T a k u m a r 1 : 3.5 f = 50 mm Model I
Produced May 1952 to May 1953. Serial Numbers 26xx - 364xx. For Asahiflex I. Updated Dec. 2025.
(Research Note: Since 2020 I have seen 1.69% (130 copies) of the total estimated 7,711 copies made.)
INTRODUCTION
A standard Takumar lens first made in early 1952 for the ASAHIFLEX I manufactured for Asahi Optical Company Ltd. The estimated number of cameras produced is 7,658; from collecting serial numbers (Gerjan van Oosten 1999 ,2021).
The initial batch of approximately 500 copies appeared in early 1952. All bear the names Asahi-Kogaku and Takumar. Serial numbers on these copies are from the very beginning of the same serial number series used on every Takumar made until 1975.
The second batch was not made until early 1953 when ongoing manufacturing commenced. In the intervening period the serial number series was shared amongst lenses made for other early cameras; the TAKANE Sisley models 1,2A,3A, MINESIX IIF, IIIS,IIISB, and MINESIX Super 66. The latter using the T-Takumar 1:3.5/ 7.5cm.
All but the initial batch of this lens were made, alternating with the Takumar 1: 3.5/100 and the Takumar 1:3.5/ 75mm, from early 1953. The latter were produced for the Suzuki Optical Company for the rollfilm dual format Press Van and Press Van -120 cameras. Thus the serial numbers on these lenses occupy the gaps between the lens batches described above and may have 4 or 5 digit serial numbers.
This first standard lens was discontinued and replaced by a second in 1953. The first three standard lenses are operated manually and differ cosmetically. They share the same optical construction; 4 elements in 3 groups.
A standard Takumar lens first made in early 1952 for the ASAHIFLEX I manufactured for Asahi Optical Company Ltd. The estimated number of cameras produced is 7,658; from collecting serial numbers (Gerjan van Oosten 1999 ,2021).
The initial batch of approximately 500 copies appeared in early 1952. All bear the names Asahi-Kogaku and Takumar. Serial numbers on these copies are from the very beginning of the same serial number series used on every Takumar made until 1975.
The second batch was not made until early 1953 when ongoing manufacturing commenced. In the intervening period the serial number series was shared amongst lenses made for other early cameras; the TAKANE Sisley models 1,2A,3A, MINESIX IIF, IIIS,IIISB, and MINESIX Super 66. The latter using the T-Takumar 1:3.5/ 7.5cm.
All but the initial batch of this lens were made, alternating with the Takumar 1: 3.5/100 and the Takumar 1:3.5/ 75mm, from early 1953. The latter were produced for the Suzuki Optical Company for the rollfilm dual format Press Van and Press Van -120 cameras. Thus the serial numbers on these lenses occupy the gaps between the lens batches described above and may have 4 or 5 digit serial numbers.
This first standard lens was discontinued and replaced by a second in 1953. The first three standard lenses are operated manually and differ cosmetically. They share the same optical construction; 4 elements in 3 groups.
DESCRIPTION
This first standard lens was discontinued and replaced by a second in 1953. It has a flat silver-coloured chromium-plated nameplate. The name is inscribed with black lettering. The first three standard lenses are operated manually and differ cosmetically. They share the same optical construction; 4 elements in 3 groups.
The following camera model ASAHIFLEX IA (or TOWER 23) produced in early 1953 had another version of this lens similar in appearance. It's nameplate is also chromium-plated with black lettering but slopes inward as if cone-shaped.
Aperture rings have single distance scales marked either "meter" or "feet", but not both. By far the majority carry the latter to support export to the North American market.
This first standard lens was discontinued and replaced by a second in 1953. It has a flat silver-coloured chromium-plated nameplate. The name is inscribed with black lettering. The first three standard lenses are operated manually and differ cosmetically. They share the same optical construction; 4 elements in 3 groups.
The following camera model ASAHIFLEX IA (or TOWER 23) produced in early 1953 had another version of this lens similar in appearance. It's nameplate is also chromium-plated with black lettering but slopes inward as if cone-shaped.
Aperture rings have single distance scales marked either "meter" or "feet", but not both. By far the majority carry the latter to support export to the North American market.
LENS PRODUCTION
(∑ lenses) ∑n=130 Serial Numbers (SN) observed in 22 batches covering 6,071 SN min.< ∑ lenses < 9,351 SN max.
SN min. = accumulated total of serial numbers observed within 22 batches.
SN max. = accumulated total of serial numbers observed between adjacent batches of other lenses.
(∑ lenses) ∑n=130 Serial Numbers (SN) observed in 22 batches covering 6,071 SN min.< ∑ lenses < 9,351 SN max.
SN min. = accumulated total of serial numbers observed within 22 batches.
SN max. = accumulated total of serial numbers observed between adjacent batches of other lenses.
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2617 to 3088 (8/ 471) 261025 to 26967 (7/ 777) 27060 to 27563 (6/ 503) 27643 to 27902 (7/ 259) 27999 to 28414 (13/ 415) 28681 (1/ 1) 28893 (1/ 1) |
Serial Numbers in 22 Batches
(n /SN range) 29074 to 29386 (11/ 312) 29751 to 29832 (2/ 81) 29978 to 30135 (7/ 157) 30166 to 30254 (5/ 88) 30398 to 30446 (3/ 48) 30553 (1/ 1) 31184 (1/ 1) 31379 to 31742 (7/ 363) |
31835 to 31920 (4/ 85) 32030 (1/ 1) 32478 (1/ 1) 32569 to 32990 (9/ 421) 33165 to 34427 (19/ 1262) 34716 to 35122 (9/ 406) 35992 to 36409 (7/ 417) |
