Thursday, 11 October 2018

Nut or top? UV Topcor 1:2 53mm Tokyo Kogaku Japan

Cost: $9.50 (average market price $20)

I can't help it. I liked the looks of the UV Topcon 135mm so much, that I had to buy another one. I found this one for the incredible price of $9.5. A steel! It comes again with the beautiful combination of black paint and brushed metal. A beauty for the look of the lens alone.

As all UV Topcor lenses, it also comes without the aperture ring but the zoom ring is smooth as butter. A very compact lens for this range, and a solid feel to it. It has the uncommon range of 53 mm, but I understand 53 mm aligns with 2 inches, and it seems many of the 50mm lenses out there, are actually 50mm in reality

Compared to the 135mm, it was more pleasant to use. Although only a maximum f2 lens, it felt a lot faster. Even at dusk, I was able to shoot at 100 ISO.

Image quality is not great, but sharper then the 135mm, with only a minor color aberration. But what makes this lens special is the unique rendering. It just has a different look. And I founf it to also have a good ability to 3D render your image. A subject on a blurred background just jumps out at you.

In short, a nice looking lens to add to my collection, and a nice lens to use. I might be looking for another UV Topcor lens (actually just ordered the 200mm).

Lens Specification:

Focal Length: 53mm
Maximum Aperture: F2.0
Minimum Aperture: F22
Image Format: 35mm
Lens Mount: UV Topcor
Optics: 6 elements
Blades: 5
Focussing: Manual
Minimum Focus: 70cm
Filter Size: 49mm
Weight: 155g
Length: 26-32mm
Production: 1960's
Serial Number: 54252393
Made in: Japan

More information on: Topcon

Samples:

1/1000s - ISO100 - Handheld

1/400s - ISO100 - Handheld

1/320s - ISO100 - Handheld

1/200s - ISO100 - Handheld

1/125s - ISO100 - Handheld

1/640s - ISO100 - Handheld

1/640s - ISO100 - Handheld

1/320s - ISO100 - Handheld

1/200s - ISO100 - Handheld

1/160s - ISO100 - Handheld

1/250s - ISO100 - Handheld

1/400s - ISO100 - Handheld

1/320s - ISO100 - Handheld

1/500s - ISO100 - Handheld
Sources:
flickr.com
wikipedia
camera-wiki
All Photo Lenses

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4 comments:

  1. Safeall17 January 2019 at 22:43

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  2. Unknown1 March 2020 at 10:52

    Good evening. I just discovered the same lens that you described here in an old bag belonging to my late father. Can I use this with my Sony a7R2 ? What kind of converter will I need? THANKS FOR THE ARTICLE!

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    Replies
    1. didekeer7 March 2020 at 20:12

      Yes, you can, but you need an adapter. These are pretty rare as
      Topcon UC is a fairly rare mount. I found one at RareAdapters.com, but not sure they still have some in stock. I bought the last one at the time, but they might have build some more in the mean time. Not sure if it is worthwhile for one lens. But I did like this one...

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  3. didekeer7 March 2020 at 20:11

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