The fast 'normal' lens Topcon offered for their RE Super/Super D cameras had an aperture of F/1.4 with a focal length of 58 mm. When one thinks of a Topcon RE Super or Super D, the image that usual comes to mind is a chrome body with this fast lens mounted. The lens is impressive, especially in chrome; big in both length and diameter and dressed with the black rubber focusing band. It has always been an eye catcher, especially when compared to the smallish lenses attached to today's models.

One definition of a 'normal' lens is a lens with a focal length equal to the diagonal distance, corner to corner, of the image on the film. For the standard 35 mm format of 24 mm x 36 mm, this distance is equal to 43.3 mm. While other camera manufacturers settled on a standard focal length of 50 mm for their 'normal' lenses, Topcon choose, instead, a slightly longer focal length of 58 mm making it a mild telephoto--16% longer than 50 mm. One consequence of this decision was the necessity of a larger front glass element. While other manufacturers lenses needed only a 55 mm filter, this big Topcor required one of 62 mm.

The big, fast, Topcor went through two model types with a number of variations. All in all, I have identified a total of six types with readily identifiable attributes. The 1st generation of the 58 mm F/1.4 had a manufacturing code of 94B (serial number began with 94). This model was replaced by a lens with redesigned optics with a new designation: manufacturing code of 112B. This second model evolved through three discrete versions; the first two offered both chrome and black finishes, while the last one was finished in matte black in common with other lenses of the last generation. For the black finish 2nd and 3rd Generations, the feet scale on the distance ring was filled with white; for the 4th Generation this feet scale was presented in bright orange.

The image below shows all six of these lenses followed by a matrix that identifies the attributes, and classification (by my method) of these lenses. The layout in the image and the matrix are identical.