Two rare 1959 cameras: Yashica Pentamatic & Topcon R

[pablo18]

I'm sharing two rare cameras from 1959: a Yashica Pentamatic and a Topcon R. Both are unusual not just for the model, but because of the uniqueness of their serial numbers, both on the bodies and lenses.

1) TOPCON R

The Topcon R was produced from late 1957 to early 1960. Normally, body serial numbers are in the range 15XXXX or 16XXXX, but this body is 131021, outside the commercial range. The accompanying Auto-Topcor 5.8cm f/1.8 lens also has an unusual serial: 260062, below the commercial range which starts at 280001. Interestingly, this lens serial is a palindrome.

This combination raises the possibility that the camera might have been a prototype, display unit or a special gift. However, we can narrow down the date:

- The lens comes in two versions, differing in distance scale markings. This one is the second version, using inches instead of feet for some distances. That version was produced around 1959.
- The camera came with a waist-level viewfinder in its original box, which has a number on the bottom that appears to be 01 59 or 07 59.
- Considering these points, this camera almost certainly dates to 1959, making it unlikely to be a prototype.
- My guess: a gift from Topcon to a distributor, importer or professional photographer.
- The leather case includes a metal nameplate with a name I could not identify online.

Has anyone seen a Topcor R in a similar presentation or with body and lens serial numbers outside the normal range?

(See photos 1-6 at the end.)

2) YASHICA PENTAMATIC

The Pentamatic was Yashica's first 35mm SLR, and the first in the Pentamatic series, later replaced by the J series with M42 mount. This example consists of a body and a heavy Auto Yashinon 5.5cm f/1.8 lens in Pentamatic mount, both with very early serial numbers:

- Lens: 81 made, the earliest I have seen.
- Body: 823 made.

For Yashica cameras of the 1960's the first digits of serial numbers often indicate the date of manufacture. In this case:

Body: 16000823, January 1960.
Lens: 59100081, October 1959.
Later lenses: 5912XXXX (December 1959) or 605XXXXX (May 1960).

This makes this Pentamatic one of the earliest lenses and bodies produced, showing the very beginning of Yashica production of 35mm SLR cameras.

Has anyone else encountered Pentamatics with such low serial numbers, especially the lens?

(See photos 7-11 at the end.)

 

[David Murphy]

These are beautiful examples, nice find! I don't know anything about their serial numbers, but I know the Pentamatic is not rare, although not an everyday camera for sure (it's important to have the M42 adapter for it). I"m not sure about the Topcon. These look to be in pretty good condition too.

 

[johnf04]

There is a discussion of Yashica Pentamatics (there were 3 models) and their M42 successors here Pentamatic SLR & Move to M42

 

[lynnb]

Both cameras look great, the Topcon in particular (I have an RE Super with Topcor 58mm f/1.4, which gives swirly bokeh wide open).

 

[santino]

Wow, Yashica copied the position of the shutter button from the Praktina/Contax/Pentacon!

 

[Muggins]

Be aware that I know nothing on this subject, I am simply saying what I see, so it is entirely possible that I am talking round objects.

To my eyes, there is something very odd about the Topcon serial number. The 1s are longer both above and below the other digits, and the 3 is much narrower than the 0 and 2. If that's Topcon's usual font, I guess it means nothing. But if it it isn't, I wonder if it's a batch denominator (eg 3 of 02, with the 1s acting as spacers rather than digits.

As I said, entirely likely I'm talking balls, but I will be interested to hear if anyone can solve your mystery.

 

[pablo18]

Be aware that I know nothing on this subject, I am simply saying what I see, so it is entirely possible that I am talking round objects.

To my eyes, there is something very odd about the Topcon serial number. The 1s are longer both above and below the other digits, and the 3 is much narrower than the 0 and 2. If that's Topcon's usual font, I guess it means nothing. But if it it isn't, I wonder if it's a batch denominator (eg 3 of 02, with the 1s acting as spacers rather than digits.

As I said, entirely likely I'm talking balls, but I will be interested to hear if anyone can solve your mystery.

You were actually spot on!

At one point I noticed the same thing, but I dismissed it immediately because it seemed too unlikely. After comparing with a standard Topcon R, the difference is clear.

Here is a photo of a standard Topcon R serial number for comparison.

A further clue might have been the name engraved on the original case. I have not posted it, but I was unable to trace the person online.

 

[AlwaysOnAuto]

I wonder if it's a numbering system used for cameras sold to the photographer whose name is engraved on the case.
3rd version (of the camera), No. 2 (for this photographer).

Just a swag on my part, but I agree, those lines are not numerals.

 

[pablo18]

I wonder if it's a numbering system used for cameras sold to the photographer whose name is engraved on the case.
3rd version (of the camera), No. 2 (for this photographer).

Just a swag on my part, but I agree, those lines are not numerals.

That's an interesting idea. I had initially thought the camera might have been a presentation piece or a gift connected with the engraved name on the original case, but I really have no evidence for that. I have not posted the engraved name out of respect for the person's privacy, but it appears to be an English name. The camera came to me from a seller in the United States, who told me he had acquired it at auction about two years ago.

Following the very nice observation by Muggins, it has actually become more of a mystery to me rather than less.

Another possibility might be some sort of internal factory or inspection numbering, but I simply do not know at this point.