Topcor 35mm f2.8 lens, manufactured by Tokyo Kogaku. Introduced in 1955 as an interchangeable lens for the Leotax camera system, it features a symmetrical 4-group 6-element design.
With a weight of just over 150g, its lightweight aluminum and brass construction are complemented by a distinctive white anodized finish, giving it a unique appearance. Tokyo Kogaku products from this era are known for their exceptional craftsmanship and impeccable finish.
The lens was often sold together with a dedicated Brilliant Finder, touted as the largest in the world for 35mm cameras. Its 1:1 magnification allows users to keep both eyes open while maintaining the field of view, making it a popular choice even as a standalone finder. It's also affectionately known as the "obake finder (ghost finder)" due to its humorous appearance. When attached to a camera, it adds a truly unique look.
There are no noticeable scratches, and the overall appearance is very clean. The "ghost finder" is also in excellent condition with no signs of coating wear.
The lens underwent a full service in April 2024. While there are 2-3 very faint wipe marks on the rear element, they are unlikely to affect actual photography. Otherwise, the glass is clean without any haze, and the operational feel is excellent.
The finder's visibility is also good.
The actual shooting results were excellent. It renders delicate lines beautifully while offering a soft and serene depiction. When stopped down slightly, it produces remarkably sharp and powerful images. We would be delighted if you could take a look at the sample images in the gallery.