Photo prise avec auto-photoavit 35mm

Auto Photavit 35mm F2.8, a low-cost lens

Who made this lens?

Auto Photavit 35mm F2.8

I couldn’t find any information about this Japan-made M42 -mount lens.

I assume it was manufactured by Cima Kogaku and rebranded as Photavit, Magnon, or even Topcor depending on the period.

So this appears to be one of the late 1970s lens aimed at offering a more affordable alternative to products from major manufacturers.

Beyond infinity—and closer than expected

My copy shows extended capabilities: it can focus down to 25 cm (instead of the stated 50 cm) and even slightly beyond infinity.

As you can guess, the lens doesn’t stand out for its mechanical build quality.

What it’s capable of

Out of curiosity, I take about ten photos outside with this lens.

Photo prise avec auto-photoavit 35mm

Even though the conditions (Ilford Pan 400 pushed to 1600 + motion blur due to slow shutter speeds) and the small number of shots aren’t ideal for evaluating optical performance, I was pleasantly surprised by the image quality.

If I ever need a “sacrificial” lens to use in harsh weather conditions, I know I can rely on it to produce usable images.

Sources :
https://lens-db.com/cima-kogaku-re-topcor-35mm-f28-1977/
https://35mm-compact.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=26114

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