Beseler C Topcon
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Tom hicks
Well-known
kuzano
Veteran
another example of Navy predilection for BEASTs.
another example of Navy predilection for BEASTs.
Like the Kodak Medalist, which won US Navy contracts before it, the big Topcon 35mm's did service in the US Navy. Not sure whether the C did so, but the D and perhaps the Super D were used by the Navy. Topcon's large format lenses are excellent.
another example of Navy predilection for BEASTs.
Like the Kodak Medalist, which won US Navy contracts before it, the big Topcon 35mm's did service in the US Navy. Not sure whether the C did so, but the D and perhaps the Super D were used by the Navy. Topcon's large format lenses are excellent.
Tom hicks
Well-known
Thanks Kuzano , I read the same thing it was quite interesting . And they seem to have been used for quite sometime , longer than I would of thought.
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colyn
ישו משיח
The Topcon Super D was in use in the 70's while I was n the Navy.
Tom hicks
Well-known
Colyn did you have your love for camera and photography back then or was it acquired afterwords.
Nokton48
Veteran
Wow Man, if you like the Super D, here is what you need:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Topcon-Supe...095?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4aaf96afbf
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Topcon-Supe...095?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4aaf96afbf
colyn
ישו משיח
My Granddad gave me my first camera when I was 6 yo. I've been loving it since.. When I joined the Navy I picked photography. Did it for 10 years..
colyn
ישו משיח
Tom hicks
Well-known
I have a Super D coming should be here on Wednesday, I saw that motor drive last night., would be nice but I'd rather have more glass at this time.
Tom hicks
Well-known
colyn
ישו משיח
Getting that setup would bring back some fond memories..
kuzano
Veteran
The navy connection made my first SLR choice for me
The navy connection made my first SLR choice for me
When I was looking for my first serious SLR, I was impressed by the Navy choice of the Topcon camera. I couldn't afford the big Topcon, but I ended up sending my money to a camera dealer in Hong Kong for a Topcon Unirex. Smaller aperture priority automatic interchangeable lens SLR. No manual override, but it had a spot meter function. This was in the early 70's. I still have it. The shutter was a leaf shutter in the body right behind the lens. Topcons of the time were the C, D, Super D, Auto 100, Unirex and a nice series of Large Format lenses. Perhaps more.
The navy connection made my first SLR choice for me
When I was looking for my first serious SLR, I was impressed by the Navy choice of the Topcon camera. I couldn't afford the big Topcon, but I ended up sending my money to a camera dealer in Hong Kong for a Topcon Unirex. Smaller aperture priority automatic interchangeable lens SLR. No manual override, but it had a spot meter function. This was in the early 70's. I still have it. The shutter was a leaf shutter in the body right behind the lens. Topcons of the time were the C, D, Super D, Auto 100, Unirex and a nice series of Large Format lenses. Perhaps more.
steveyork
Well-known
The Topcon Super D is very nice camera, but it doesn't have that old charm of an R, RII (also known as a Beseler B), or RIII (Beseler C). I have an R, and I've played with a Super D in the past.
If you want a camera that melds that precision feel of an old camera with function then consider an original Leicaflex.
I'm not saying that mid-60's onwards cameras aren't good; they just different in feel. More uniformed, more mass produced. I see this clearly when I compare my Leicaflex SL to an original Leicaflex, or the M4 I used to own to an M3. The feel is just different.
If you want a camera that melds that precision feel of an old camera with function then consider an original Leicaflex.
I'm not saying that mid-60's onwards cameras aren't good; they just different in feel. More uniformed, more mass produced. I see this clearly when I compare my Leicaflex SL to an original Leicaflex, or the M4 I used to own to an M3. The feel is just different.
sepiareverb
genius and moron
My first boss after I got out of school and got a real job was a Topcon collector. He had about everything, but was trying to track down a last few accessories. This was in 1984. Tanks indeed. Every time I hear Topcon I think of George.
Dektol Dan
Well-known
Why I Shoot Leicas
Why I Shoot Leicas
My old man worked for the government and could buy at a PX in Japan. He got great deals on Bronicas (which I now own) and Topcons and Nikon Fs. SLRs were all the rage in the '60's, so I bucked the trend and shot Rollies and Leicas (IIIf and an M2R). I guess it was some kind of 'I'll do it my way' with my dad that young hot heads have that steered me to Leica (even though my dad had an M4 too).
Of course, I still borrowed the old man's gear (he had one heck of a camera collection), so I got to use the Topcon a lot. It was a great camera. Well built, and heavy enough to be used as a weapon if a good sized rock with sharp corners wasn't available.
Why I Shoot Leicas
My old man worked for the government and could buy at a PX in Japan. He got great deals on Bronicas (which I now own) and Topcons and Nikon Fs. SLRs were all the rage in the '60's, so I bucked the trend and shot Rollies and Leicas (IIIf and an M2R). I guess it was some kind of 'I'll do it my way' with my dad that young hot heads have that steered me to Leica (even though my dad had an M4 too).
Of course, I still borrowed the old man's gear (he had one heck of a camera collection), so I got to use the Topcon a lot. It was a great camera. Well built, and heavy enough to be used as a weapon if a good sized rock with sharp corners wasn't available.
Trius
Waiting on Maitani
Topcon = Camlust
steveyork
Well-known
Everyone calls a Super D a "tank." And it looks like one. And compared to a Nikon F it feels like it too (somewhat). But it feels light when compared to any of the Leicaflex or any of the Contarex. I will say the one Super D I played with had a very smooth film advance lever. Almost no tension.
I understand the Topcor lenses are very good.
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Steve M.
Veteran
I wish someone would post some photos from this model camera here. Curious to see how it performs.
steveyork is right about the quality of the original Leicaflex (although the SL is an easier camera to use and no slouch in build quality, believe, me). I dearly hated selling my SL, but it was just too big. When I looked at myself in a mirror w/ it held up to my eye, wow, it looked amazingly large. No like. In hindsight, I probably should have put that killer lens on a small Pentax ME Super or something.
steveyork is right about the quality of the original Leicaflex (although the SL is an easier camera to use and no slouch in build quality, believe, me). I dearly hated selling my SL, but it was just too big. When I looked at myself in a mirror w/ it held up to my eye, wow, it looked amazingly large. No like. In hindsight, I probably should have put that killer lens on a small Pentax ME Super or something.
Tom hicks
Well-known
Steve , im going to the zoo today weather permitting and will post images as soon as I can .
Tom
