Topcon Unirex (1969-1970)
Topcon Unirex is made by Tokyo Kogagu Kikai, Japan or same in English, Topcon Optical Co. . Unirex is one of the first SLR:s with full aperture CdS exposure metering. Both averaged metering and spot metering are available. It looks like it should have a focal plane shutter but the truth is that this camera has a leaf shutter behind the lenses. In this case the lens is UV Topcor 1:2, F=50mm. Shutter times are B, 1 - 1/500. |
| Specifications |
|
| |
| Standard Lens |
50mm f/2.8 UV Topcor 4 element lens.47c field of view; f/2.8 to f/22; minimum focus 80 cm.(3 ft.); 49 mm screwin filter mount. |
| Shutter |
Seiko SLV-G behind-lens type leaf shutter. Ten shutter speed settings1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/15, 1/30, 1/60, 1/125, 1/250 and 1/500 sec, plus Bulb. Flash synchronization on M and X settings. Self-timer on V setting. |
|
|
|
| Finder |
Fixed eye-level Pentaprism with 0.82x image (with the standard lens)and 33.5 mmx22.3 mm finder screen (93% of the width and length ofthe actual picture area). Microprism focusing spot surrounded by finefocus ring and full area groundglass, with TOKOBRITE fresnel lens plate. |
|
|
|
| Lens Mount |
TOPCON UNI mount, compatible with lenses for the TOPCON UNI and TOPCONUnirex. |
| Exposure Meter |
TTL (Thru-the-Iens) center-weighted full aperture measuring system, with two CdScells on both sides of the finder eyepiece measuring the reflected light at the finder screen and giving an average reading for the full area. Exposure range is EV 6 to EV 18, with ASA 100 film and 50 mm f/2 lens. |
| Meter Coupling |
Electric-Eye (EE) exposure automation on AUTO setting, with shutter speeds1/15 to 1/500 sec, apertures f/2.8 to f/22 (with ASA 100 film) and film speeds ASA 25 to 1000 (DIN 15 to 33). Complete freedom in aperture/shutter speed settings with manual override. |
| Mirror Action |
Quick-return mirror action, with skirted film blind also folding and unfoldingin coordinated action. |
| Flash Synchronization |
Class M flash bulbs synch at all shutter speeds from 1 to 1/500 sec, on M-setting. |
|
Electronic flash units synch at all shutter speeds, too, on X-setting. Class F flash bulbs synch at shutter speeds 1 to 1/125 sec, on X- setting. |
| Film Winding Action |
180deg. single stroke, advances film, charges shutter and mirror raising mechanism, as well as advancing exposure counter. |
| Exposure Counter |
Exposure counter automatically returns to start-mark (S) upon opening camera back and shows the number of exposures made. Red-colored 1st frame dot, 20th frame numeral and 36th frame dot. |
| Film Speed Indicator |
Click-stopping ASA and DIN film speeds on the lens barrel, with film speed adjustment catch pulled out for making adjustments. ASA speeds 25 - 1600 (15 - 33 DIN) Film speed compensation indexes for use with interchangeable lenses, or 2.8, (3.5), 4 and 5.6, for use with lenses of these maximum apertures. |
| Film Loading |
Hinged camera back locks tight on safety catch when closed strongly. Opens when back cover catch is pulled down. Multi-slot take-up spool for easy loading. |
| Film Rewinding |
Rewind crank is flipped open for rewinding action. Rewind button automatically pops up with film winding lever action. |
|
| UV Topcor 200mm f/4 like all Topcon UV lenses are "true" lenses and not only interchangeanble front elements. UV Topcor 200mm has 6 lens elements, built in lens hood. The front lens is big (68mm) and rather heavy 520g (1,15lb). The minimum focusing distance is 6m (20ft) |
 |
Cameras which made Topcon famous as a camera manufacturer are obviously RE Super and Super Dm models. They have focal plane shutters, more extensive variety of lenses and they were aimed for more professional use as well. In United States Topcon cameras were sold under the name Beseler Topcon. It might be my misunderstanding but there were times when Topcon was an "official" camera of US Navy. Topcon cameras were often described as tanks. Something in their essence really resembles a heavy Sherman or Tiger. If you happen to see one dent on Topcon you can be almost sure that it has arised in El Alamein.
|
 |
|
|
