1960s Beseler Topcon Super D 35MM SLR Film Camera, 2 Lenses, Tested

Description: Looking for a great vintage film camera and lenses? The Topcon Super D SLR 35mm film camera was a technological tour de force that made Tokyo Optical Co. a top contender in midcentury photography. These cameras and lenses were built to compete with the mighty Nikon F, and earned a contract with the US Navy as its preferred camera, that had some of the best SLR lenses of the era. Considering the age, this camera is in very good condition. Unfortunately, the meter system is not working. The meter responds but is not giving accurate readings. Fortunately, the meter does not affect the operation of the camera. I used a hand-held meter for the test photos pictured. The shutter and aperture work smoothly and properly. Focusing is smooth. Both lenses, 58mm f/1.4 and the 100mm f/2.8 are in very good condition, focus and diaphragm are working smoothly and properly, and the glass looks to be clean. This camera is built like a tank, weighting in at 2lbs / 12oz. Specifications: System - Topcon(1957) Format – 35mm full frame. Film Type – 135 mm cartridge-loaded film. Shutter – focal-lane / mechanical / 1 -1000 + B. Exposure Mode – Manual Self-timer – 5 – 10 seconds ISO Range – 25 - 1600 Flash sync – 1/60 seconds. Removable viewfinder Interchangeable focusing screen. Topcon began producing 35mm SLRs in 1957 before either Nikon or Canon, but their pièce de resistance was the Topcon Super D of 1963 -1971. Rugged and versatile, It was aimed primarily at pros with its removable pentaprism, interchangeable screens, an array of high-performance Topcor lenses from 20-500mm, and a full line of system accessories. I think this review from Lomography.com says it all: “Here we have a US Navy BeselerTopcon Super D. If you can find any version of this camera, buy it immediately! It doesn't get any better than this! The Beseler Topcon Super D was the combat camera for the US Navy and the US Air Force from the 1960s to the 1980s after winning a competitive test with the Nikon F and several other Japanese and German cameras. It fits to your hand like a perfect weapon, with the front-facing shutter button right under your right forefinger. Also, that huge, 5.8 cm f/1.4 lens is one of the sharpest ever honed and does not vignette, even when shot wide open." Throughout its lifetime, the Topcon RE- and D-series SLRs built a legendary reputation among hard-core photographers as beautiful, bulletproof cameras with lenses that could go toe-to-toe with the best that Zeiss, Leitz, Nikon, and Canon had to offer. Please be aware there is always an inherent risk when purchasing vintage equipment. This camera may work for years to come without any issues, but may need future servicing. This is the risk all of us take when purchasing vintage equipment. We are collectors also. Camera / lens comes from a smoke-free home.

Price: 425 USD

Location: Newport News, Virginia

End Time: 2024-09-13T22:27:27.000Z

Shipping Cost: N/A USD