S u p e r - T a k u m a r 1 : 4 / 1 5 0 Model I
Produced 1965 to 1967. SN 1454xxx - 1941xxx. AOCo Product No.374 (or 43740). Honeywell Pentax Cat.No.893. Updated June 2023
Produced 1965 to 1967. SN 1454xxx - 1941xxx. AOCo Product No.374 (or 43740). Honeywell Pentax Cat.No.893. Updated June 2023
(Research Note: Since 2010 I have seen 2.27% (222 copies) of the total estimated 9,750 copies made.)
INTRODUCTION
This lens (374) has 5 elements in 4 groups. The back face of the aperture control switch is blank where the next (improved) version (Model II) has the number 43741 inscribed and has 5 separate elements in 5 groups. Copies were produced in small numbers of batches over three brief periods; the last in conjunction with the next model.
A wider space between f=5.6 and f=4 on the aperture ring gives room for an extra half-stop compared to the next model (43741). The light seal at the rear of the lens is narrow and the rear element in this model (374) is smaller in diameter and is screwed in, rather than glued.
This lens (374) has 5 elements in 4 groups. The back face of the aperture control switch is blank where the next (improved) version (Model II) has the number 43741 inscribed and has 5 separate elements in 5 groups. Copies were produced in small numbers of batches over three brief periods; the last in conjunction with the next model.
A wider space between f=5.6 and f=4 on the aperture ring gives room for an extra half-stop compared to the next model (43741). The light seal at the rear of the lens is narrow and the rear element in this model (374) is smaller in diameter and is screwed in, rather than glued.
DESCRIPTION
The tops of lens cases identify the lens with widely spaced fine text.
The tops of lens cases identify the lens with widely spaced fine text.
VARIATION
Copies of this short-lived early version don't vary. The versions are clearly distinct. I've found no evidence of substitution of parts during assembly; although 6 final batches were assembled among alternate batches of the next model and could well appear.
A keen observer has detected assembly line parts sharing between 43740 and some copies of 43741 in the range 23xxxxx and25xxxxx.
See:forum.mflenses.com/viewtopic,p,1568181.html#1568181
NOTES
LENS PRODUCTION (∑ lenses) ∑n = 222 Serial Numbers observed in 14 Batches covering 8,907 SN min. < ∑ lenses < 10,632 SN max.
SN min. = accumulated total of serial numbers observed within 14 batches
SN max. = accumulated total of serial numbers observed between adjacent batches of other lenses.
One Style: Narrow seal, Aperture switch "M/A"(red/white):
▼ Focus ring F(10/12) ; Aperture ring A(10/10) ; Oval lettering on nameplate all lower case and " Asahi Opt. Co." lacking comma.▲
SN min. = accumulated total of serial numbers observed within 14 batches
SN max. = accumulated total of serial numbers observed between adjacent batches of other lenses.
One Style: Narrow seal, Aperture switch "M/A"(red/white):
▼ Focus ring F(10/12) ; Aperture ring A(10/10) ; Oval lettering on nameplate all lower case and " Asahi Opt. Co." lacking comma.▲
▼ 1454233 to 1456525 (56/ 2292) 1458209 to 1458653 (19/ 444) 1459406 to 1460113 (19/ 707) 1461366 to 1462710 (19/ 1344) 1461760 |
Serial Numbers in 14 Batches
(n /SN range) Collection 1707386 to 1708653 (30/ 1267) 1710573 to 1711768 (28/ 1195) 1714098 to 1715027 (27/ 929) 43741 SN starts 1938559 to 1938801 (6/ 242) 1939014 to 1939122 (3/ 108) |
1941005 to 1941138 (5/ 133) 1941176 (1/ 1) 1941244 to 1941263 (2/ 19) 1941379 to 1941604 (6/ 225) 1941658 (1/ 1) ▲ |