Horseman Topcor Lenses -- 105mm In Particular

[Mike1234]

105 F/3.5 PRO Topcor vs. 105 F/4.5 SUPER Topcor

I know the "Super" covers 4x5 and the "Pro" does not.

I only need it to cover 6x9cm so all I care about is size/weight and sharpness. Single coated is fine.

Is anyone familiar with the attributes of these two lenses?

 

[ic-racer]

I think the main advantage of the smaller one is that it will fold in the camera.
If you are using the rangefinder the smaller one should be fine.
I actually use the bigger one when hand-holding because I want the extra mass, and I think the edges might be sharper at f8 or f11 than the other (just a hunch, not tested).

 

[Mike1234]

Thanks, IC-R. I'm actually using it on a Century Graphic. I want this to be a very compact lightweight kit. In fact, I've opted for a Century without the RF to save the weight/bulk so this will be GG composing only. I have a few lenses in this FL range to test for overall quality vs. weight/bulk... 90 Ang, 101 Optar, and 101 Ektar. I'm sure all three of these are smaller/lighter than the smaller 105 Topcor but sharpness is a factor and its a slightly better fit to a 65, 105, 165, 254 Tele kit. I guess I'm a bit anal with regard to even spacing of FL. Below are possible lenses and kit options. I already have very nice examples of all but the 105 Topcor.

BTW, this kit is a gift for my brother and I don't want to be cheap. Frugal yes... cheap no.

Lenses Available:
65 Ang... or Pro Topcor
90 Ang... or Raptar
101 Ektar... or Optar
105 Pro Topcor (I'd have to buy this one) (I "might" have one of the 105 Ektars)
127 Ektar ... or Optar
135 f/4.7 Kenar... or Optar
150 f/4.5 Xenar... or 152 Ektar
165 Ilex (the tiny one)
180 Pro Topcor
254 Tele Optar

Kit Options:
65, 90, 127, 180, 254 Tele (approx. 1.41x factor between FL's)
65, 101, 150/152, 254 Tele (approx. 1.5x to 1.7x factor)
65, 105, 165, 254 Tele (approx. 1.6x factor)
*I'll add a 47 SA later but cash is too tight right now.

With regard to the original inquiry... does anyone know the size/weight specs of the smaller 105mm Pro Topcor and is it significantly sharper/fuzzier than the 90 Ang, 101 Ektar, 101 Optar, or 105 Ektar?

 

[ic-racer]

For any GG composing I'd think you'd want the extra coverage of the SUPER 105.

With a system that complete have you considered going with a Horseman VH body? Its the modern version of your rangefinder-less Graphic.

I have the Horseman series , 65 SUPER, 75 PRO, 90 SUPER, 105 PRO, 105 SUPER, 120 SUPER, 150 SUPER and 180 Tele.

The Horseman VHR manual is here pdf ( http://www.butkus.org/chinon/horseman/horseman_vh-r/horseman_vh-r.htm ) and it has the lens specs in the back.

Both 105s are in this picture. Although the 105 SUPER is the largest of this bunch, it is still about average size for a 4x5 lens.

The 105 PRO is on the camera with the lenshood. The 105 SUPER is just to the right.

 

[Mike1234]

Yeah but a VH will cost more money and I've already spent or traded a bloody fortune for this system. I love my brother but I'm going broke here... and can't afford the stuff I want either. BTW, I had a VHR many years ago... stolen during the Christmas holidays in 1994. I loved that camera system. It's a bit heavy though... compared to a Century with tiny lenses. This is importnat because he doesn't get around physically much better than I do.

Thanks for the link... EXACTLY what I needed!!

Judging by the specs the 105 Pro isn't too terribly large or heavy although, as expected, more so then any of the others in my list. What is your experience with sharpness/contrast with this lens? Please remember this is for 6x9cm with minimal movements.

 

[Three Owls]

Topcor's are, in general, excellent lenses. I have a 210mm f5.6 plasmat, I would consider it equivalent to a Fujica or other's of the same vintage and design. If size or other factors were not a concern I would take a Topcor over a Ektar of earlier vintage.

I'd also suggest the VH, I've seen them sometimes go under 200 in bargain condition. Horseman is more expensive but is also, imho, a better value for the money. I'd imagine your brother might one day want to get a new body if he had the Century... at least I know I would.

What are you using for (roll film?) backs? If you use graflex ones they will likely be the weak link in the system due to questionable film flatness. I'd provide a cheaper lens and better backs rather than a better lens and backs with poor film flatness.

Someplace I had a forum thread bookmarked that listed specs on a number of Topcor lenses... I think it was at lff though and that site seems down for me atm.

 

[Mike1234]

It's not just the money but the weight and bulk. He'll be using the better/flatter Graphic 23 RFH's with the end rollers. I'm banned from LPFI (a political issue IMO) so I can't access that site except with In Private browsing. I'm so unhappy with the staff there that I don't really want to go there anymore anyway. Too bad... most of the members are wonderful to correspond with. There are just a handfull with too much influence with the Admins/Mods.