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 July 2026.
(Research Note: Since 2020 I have seen 2.04% (154 copies) of the total estimated 7,600 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). This estimation marries well with the estimated number of lenses above; also from collecting serial numbers.
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). This estimation marries well with the estimated number of lenses above; also from collecting serial numbers.
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. Its nameplate is also chromium-plated with black lettering but slopes inward as if cone-shaped.
Distance scale units are in"Feet". This lens focusses by turning the ring in the opposite direction to the following model and all others. (anti-clockwise from the front) Great for left-handers!
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. Its nameplate is also chromium-plated with black lettering but slopes inward as if cone-shaped.
Distance scale units are in"Feet". This lens focusses by turning the ring in the opposite direction to the following model and all others. (anti-clockwise from the front) Great for left-handers!
LENS PRODUCTION
(∑ lenses) ∑n=154 Serial Numbers (SN) observed in 25 batches covering 6,209 SN min.< ∑ lenses < 8,921 SN max.
SN min. = accumulated total of serial numbers observed within 25 batches.
SN max. = accumulated total of serial numbers observed between adjacent batches of other lenses.
(∑ lenses) ∑n=154 Serial Numbers (SN) observed in 25 batches covering 6,209 SN min.< ∑ lenses < 8,921 SN max.
SN min. = accumulated total of serial numbers observed within 25 batches.
SN max. = accumulated total of serial numbers observed between adjacent batches of other lenses.
|
2617 to 3088 (8/ 471) 26190 to 26967 (8/ 777) 27060 to 27577 (10/ 517) 27643 to 27929 (8/ 286) 27999 to 28439 (14/ 440) 28621 (1/ 1) 28681 (1/ 1) 28893 (1/ 1) |
Serial Numbers in 25 Batches
(n /SN range) 29074 to 29398 (14/ 324) 29751 to 29832 (2/ 81) 29978 to 30135 (8/ 157) 30166 to 30254 (5/ 88) 30398 to 30464 (4/ 66) 30553 (1/ 1) 31184 (1/ 1) 31379 to 31596 (5/ 217) |
31628 to 31742 (5/ 114) 31835 to 31920 (4/ 85) 32030 to 32037 (2/ 7) 32478 (1/ 1) 32569 to 32842 (7/ 273) 32890 to 32990 (2/ 100) 33083 to 34427 (22/ 1344) 34716 to 35122 (11/ 406) 35992 to 36442 (9/ 450) |
