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12-29-2016, 05:52 AM   #16
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QuoteOriginally posted by monochrome Quote
I've had three at one time or another, so either 13 or 15

Based on estimating from the Serial Number Database I'd say around 30,000, 7500 of them Version 1. By coincidence mine is the highest Serial entered in the database.
How did the serial numbers work on these?
Mine is 1435019
Does that make it #5019 of the run?

12-29-2016, 06:44 AM   #17
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I just had to check on fleabay for this lens...;-) Quite a few of the first version K-series there as we speak. Mostly from Japan of course.
12-29-2016, 07:44 AM   #18
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QuoteOriginally posted by Collinb Quote
How did the serial numbers work on these?
Mine is 1435019
Does that make it #5019 of the run?
Pentax is notorious for the lack of meaning to their numbering series. It seems they would use any open block of numbers for any item based on the size of the planned production run and the size of the open block of numbers. There doesn't seem to be any (available) corporate production record, either. However, by looking at the pattern of numbers in the Serial Number Database for the SMC Pentax 50mm f/1.2 one can roughly infer an estimate of the size of one (or more) runs of the lens.

First set is 1200335 - 1207263, so I infer 7500
Second set is 1430235 - 1471027, but there are large gaps in the 143xxxx set, the 144xxxx set, and several others, so one could infer repeated small batches. The 1460xxx set seems to be 2000, then a 14638xx 1464xxx set, etc.

Look for yourself - on reflection, 30,000 pieces is probably way high. Maybe half that number is better.
12-29-2016, 08:47 AM   #19
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I have two K50/1.2's and one is the early version “SMC PENTAX 1:1.2/50” with a s/n of 1438xxx and my second K50/1.2 is the later version “smc PENTAX 1:1.2 50mm” with a s/n of 1446xxx.

So as you can see the s/n's are pretty close even though the lenses are from different versions. My guess is both my lenses are from 1977, when the name change was done.

Phil.

12-29-2016, 10:03 AM   #20
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I currently have 3, so how many are we up to now?
The Serial number database is your friend...

K 50 1.2 Serials

Last edited by jbondo; 12-29-2016 at 10:13 AM.
12-29-2016, 10:15 AM   #21
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QuoteOriginally posted by jbondo Quote
I currently have 3, so how many are we up to now?
Before you get out your calculators, I've got one too.
12-29-2016, 11:06 AM   #22
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I don't have one, but I've seen lots of pictures. So, either there's an elaborate hot-potato conspiracy involved,
else I'd guess there are 'more than a few dozen'.


Last edited by tvdtvdtvd; 12-29-2016 at 11:15 AM.
12-29-2016, 01:51 PM   #23
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QuoteOriginally posted by jbondo Quote
The Serial number database is your friend
Thanks for the nudge. I just added mine to the database - apparently it's a pretty early sample. Guess I should enter some other lenses too.
01-01-2017, 07:58 AM   #24
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I have one too: 1464694. I am puzzled how we distinguish the two versions. Is it by serial number or what? Thanks for any enlightenment.
01-01-2017, 09:03 AM   #25
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QuoteOriginally posted by Mikesul Quote
I have one too: 1464694. I am puzzled how we distinguish the two versions. Is it by serial number or what? Thanks for any enlightenment.
It will say SMC or smc
01-01-2017, 09:21 AM   #26
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Complete engraved names:
SMC PENTAX 1:1.2/50 (early version), smc PENTAX 1:1.2 50mm (later version)
SMC Pentax 50mm F1.2 Reviews - K Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database
01-01-2017, 10:24 AM   #27
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QuoteOriginally posted by pschlute Quote
It will say SMC or smc
QuoteOriginally posted by D. Obermann Quote
Complete engraved names:
SMC PENTAX 1:1.2/50 (early version), smc PENTAX 1:1.2 50mm (later version)
SMC Pentax 50mm F1.2 Reviews - K Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database
Thanks for the fast, helpful responses. I had noticed the difference but didn't expect that to be the sign. I have the SMC in caps version so it must be the earlier one. Is there any other difference people have noticed between the two?
01-01-2017, 11:30 AM - 2 Likes   #28
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There is of course the very rare third version.........Pentax LX Special GOLD Edition, 1981 - Prelude
01-01-2017, 11:37 AM   #29
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Great.....a "must have it"...
01-01-2017, 11:48 AM   #30
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QuoteOriginally posted by Mikesul Quote
Thanks for the fast, helpful responses. I had noticed the difference but didn't expect that to be the sign. I have the SMC in caps version so it must be the earlier one. Is there any other difference people have noticed between the two?
I think other than the beauty ring (which was changed to be consistent with the M lenses) they are quite identical.

Phil - gofour3 - will know if there are any other differentiators.
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