because they looks so nice. But I have wondered about which versions were best build quality.

My black 58/1.4 (SN 11234xxx) had a stuck filter I had to cut off. When first trying to remove the filter the whole front of the lens forward of the helical came loose and now needs repair.


PostPosted: Fri Oct 18, 2024 2:32 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
I have a Topcor 58mm 1.8 to which I could not straighten the filter ring because of how thick and strong the latter, made of chrome-plated brass, is. This had never happened to me.
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