On this page I showcase what I consider rare and hard to find items of the Topcon RE Super/Super D system. I am sure that most collectors have their own idea of the real 'gems' and their choice probably differs from mine. But that's the collecting game; one man's silk purse is another man's sow's ear.

Anyway, herein is my selection of what I nominate for the 'most wanted'.

On the right is a body I never knew existed until I had it in my hands: A first generation (ASA between 10 and 800, insulated hot shoe) in black finish. This is a really early example with holes for a pin-wrench in the cap for the film advance lever.

At the left is a Model 71 in black finish. Only a few hundred of these were made in black and therefore they are highly desirable. The one shown has been my personal camera for 28 years, I bought it new in 1972. Until I began collecting, I did not know that it was especially rare or valuable.

From the picture there is no way to tell that the body in the center is anything but a common Super Dm. However, this one is the last version made by Topcon with a serial number of 722XXXX. This particular body has 'US NAVY' factory engraved on the bottom plate making it even more uncommon.

Here is my selection of the most rare and unusual Topcors. Not surprisingly, with one exception, they are all in black finish.

In the fourth row is the legendary 300mm f/2.8 with preset aperture.

In the third row is, in my opinion, the best looking of all the Topcors, the RE Auto Topcor 500mm f/5.6, and probably also the rarest of all Topcors.

In the second row, to the left, the RE Zoom Auto Topcor in matte black, but without the tripod ring or shoe. To it's right is the RE Auto Topcor 300mm f/5.6. A fourth generation lens in matte black; not many of these lenses were produced.

In the front row, starting from the left.

An RE Auto Topcor 58mm f/1.8. So what's so unusual about this lens? The fact that it is an early lens of this type, serial number 9900XXX, with Red Index dot, and in black finish.

An RE Macro Topcor 58mm f/3.5 in black finish.

The much sought after RE Auto Topcor 85mm f/1.8.

The widest Topcor made. An RE Auto Topcor 20mm f/4.

At the far right is a most unusual Topcor. A second generation wide angle, RE Auto Topcor 25mm f/3.5 finished in black. Not the matte black of the fourth generation lenses, but satin finish like the camera bodies and other early black lenses.

I probably should have included in this group the Macro Topcor 30mm f/3.5. This is a very specialized lens you don't see too often.

Collector's Choice Page 2