Lens Prod. Date?

s.randy · 01-16-2011, 10:52 AM

Is there a way to figure out the production date of my M-50mm f/1.7 that I purchased used?

Phil1 · 01-16-2011, 11:31 AM

This may not be much help but I understand the "A" series of lenses started about 1982-3.

You can check in the serial number data base and guestimate where in the series your lens sits if the data base has a good number of entries.

I'm not sure when the Pentax M42 mounts ended and the K "M"s started. You might be able to look for the last M42 camera body info.

With the older lenses it is all in quality and condition anyway.

**gofour3** · 01-16-2011, 03:41 PM

Originally posted by s.randy

Is there a way to figure out the production date of my M-50mm f/1.7 that I purchased used?

With Pentax not the exact date, just the production run, 1977-1984. The closest you would get is via the PF serial number database, the lower the s/n the most likely the oldest year in the run.

M 50/1.7

Phil.

**Just1MoreDave** · 01-16-2011, 05:15 PM

Some of these were made in Taiwan. Some have a plastic trim ring in front (the ring with the lens name on it). I have always assumed that these lenses were later models; no real data to back that up.

s.randy · 01-17-2011, 09:00 AM

Originally posted by gofour3

With Pentax not the exact date, just the production run, 1977-1984. The closest you would get is via the PF serial number database, the lower the s/n the most likely the oldest year in the run.

M 50/1.7

Phil.

Originally posted by Phil1

This may not be much help but I understand the "A" series of lenses started about 1982-3.

You can check in the serial number data base and guestimate where in the series your lens sits if the data base has a good number of entries.

I'm not sure when the Pentax M42 mounts ended and the K "M"s started. You might be able to look for the last M42 camera body info.

With the older lenses it is all in quality and condition anyway.

Thanks for the help, I appreciate it!

01-16-2011, 10:52 AM	#1
s.randy Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Seattle, Wa Posts: 177	Lens Prod. Date? Is there a way to figure out the production date of my M-50mm f/1.7 that I purchased used?

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01-16-2011, 11:31 AM	#2
Phil1 Inactive Account Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: SoCal Posts: 1,292	This may not be much help but I understand the "A" series of lenses started about 1982-3. You can check in the serial number data base and guestimate where in the series your lens sits if the data base has a good number of entries. I'm not sure when the Pentax M42 mounts ended and the K "M"s started. You might be able to look for the last M42 camera body info. With the older lenses it is all in quality and condition anyway.

01-16-2011, 03:41 PM	#3
gofour3 Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 8,090	Originally posted by s.randy Is there a way to figure out the production date of my M-50mm f/1.7 that I purchased used? With Pentax not the exact date, just the production run, 1977-1984. The closest you would get is via the PF serial number database, the lower the s/n the most likely the oldest year in the run. M 50/1.7 Phil.

01-16-2011, 05:15 PM	#4
Just1MoreDave Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Aurora, CO Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,340	Some of these were made in Taiwan. Some have a plastic trim ring in front (the ring with the lens name on it). I have always assumed that these lenses were later models; no real data to back that up.

01-17-2011, 09:00 AM	#5
s.randy Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Seattle, Wa Posts: 177 Original Poster	Originally posted by gofour3 With Pentax not the exact date, just the production run, 1977-1984. The closest you would get is via the PF serial number database, the lower the s/n the most likely the oldest year in the run. M 50/1.7 Phil. Originally posted by Phil1 This may not be much help but I understand the "A" series of lenses started about 1982-3. You can check in the serial number data base and guestimate where in the series your lens sits if the data base has a good number of entries. I'm not sure when the Pentax M42 mounts ended and the K "M"s started. You might be able to look for the last M42 camera body info. With the older lenses it is all in quality and condition anyway. Thanks for the help, I appreciate it!