Tokyo Kogaku RE Auto Topcor 58mm F1.4 - Claimed Best Standard Lens of its Time
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- Опубликовано: 23 июл 2024
- Introducing the Tokyo Kogaku RE Auto TOPCOR 58mm F/1.4 standard prime lens.
Released in 1963, and renowned among collectors and connoisseurs of vintage lenses, it is considered by some to be among the best high-speed normal lenses of its era.
A somewhat lengthy video by necessity, intended to be the definitive guide for the Topcor 58mm F1.4 lens.
Over three months in the making, with extensive research, countless Japanese website translations and delving into the Wayback Machine archives - noting that much of the information and links that were once available are now lost in time.
For those seeking an abridged summary, the performance review commences at 19 minutes 44 seconds.
00:00 Introduction
01:54 History
03:24 Specifications
06:45 Adapter Options
09:14 Pricing & Availability
12:16 Build Quality
14:30 Design Weaknesses
15:21 Applications
15:58 Lens Alternatives
16:44 The US Navy
18:12 Cosina Replica
19:44 Performance
20:17 Sharpness
21:18 Distortion
21:36 Colour Rendition
22:24 Vignetting
22:58 Chromatic Aberration
23:27 Coma
23:48 Bokeh
24:25 Focus Transition
24:44 Halation
25:12 Lens Flare
26:00 Conclusion
Correction to content: it was stated in the video that the Topcor lenses were believed to be the first of their type to incorporate a rubber focus ring. It has subsequently been pointed out by a most astute viewer that the Kilfitt lens series predated the Topcor.
The Heinz Kilfitt Munchen Tele-Kilar 300mm F/5.6 launched in 1948 is notable for its early inclusion of a rubber focus ring. I’ll refrain from proclaiming it was the first, but it was certainly much earlier than the Topcor lenses.
Interesting is that the Kilfitt lenses have a remarkable design similarity to the Topcon lenses - is it possible they served as inspiration for the Topcor RE lens designs?
Lens: Tokyo Kogaku RE. Auto-TOPCOR 58mm F1.4
Adapter: Fotodiox Pro Lens Mount Adapter EXA-SNE-P
Camera: Sony A7r IV
Adaptable to Nikon, Sony, Leica, Canon, Olympus and Fujifilm mirrorless and DSLR cameras.
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One of my favorite lenses of all time. I used it yesterday during a difficult desert shooting with 30-year-old low ISO Soviet black and white film, over 40-degree temperatures and having to use a shutter speed of between 1/30th and 1/60th of a second. I used a Topcon RE2 and the 58mm f1.4 and a Nikon camera with a standard Nikkon 50mm lens. The Topcon combination provides good photos due to the lens and its detail.
Many thanks Gerry, took longer than anticipated to put together but hopefully has everything covered. It’s the information that I was looking for when looking to purchase a Topcor 58 1.4 - but the information simply wasn’t available, or at least not in one spot. Working on the next video already, Canon’s best street photography lens. I’ll give you a hint, it’s 44 years old and can be purchased for as little as $21.
Great video - must have been a ton of work bringing all this information together.
The 58/1.4 is an awesome lens and a pleasure to own and use.
Not sure about it being the first with a rubber focus ring though. I have a Kilfitt Makro Kilar E 40mm f3.5 from around 1955, often touted as the first macro lens, which has a rubber focus grip.
Many thanks for your message and acknowledgement, yes it took a lot of work to put this one together. Noted on the Kilfitt - you are absolutely right, predates the Topcor by 8 years. This was one area of the claims I found difficult to confirm absolutely, Google was no help and a call out to Nikon and Canon forums returned results of speculation only. As such, I felt it necessary to preface the statement as ‘believed to be the first of its type’ knowing that at some point someone with greater knowledge will correct me. I greatly appreciate your input. I wasn’t familiar with the Kilfitt Makro before you comment, interesting to note the design has visual elements in common with the Topcor - could it have served as design inspiration? You’ve sparked my curiosity.
@@durlacher3524 No worries. I hesitate to post 'corrections' as they always seem like nitpicking or critism and are often taken as such ;-) Maybe the Kilfitt also wasn't the first!
There are certainly some aesthetic similarities in style between the Kilfitt and the Topcor, maybe just coincidental. The grips on the Kilfitt lenses are also often missing or heavily degraded. Overall, the Topcor certainly has a more premium feel.
Kilfitt is an interesting company that took their own path and created some unique lenses.
Finally a new old-lens review, I am waiting for it for so long. I like the history session of every lens you've talked and the PPT design is surprisingly professional.
Hi, thank you for the video, I found it very informative.... how do I go about obtaining an M42 mount to adapt the re: auto-topcor 5.8cm f1.4?
Great great great video. Very useful. I love. More please. 👍Thanks.
信息量非常大，很不错！👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
I love mine, I have a black version I managed to buy from a house clearance auction.
Fantastic, and it’s noteworthy that good copies do come up from time to time outside the normal channels. It’s a little saddening to say, but I think what increase in supply that may eventuate will likely be from former owners passing away. The black versions do look great.
@durlacher3524 I was at the right place at the right time, it came with the camera, lens caps, polarising filter, reverse fitting which allows me to shoot it 'the wrong way around' and extension tubes. It's in super condition, I have put zip ties around the rubber focusing grip because it us a little loose, but that's it. I use it a great deal. 👍
Great video! That probably looks a lot of time and effort, well done
Many thanks, greatly appreciate your acknowledgement. Yes, a lot of time and effort. Undoubtedly targeting a very narrow viewership, but for those interested, I hope it’s of value.
Great video…stil Got some topcon in my cabinet…among the lenses a 58 1.4 and a 20mm f4
asking again - Would you know if the 20mm f4 exists in black paint? I have yet to run across one. Thanks!
I'd like to see a review of the RE Auto Topcor 50mm F1.4
Hi John, on my list - following planned reviews of the Topcor 25mm and 35mm lenses (the 25mm is a beautiful lens and on initial review appears to be an excellent performer). More videos to follow. The 50mm 1.4 is meant to be exceptionally sharp.
Totally agree. These lenses are gems. Never confuse them with the cheaper UV Topcor.@@durlacher3524