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Captain Jack's Early Topcon SLR Cameras |
As an offshoot of my Exakta collection, I also have acquired a nice selection of pristine early Topcon SLR cameras. These early Topcons, manufactured by Tokyo Kogaku, Japan are quite similar to the Exakta Varexes for the following reasons:
| 1. | They utilize a similar Exakta bayonet mount for their lenses; |
| 2. | The lenses supplied with the Topcon R & B (3.5cm, 5.8cm, 10cm and 13.5cm) utilize external stop-down similar to the semi-automatic and automatic lenses made for the Exakta; |
| 3. | They have interchangeable finders; and |
| 4. | They are well-made (a bit larger & heavier than the Exakta) and nice examples, such as the pristine ones displayed on this page, can still be occasionally located on the used market. |
Many different Topcon models exist. I have selected only the earlier models ( the Topcon R, B, C, RII & RIII) to discuss and display at this time. These particular models, some of which are rather rare, are my favorites in the Topcon lineup and I am pleased to display them.
Most Exakta lenses can be used on the Topcons, particularly the manual and preset ones. The reverse (Topcon lenses on Exakta) is true only on a very limited scale. The external diaphragm stopdown Auto Topcors, F-Auto Topcors and most of the RE-Topcors will either not fit or not work properly on the Exakta.
The Early Topcons
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Camera: Topcon R (1957-1959) Topcon Code: 15 A Serial #: 161057 Lens: Tokyo Kokagu 5.8cm f1.8 Auto Topcor (semi-auto) Serial #: 281404 Finder: Topcon Prism For additional views, click HERE
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Early
Topcon Hooded Finder
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Camera: Topcon R Autokinon (1959) Topcon Code: 15 A Serial #: 158761 Lens: Tokyo Kogaku 5.8cm f1.8 Auto Topcor Autokinon (fully automatic) Serial #: 631814 Finder: Topcon Prism For additional views, click HERE |
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Camera: Topcon R (Black) [VERY RARE] Topcon Code: 15 A Serial #: 157082 Lens: Tokyo Kokagu 5.8cm f1.8 Auto Topcor (semi-auto) - all black lens [RARE] Serial #: 285339 Finder: Topcon Prism Notes: The Topcon R in black enamel finish was produced in very small quantities for the Tokyo Japan National Police Agency. Seldom encountered, it is one of the rarest Topcon items. For additional views, click HERE |
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Camera: Beseler Topcon B (1959) Topcon Code: 15 A Serial #: 157915 Lens: Tokyo Kogaku 3.5cm f2.8 Auto Topcor (semi-auto) Serial #: 290607 Finder: Topcon Prism Notes: The Beseler Topcon B was the export version of the Topcon R. For additional views, click HERE |
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Camera: Beseler Topcon B Autokinon (1959) Topcon Code: 15 A Serial #: 157480 Lens: Tokyo Kogaku 5.8cm f1.8 Auto Topcor Autokinon (fully automatic) Serial #: 631655 Finder: Topcon Prism Notes: The Beseler Topcon B was the export version of the Topcon R. For additional views, click HERE |
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Camera: Besellr Topcon B (1959) Topcon Code: 15 A Serial #: 153443 Lens: Tokyo Kogaku 5.8cm f1.8 Auto Topcor (semi automatic) Serial #: 283548 Finder: Topcon Prism Notes: This Besellr Topcon B is most likely a preproduction camera as the word "Beseler" is spelled "Besellr" on the front plate. Ony a very were made and this is the only one I've ever encountered. For additional views, click HERE |
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Camera: Topcon RII (1960)  Topcon Code: 30 A Serial #: 302543 Lens: Tokyo Kogaku 10cm f2.8 F.Auto Topcor Serial #: 751508 Finder: Topcon Prism (engraved "Automatic") Notes: For additional views, click HERE |
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Camera: Beseler Topcon C- Version 1 (1960) Topcon Code: 30 A Serial #: 302551 Lens: Tokyo Kogaku 5.8cm f1.8 F.Auto-Topcor Serial #: 621499 Finder: Topcon Prism Notes: The Beseler Topcon C Version 1 was the export version of the Topcon RII. Essentially a Topcon R/B with internal lens stopdown and self-timer. For additional views, click HERE |
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Camera: Topcon RIII (1960) Topcon Code: 31 A Serial #: 311028 Lens: Tokyo Kogaku 5.8cm f1.8 F.Auto-Topcor Serial #: 623126 Finder: Topcon Prism (engraved "Automatic") Notes: The RIII was the last of the early Topcons. It is readily distinguishable by its' front-mounted accessory shoe and shutter speed dial showing both the long and short shutter speeds. For additional views, click HERE |
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Camera: Beseler Topcon C - Version 2 (1960) Topcon Code: 31 A Serial #: 312056 Lens: Tokyo Kogaku 5.8cm f1.8 F.Auto-Topcor Serial #: 620058 Finder: Topcon Prism Notes: The The Beseler Topcon C Version 2 was the export version of the Topcon RIII. It was the last of the early Topcons. Like the Topcon RIII, it is readily distinguishable by its' front-mounted accessory shoe and shutter speed dial showing both the long and short shutter speeds. For additional views, click HERE
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Topcon
Accessory Shoe (fits all early Topcons)
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The Last of the Great Topcons - The Super DM
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Camera: Topcon Super DM (Black) (1973) Topcon Code: 72 A Serial #: 7207233 Lens: Tokyo Kogaku 58mm f1.4 RE Auto Topcor Serial #: 11252688 Finder: Topcon Super DM Prism
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6.5x
Magnifying Finder for RE Super through Super DM |
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