Topcon RE Topcor 135mm f/3.5 - bragging rights.

Voe · 09-04-2008, 04:16 AM

Hello guys and girls,

Inspired by the Converting Topcon lenses to Pentax K: Converting a Topcon RE lens to Pentax K blog and also driven by my curiosity I hunted down a RE Topcor 135mm f/3.5 lens off eBay.
When I received it I could not believe my eyes, this lens looks stunning in flesh. Not sure if the pictures can present how beautiful this lens is but here are some:

Next to my new Nokton:

Look at how similar the focus grip is between Voigtlander Nokton and RE Topcon:

With built in hood fully extended:

My K10D seems to warmly accept it regardless of the "racial differentiality"

ftpaddict · 09-04-2008, 04:39 AM

It really does look like a lovely lens, Voe. But how does it compare to the Pentax 135mm f/3.5?

Voe · 09-04-2008, 04:51 AM

Originally posted by ftpaddict

It really does look like a lovely lens, Voe. But how does it compare to the Pentax 135mm f/3.5?

I used to have Pentax-M 135mm f/3.5 long time ago before I got the Pentax DA 50-200mm (Samsung version) which outperformed it by a mile at 135mm, after which I sold it. Currently my other 135mm f/3.5 is the much loved by me Jupiter-37A.
Since I converted my Topcon last night I did not have a chance to test both lenses against each other but will do this as soon as there is a daylight when not at work

Voe · 09-04-2008, 05:45 AM

Took some quick shots during lunch break:

Bokeh test at closest possible focus:

Bokeh test at focus to infinity:

Red Mazda MX-5 bokeh demo shot through an office window.

During the weekend if weather permits I will do some comparison shots including the Jupiter-37A.

roentarre · 09-04-2008, 05:49 AM

Wow, you have been buying so many toys since last time I saw you.

I would love to try it out myself. I am thinking of visiting a festival called Fringe Festival where various artists are posing for you to shoot.

You might want to come along to test your news on these new subjects

Voe · 09-04-2008, 06:19 AM

Yep, I bought a few lenses recently haven't I, but I think I get closer to the point where my journey through experimenting with various MF lenses will come to an end where I select what serves me best and be content with it for a while.

BTW, it has been more than 10 years since the last time I shoot with film, so I bought a cheap but excellent condition Pentax MZ-50 and 3 rolls of Fuji Velvia 50

k100d · 09-04-2008, 06:33 AM

the topcor design does look very sweet

too bad the Voigt SLI 58mm Topcor M42 was available in such limited quantities
http://cameraquest.com/Voigt%20SL.htm

stevebrot · 09-05-2008, 09:17 PM

Voe, your Topcor is truly a beautiful piece of craftmanship. Let me know if you ever get bored with it!

Steve

(Yes, I took the LBA pledge...I took the pledge...I took...the...pledge...)

09-04-2008, 04:16 AM	#1
Voe Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Sydney Photos: Gallery Posts: 719	Topcon RE Topcor 135mm f/3.5 - bragging rights. Hello guys and girls, Inspired by the Converting Topcon lenses to Pentax K: Converting a Topcon RE lens to Pentax K blog and also driven by my curiosity I hunted down a RE Topcor 135mm f/3.5 lens off eBay. When I received it I could not believe my eyes, this lens looks stunning in flesh. Not sure if the pictures can present how beautiful this lens is but here are some: Next to my new Nokton: Look at how similar the focus grip is between Voigtlander Nokton and RE Topcon: With built in hood fully extended: My K10D seems to warmly accept it regardless of the "racial differentiality"

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09-04-2008, 04:39 AM	#2
ftpaddict Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Yurp Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,666	It really does look like a lovely lens, Voe. But how does it compare to the Pentax 135mm f/3.5?

09-04-2008, 04:51 AM	#3
Voe Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Sydney Photos: Gallery Posts: 719 Original Poster	Originally posted by ftpaddict It really does look like a lovely lens, Voe. But how does it compare to the Pentax 135mm f/3.5? I used to have Pentax-M 135mm f/3.5 long time ago before I got the Pentax DA 50-200mm (Samsung version) which outperformed it by a mile at 135mm, after which I sold it. Currently my other 135mm f/3.5 is the much loved by me Jupiter-37A. Since I converted my Topcon last night I did not have a chance to test both lenses against each other but will do this as soon as there is a daylight when not at work

09-04-2008, 05:45 AM	#4
Voe Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Sydney Photos: Gallery Posts: 719 Original Poster	Took some quick shots during lunch break: Bokeh test at closest possible focus: Bokeh test at focus to infinity: Red Mazda MX-5 bokeh demo shot through an office window. During the weekend if weather permits I will do some comparison shots including the Jupiter-37A.

09-04-2008, 05:49 AM	#5
roentarre Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 11,783	Wow, you have been buying so many toys since last time I saw you. I would love to try it out myself. I am thinking of visiting a festival called Fringe Festival where various artists are posing for you to shoot. You might want to come along to test your news on these new subjects

09-04-2008, 06:19 AM	#6
Voe Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Sydney Photos: Gallery Posts: 719 Original Poster	Yep, I bought a few lenses recently haven't I, but I think I get closer to the point where my journey through experimenting with various MF lenses will come to an end where I select what serves me best and be content with it for a while. BTW, it has been more than 10 years since the last time I shoot with film, so I bought a cheap but excellent condition Pentax MZ-50 and 3 rolls of Fuji Velvia 50

09-04-2008, 06:33 AM	#7
k100d Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Toronto Posts: 3,911	the topcor design does look very sweet too bad the Voigt SLI 58mm Topcor M42 was available in such limited quantities http://cameraquest.com/Voigt%20SL.htm

09-05-2008, 09:17 PM	#8
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Voe, your Topcor is truly a beautiful piece of craftmanship. Let me know if you ever get bored with it! Steve (Yes, I took the LBA pledge...I took the pledge...I took...the...pledge...)