Topcor collection advice

Tervueren · Expire: 2014-11-08

I've an opportunity to obtain a comprehensive Topcor kit, I'm awaiting confirmation of the exact items but besides 2 bodies (unknown models) the following lenses are included, 20/4, 25/3.5, 35/2.8, 58/1.8, 58/1.4, 85/1.8, 100/2.8, 135/3.5 and a 500/5.6 also there would appear to be at least 3 macro lenses, Bellows etc etc, I've been told that all items were purchased new by the seller and are in mint condition and they all come with their original cases, obviously I need to confirm this for myself. Once I receive details of exact items I'll arrange to go and see the gentleman selling them who unfortunately lives over 200 miles away, he's an octogenarian and hasn't used them for some time.
I'm not familiar with Topcor at all so I'm looking for a little advice as to what a reasonable price to pay would be, the gent would prefer to sell the collection in one go even though I've told him they would fetch more individually. I'll update this thread once the remainder has been identified.
Thanks
John

woodrim · Joined: 14 Jan 2010 Posts: 4060 Location: Charleston

Jealous.

jamaeolus · Expire: 2015-08-20

The 85 1.8 is quite rare and will be one of the more expensive items, the macro lenses are also expensive. The FL tell me these are for the upper end RE's most likely (the lower quality UV systems are not worth much) I just checked ebay and there is one 85 for sale BIN 869USD. I recommend that you type in TOPCON RE in lenses and filters and just scan prices, many of them will of course be "pie in the sky", but the auctions will give you a good handle on the true value. The 58 1.4 is highly sought after and a good copy will likely fetch 300USD. the odd FL's 25 and the macros will be a couple hundred each. the 35 and 58 1.8 and 135's are not nearly as expensive maybe 100USD each, while the 100 2.8 is likely 150USD. The cameras are probably not worth that much 50-75 each unless they are unusual collector items. The whole thing if in close to mint condition I would estimate a couple thousand dollars if you were to part it out and sell on e-bay. Some very desirable glass. I'm sort of new to this game but topcon re was one of the first series I really started paying attention to about 2 years ago. I just loved the matte silver finish and the first lens I got was the 100 2.8 and it makes lovely photos.

StillSanj · Joined: 21 Apr 2015 Posts: 412 Location: United States

I would just pass on it and give me his contact information...
But in all seriousness, sounds like a great find. Especially if he wants to sell it as a kit, he must be a pretty motivated seller. If you can get a good price on it, it sounds like an awesome kit.
Good luck.

Lightshow · Joined: 04 Nov 2011 Posts: 3666 Location: Calgary

Yeah, awesome collection, The cameras will be worth more if they are black versions, same with the lenses, though the 85/1.8 only came in black.
Most should be very sharp wide open.
The biggest issue will be the condition of the rubber rings, anywhere from soft like new rubber, to hard brittle rubber, to cracked and falling apart, to service the lenses there are screws under the rubber rings, so be sure to check how smooth the focus rings are, they should be smooth like Takumars.
The 20, 25, 85, and 500 are the rarest of the bunch, and there are Navy versions of some and are worth more.
A shot with my 85/1.8 on my A7r

@ 100% https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3908/14899145218_73ec5199d1_o.jpg

kds315* · Expire: 2021-03-09

exaklaus · Expire: 2011-12-02

konicamera · Expire: 2014-06-14

This sounds like a unique opportunity, indeed. Absolutely great optics and very beautifully-made equipment.
As far as prices are concerned, I would suggest you go into "Advanced Search" on Ebay and chose "Sold listings". This will list actually completed transactions, which are a much better indicator of true market value. The price sellers are asking are often cosmic. Good luck!

bernhardas · Expire: 2017-05-23

Edited

stevemark · Joined: 29 Apr 2011 Posts: 4033 Location: Switzerland

Certainly a nice find! Go for it - as long as the price is reasonable - and enjoy it.

Steve

John Shriver · Joined: 24 Dec 2009 Posts: 199

That's a nice opportunity.

The 85/1.8 is running about $750 on eBay these days, down from a peak around $1000. The gem of the lineup!

I recently paid $885 for a 500/5.6, to complete my collection. Rarest of the RE Auto-Topcor lenses.

The 20/4 fetches several hundred dollars. Nice lens, fairly uncommon.

Some people ask a lot for the 25/3.5, but it's really pretty common.

The 35/2.8 and 100/2.8 are superb, but common, maybe worth around $200 each these days?

The bodies are all quite common, with the exception of the very rare RS.

Lightshow · Joined: 04 Nov 2011 Posts: 3666 Location: Calgary

Have you posted any shots with the 500?

Tervueren · Expire: 2014-11-08

Thanks all, seller is sending me a Topcon brochure and is going to tick the items he owns, brochure should be very interesting on its own, will update thread when it arrives

Macca · Joined: 20 Mar 2012 Posts: 248 Location: Glasgow, Scotland.

I`ve collected most of them except the 500mm 5.6 ,135mm f4 macro, 28mm 2.8 and the 85mm 1.8. I made an offer of Â£450 for an 85mm recently on ebay but the seller wants Â£500 and it needs a CLA,has focus stiffness, and the beginnings of some fungus in an internal lens in one of his shots of it. There`s another with extensive fungus on and under the front element for sale at around the Â£450 mark, that should give you an idea of what it`s worth if its in good condition as I suspect it will be.

Prices on the more common ones have come down this year , I picked up a black cased and hooded mint 35mm 2.8 for Â£60 at the weekend.

They are mainly all excellent lenses and have an almost cult following on here and elsewhere for good reason.

Lightshow · Joined: 04 Nov 2011 Posts: 3666 Location: Calgary

Those 85's seem expensive for fungus and other issues.

Tervueren · Expire: 2014-11-08

I've made arrangements to visit the chap on the 31st when I can evaluate them and take some pics of the collection, I cannot afford to purchase them unfortunately but have agreed with the old gentleman to sell them at a fair price on his behalf, if you're interested keep an eye on the market place next week.