Topcor-S 5cm F2, 6 element in 4 group 1-2-2-1 Planar

[Sonnar Brian]

I read one site that stated the Topcor-S 5cm F2 is a 1-2-2-1 double Gauss, like the Summar, Amotal, and Ektar 47/2 that I did a comparison between. I'll have to shoot a new comparison.


Looking at this quick test, it certainly has the swirly Bokeh of the classic Double-Gauss.

Prices are way down on these lenses that are found mostly in Japan. This one is out of the US, and came in at under $230 total. I'm happy. Only the lightest cleaning mark (singular) on the front element. Chrome looks good, focus is smooth, and focus is spot-on. The lens was listed as "Refurbished", and it looks like it had a full CLA and carries a 6month warranty from the camera shop.

F2 and F4 pairs. Focus is perfect. Some focus shift, but nothing like a Sonnar.



Infinity test at F2.


Shot on the M9.

 

[Sonnar Brian]

Fall is here, as is some color. In another week or two, there will be a lot more of this.

F2 and F4 pairs.

 

[Sonnar Brian]

Use a Hood, be careful pointing into the Sun.
At F2.


What a difference a few degrees make.
This lens pairs with the M9 nicely.

 

[Sonnar Brian]

At F2. First 3 are at minimum focus, just under 3.5ft.











This lens is sharp, living up to what I've read about the Topcor lenses. It is much sharper and has more contrast than the Simlar 5cm F1.5. I'll have to do a comparison between the two. But this one is better.

 

[das]

Nice! Thanks for providing some examples of this lens. Always wondered what the Topcors were all about.

 

[Coldkennels]

This looks like my kind of lens - I do love me a bit of swirl.

 

[Miles.]

Optical formula for the Topcor-S shown on the right:

 

[Sonnar Brian]

a 1-2-1-1-1. Now I want that one too...
I bet they were getting some reflections off "The 5th element". I think there was a movie about this lens.

 

[Miles.]

I have collected a lot of serial # data on the Topcor-S 5cm f2 lens and will share it here. To my knowledge, the formula and glass used didn't change throughout the production run. The third and final variant, however, received a lot of cosmetic changes, as well as a reduced focus throw to 90 degrees.

Topcor-S 5cm f2 LTM “All-Chrome”

Earliest Known: 210029
Latest Known: 217847
Exceptions Found:
219915 (“Panda” serial # range… optics swapped from donor?)
316372 (Misprint?)
Highest # - Lowest #: 7,818+ Produced

Topcor-S 5cm f2 LTM “Panda”

Earliest Known: 217935
Latest Known: 220100
Exceptions Found: 246360
Highest # - Lowest #: 2,165+ Produced

Topcor 5cm f2 LTM “Black Aluminum”

Earliest known: 540236
Latest known: 552843
Highest # - Lowest #: 12,607+ Produced

 

[dexdog]

So, not an f2 lens, but an LTM Topcor 5cm f1.5 lens. Not marked as a Simlar, however. Any ideas? Not in the market, just curious.

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[Miles.]

So, not an f2 lens, but an LTM Topcor 5cm f1.5 lens. Not marked as a Simlar, however. Any ideas? Not in the market, just curious.

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The name change from Simlar to Topcor happened somewhere between #152930 and #153063. The latest Topcor example I've documented is #153879.

There are lots of cosmetic changes throughout the production range, but to my knowledge, the optical formula remained the same. Glass/coatings, I'm sure, evolved.

 

[Sonnar Brian]

The filter size of mine is 39mm, the 74th made. This later one above is most likely is 40.5mm.

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It's an uncommon lens. Did better with a Y2 filter on The M Monochrom.
Mine came on a 4-digit Leotax D-IV, really good price. Camera, lens, Canon 85/2 for $600. I would not spend over $1K for the one above, collector's item- but no comparison with all the other F1.5 lenses out there, more contrast than the Leica Xenon. Took four days to soak in solvent to get the helical to move.

 

[Miles.]

The red “c” didn’t last long (maybe only the first 50?), the move to 40.5mm happened in the first 500, and after that really only the number of layers of knurling around the barrel changed.

 

[Sonnar Brian]

Probably got rid of the "C" when they changed the aperture to F16. Mine has a "10" scribed internally. Just a WAG- but could be the 10th made of the newer type, F16, no red C.
I have the original front cap with engraved Leotax on it. Glass is perfect, the coating survived intact despite lots of haze building up.