Auto-Topcor 58mm f/1.4 limited edition for Nikon F-mount

[Esox lucius]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Topcon#Cameras
Production ended in 1977, and the 5,8cm RE Auto-Topcor 5,8cm f/1.4 are of Tokyo Kogaku's older period?

There also exists an Auto-Topcor 58mm f/1.4 in native Nikon F-mount, supposedly a limited version manufactured in only 800 units.

Rarity is the only reason that would explain why eBay sellers expect someone to pay USD 2000 for a basic fast 50mm SLR lens

www.ebay.ie/itm/221148671983

www.ebay.ie/itm/350590663700

Who made the 58mm f/1.4 Auto-Topcor in Nikon F-mount then? Is it closely related to Cosina's manufactured Voigtländer 58mm f/1.4 SL II ?

[Attila]

I think not related and clue less seller. It will not sell even even for half if sell buyer will be clue less for sure

[Mos6502]

One of the images shows "Made in Japan by Cosina" in it.

[Esox lucius]

[casualcollector]

http://www.cameraquest.com/voigtFlexTM.htm

Cosina's tribute to Topcon.

[Esox lucius]

(Cosina) Topcor 58mm f/1.4, limited edition for M42 and Nikon Ai-S mount, 800 manufactured (M42) and 800 in Nikon mount
7 elements in 6 groups, multi-coated, f/1.4 to f/16, 9 aperture blades, 58mm filter size, close focus 0.45m, max magn. ratio 1:5.8, weight 305 grams (Nikon)

(Cosina) Voigtländer SL II 58mm f/1.4 Nokton for Nikon Ai-S mount, still in production
7 elements in 6 groups, multi-coated, f/1.4 to f/16, 9 aperture blades, 58mm filter size, close focus 0.45m, max magn. ratio 1:5.8, weight 320g (Nikon)

Tthey seem identical by specs, and while Flickr samples aren't comparable they share the same bokeh characteristics. I'll get my hands on one next week, I'm curious to see if there is any difference between them at all.

[Esox lucius]

Well, the lens leaves nothing to desire in terms of performance already wide open. I would never ever, however, pay more than what a Voigtländer SL II 58mm f/1.4 Nokton costs, because they indeed are optically identical. This is one of the best 50-something millimeter fast lenses you can buy for Nikon F-mount.

f/1.4 and minimum focusing distance


f/4 and minimum focusing distance


f/2 and minimum focusing distance


f/2.8 and minimum focusing distance, backfocused


f/4

[kuuan]

[Esox lucius]

[Mos6502]

They're not. The M42 and Nikon mount Cosina Topcor lenses aren't actually Topcon lenses at all, as has already been pointed out. The original Topcors (exakta bayonet), actually made by Topcon are completely different lenses mechanically and optically, and were made decades ago. Cosina got permission to put the Topcor name on the modern lenses as a sort of homage to Topcon.

Here are some photos I found on flickr showing the Topcon version vs. the Cosina versions:

Topcor 58mm F1.4 by jore0902, on Flickr


Topcor 58mm F1.4 by jore0902, on Flickr

[woodrim]

But those pictures only show how the exterior differs. I thought I read somewhere that Cosina was using the old Topcor optical design. The old RE Topcor 58/1.4 still commands high dollars - in the $200+ range. But still, one would be better off buying an old one or even a Cosina, plus new NEX-5N and an adapter and save money over the Nikon mount version.

[Esox lucius]

Basic optical design is shared with most (if not all) lenses of 58mm focal length and max aperture f/1.4, double Gauss designs

Voigtländer SL II 58mm f/1.4 Nokton


Nikkor-S 5.8cm f/1.4

[Mos6502]

If you look closely you can see that the front element of the original is larger than the on the Cosina versions. I'm sure they're similar designs, but the Topcon version is obviously different.

[woodrim]

Neither of those is exactly like the 1963 Topcor. I have started a thread with the designs - see here:
http://forum.mflenses.com/viewtopic,p,1288318.html#1288318

[Mos6502]

[woodrim]

Nope. Found out between posts.

[IAZA]

Any idea wheter Tokyo Kogaku 50mm F1.4 M RE Topcor GN M is real Topcon or Cosina?

[calvin83]

[IAZA]

Thanks Calvin for the information, now I have it , not mint condition but I'm happy