On Sat, 22 Jun 2002 21:08:10 GMT, "Leon Schoenfeld" wrote:

>I am adding to my web page and need to tap into the combined intelligence of
>the group.
>
>In 1963 Topcon offered a 25 mm F/3.5 lens for their new RE Super/Super D
>camera. This lens was one of a series of RE Auto Topcor lens that
>incorporated automatic diaphragm and coupled to the camera body for
>wide-open metering. Since the camera body had no provision for mirror
>lockup, the back focus of this lens was sufficient to clear the swinging
>mirror.
>
>I have reason to believe that this was the world's first ultra wide angle
>lens for use on a SLR camera, without mirror lockup. My question is: Is this
>true? Was there a lens of similar focal length made for SLR use (without
>mirror lock-up) and offered for sale before 1963?
>
>I thank the group in advance for any information they can provide and invite
>anyone interested in the old (but still new) Topcon RE Super/Super D system
>to visit my web page devoted to this camera:
>
>http://topconcollection.home.att.net
>
>Leon Schoenfeld

Yes, East German Zeiss made a 25mm f4 (f5.6, in practice...)
Flectogon (and later, a 20mm f4 Flecktogon). The 25 was
slow, but surprisingly good (and large). I'm fairly sure the
Flectogon predated the Topcor, but I've been known to be
wrong...;-) The 24mm Angenieu (spelling...!) and Isco(?)
Westrogon, also for the Exacta, were very early also, as was
the 25mm Distagon for the Contarex.