RE.Auto-Topcor 5.8cm f1.8 test

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RE.Auto-Topcor 5.8cm f1.8 test
RE.Auto-Topcor 5.8cm f1.8 test

With a Tokyo Kogaku Japan RE.Auto-Topcor 1:1.8 f=5.8cm. To give the lens its full name. Based on the serial number, the lens is a Code 129B (Chrome) version from 1966.

I bought this lens, attached to a camera, knowing that both the lens and camera were broken. The lens itself won't stop down on either the camera, or an Exakta/e-mount adapter.

I took the back of the lens off, but couldn't immediately see what was wrong, so I put it back together. This problem is quite common it seems. I contacted someone who modifies other Topcor lenses to fit on M42 mounts, and he told me he wouldn't touch the RE.Auto. Currently, I'm using a hat pin to open and close the blades, a better solution than jamming the blades wide-open.

A second problem is that the lens won't focus to infinity on the Exakta adapter. It's a pretty looking lens, such a shame it’s not working properly.

Why did I buy it? People keep telling me on YouTube that I should try the RE.Auto Topcor 58mm f1.4. They say it's one of the very best, if not the best old f1.4 lenses ever made, with a design used by Voigtlander for their 58mm f1.4. But having looked at numerous Topcor 58/1.4 images on-line, I don't like the lens's bokeh. Not enough to justify the investment, and I'm not in the mood to do a "everyone loves this lens but me" video right now.

I know the 58/1.8 is a different lens, but it is also very highly rated. So when the broken camera/lens came up on-line, I decided to bid and won them for £40.

Much that I’m frustrated with my lens’s faults, it really is good optically!!!

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Taken on: September 12, 2023
Tags: Everybody's photos tagged with Topcor 58mm f1.8 Topcor 58mm f1.8
Sets appears in:   • Topcor 5.8cm f1.8   
Groups appears in:   • Candles    • Bokeh: Smooth & Silky    more » • Bokeh addiction    • Bokeh Masters    • Topcor Lenses    • BOKEH of VINTAGE PRIMES ⭕    « less
Camera: Sony ILCE-7M4, f/0, 1/15 sec, 0mm, ISO 100 (more info) (hide info)
Camera: Sony ILCE-7M4
Aperture: f/0
Exposure Time: 0.067 sec (1/15)
Focal Length: 0mm
ISO: 100
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: Off, Did not fire
Exposure Program: Aperture-priority AE
Exposure Mode: Auto
Metering Mode: Multi-segment
White Balance: Auto
Color Space: sRGB
Software: ILCE-7M4 v2.00
Show full info
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