Rear Row
RE Auto Topcor 500 mm F/5.6  This lens was first announced in 1969 and was featured in some Topcon/Beseler sales material showing it in it's prototype version. On the prototype, the sections of the lens with varying diameters changed in abrupt steps and the focusing ring was of the old metal type with machined cutouts for gripping while focusing. About 1970, the production version became available, with more graceful tapered transitions as the lens sections changed diameter; and a large rubber focusing ring was provided. Since this was a very unique lens--and very expensive--few were sold and there was no incentive for modifications.

Front Row, Left
RE Auto Topcor 20 mm F/4  Another Topcor lens announced early and delivered late. This is a very nice lens, sharp and almost distortion-free. But again, the demand for this extreme (at least at that time) wide angle was not great and only about 1500 were produced. Again, not enough demand to justify updates.

This lens came in a case near identical with that for the 25 mm F/3.5 lens. However, since the 20 mm accepted standard 62 mm filters there was no need for the tray to hold the rear-mounted filters. So instead of designing a case with less height, Topcon merely discarded the filter tray from the 25 mm case and added a velvet covered post attached to the top cover. This keeps the lens in place, but is not very elegant--very un-Topcon in my opinion. The image to the left shows the case with lens and hood installed.

Front Row, Center
RE Auto Topcor, 85 mm F/1.8  One of Topcon's later offerings, probably to answer the demand for a fast, mild-telephoto lens. During this time period photographers were clamoring for this type of lens and Topcon was trying to oblige. And the lens they produced is indeed a beauty--fast and sharp. But in spite of techniques and material to reduce mounting weight, this lens holds a lot of glass and is therefore quite heavy--at 480 g (1 pound) it is 140 g (5 oz) heavier than the 58 mm F/1.4. The added mass does help to steady the camera/lens when shooting in low light. This is one of the most sought after Topcors and sells way beyond collector's prices.

Front Row, Right
RE Auto Topcor, 300 mm F/5.6  A repackage of the R Topcor of this aperture and focal length. The same glass is used, but automatic diaphragm operation and meter coupling were added. This lens is light enough to hand hold--and a good thing too, since it has no tripod  bushing. A strikingly beautiful lens (in my opinion), finished in immaculate matte black, it especially goes well with black finish bodies. I prefer to shoot with longer lenses and this is one of my favorites.