Leotax - Topcor-S 5cm f/2 and Fujinon 5cm f/2

brobbins · 02-21-2009

I understand that Leotax cameras were sold with both Fujinon and Topcor ltm lenses. Has anyone here tried either the Topcor-S 5cm f/2 or Fujinon 5cm f/2 lens? If so, what did you think of the lens? Is the reputation of one better than the other? Thanks.

David Murphy · 02-21-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by brobbins

I understand that Leotax cameras were sold with both Fujinon and Topcor ltm lenses. Has anyone here tried either the Topcor-S 5cm f/2 or Fujinon 5cm f/2 lens? If so, what did you think of the lens? Is the reputation of one better than the other? Thanks.

I've seen these lenses for sale on eBay from time-to-time. Prices see to range up to $500 or so, particularly for the Topcon lenses. Vintage Topcon is getting quite a following. They are rare for sure. My guess is that they have good optics, but that their price is more indicative of their novelty. I do own a Leotax Simlar 5cm F3.5 which in my judgment outperforms the very similar Leica Elmar.

Bill58 · 02-21-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by brobbins

I understand that Leotax cameras were sold with both Fujinon and Topcor ltm lenses. Has anyone here tried either the Topcor-S 5cm f/2 or Fujinon 5cm f/2 lens? If so, what did you think of the lens? Is the reputation of one better than the other? Thanks.

I think they are rarer than a Republican in favor of the Obama Economic Stimulus bill; however, if you really want one, contact Jiri Ecer in Japan (jiri dot e dot jp at gmail dot com). He can comb the camera shops in Toyko for you. Like David Murphy, he's a top-notch fellow.

He might also give you an expert opinion of these lenses' comparative qualities.

Good luck,
Bill

hilltime · 02-22-2009

I own a Topcon 50/1.5, Topcon 50/2, as well as a Fujinon 35/2 which I use on my Leotax F, TV2, and FV as well as a Voigtlander Bessa R2. Top notch lenses which I have paid $$$ for but in comparison to most of my other screw mount lenses, they are my favorites. Would love to find a Fujinon 50/1.2 but I don't think I'll have enough $$$ in my life for that one, unless of course I stoop to buying one at a ridiculous price from those people whom seem to have all the rarieties, and probably will continue for the rest of their lives.
Gary

xayraa33 · 02-22-2009

If my LTM Topcor 3.5cm f2.8 lens is anything to go by, then the LTM Topcor 50mm f2 lens must be a splendid lens.

David Murphy · 02-22-2009

Stop it guys, I'm acquiring Topcon/Fujinon Class Envy! Now I have something new to endlessly lurk the backwaters of eBay and other sites to haplessly search for.

Hacker · 02-23-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by hilltime

Would love to find a Fujinon 50/1.2

furcafe · 02-23-2009

I only have experience w/the 5cm/2.8 Fujinon, which seems to be a fine performer, though mine has some fungus (for that reason, & the fact that it's on the slow side, I haven't used it much).

E.g., http://www.rangefinderforum.com/phot...hp?photo=49193

brobbins · 02-23-2009

Thanks for all the answers. You have convinced me I should try one of these.

Erik L · 02-24-2009

whats the yellow part

xayraa33 · 02-24-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Erik L

whats the yellow part

That is the 3.5cm/5cm combined finder.
The yellow is the gold reflective coating of this galilean type finder.

Erik L · 02-24-2009

the finder is as large as the lens? how does that work? reminds me of the underwater camera finders
really confused how they can combine the finder

xayraa33 · 02-24-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Erik L

the finder is as large as the lens? how does that work? reminds me of the underwater camera finders
really confused how they can combine the finder

the view is very life size, not too different from what is built in the Canon P camera, only more so.

tooffy · 02-25-2009

Topcor & Fujinon LTM lenses are all top notch! I have some of them

richiedcruz · 02-25-2009

I really like my Topcor 5cm f/2, but it is a very heavy lens. I think it is the heaviest LTM lens I own.

Hacker · 03-09-2009

The Fujinon L 5cm f/2.8 was one of the standard lenses that was sold with the Leotax TV, T2, and K3 cameras.

Hacker · 03-21-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by furcafe

I only have experience w/the 5cm/2.8 Fujinon, which seems to be a fine performer, though mine has some fungus (for that reason, & the fact that it's on the slow side, I haven't used it much).

I tried it today, and it was surprisingly a very fine performer.

David Murphy · 03-23-2009

Very nice shots - quite sharp and colorful like a modern lens - I suspect these lenses were handmade and individually collimated (this is how Nikon achieved such awesome optical performance in the mid 50's). Is that a digital camera you've got it on?

Hacker · 03-23-2009

Yes, it was used with the M8.2. I'm actually very surprised by the quality. A couple more:

Hacker · 04-03-2009

I believe the Fujinons were hybrids, very similar to the Topcors.

Hacker · 04-03-2009

I'm purely speculating of course. This is from the 5cm f/1.2:

tooffy · 04-22-2009

Topcor5cmf2 & Fujinon5cmf2 are very sharp. Pleasantly sharp, unlike stark/clinical sharpness of modern asph lenses.
Fujinon5cmf2.0: one in m & the other in feet:

Topcor5cmf2.0- There are 4 versions available & are supposed to differ optically.
However, image rendition between Type 1 & 2 does not seem to differ.
All chrome is Type 1, chrome & black is Type 2, all black is Type 3 & 4. Shown here is Type 1 & 2 (I called it 'Panda' type):

Topcor-S 5cmf1.5 (a half Sonnar). This is an improvement over the Simlar 5cmf1.5 which is a little softer.
Rendition of Topcor-S 5cmf1.5 is almost identical to Canon50mmf1.5.
See http://www.rangefinderforum.com/foru...t=69170&page=4 post #81 & #94

tooffy · 01-16-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by PAN F

I have sent an e-mail inquiry to Fuji HQ. in Japan to see if they have any information in their archives regarding the optical design, production numbers etc., of the Fujinon L lenses and I am hoping they might come forward with some information in due course.

That's great! Do share with us if you get anything.

Thanks.

ElliotV · 01-17-2010

I actually just was provided one of these (a Topcor-S 5cm F2 lens) by a colleague who is retiring, to either keep and use myself or trade or sell (and split the income). It has been attached to a Canon 7S. Someone at the local camera store is probably interested in buying the Canon.

As to the lens, it looks very clean and the glass looks to be in excellent condition. I need to get an m39 to micro 4/3 adapter for it to work on my Panasonic G1. From what I understand of its worth, I am inclined to sell it or trade, though.

There was another lens that came with the camera, a Canon Serenar 85mm f2 lens. It looks interesting, too, and from what I read can be a decent lens, but I am even more likely to sell or trade that one because of its weight.

Any advice you can provide to me would be appreciated. As you will see, I am brand new to this forum. My interest in rangefinders began in 1962 when my father bought me a Voigtlander Vitomatic II. I learned a lot about photography through that little camera, though honestly I was always frustrated at not having a zoom lens!

Hacker · 12-22-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by PAN F

I have sent an e-mail inquiry to Fuji HQ. in Japan to see if they have any information in their archives regarding the optical design, production numbers etc., of the Fujinon L lenses and I am hoping they might come forward with some information in due course.

Did you ever get a reply for this lens? Am curious myself.