Originally posted by Ole The plot thickens. Looking at the lens mount your copy clearly supports open aperture metering. I had not expected that on a 37902, since we have the 37908 with open aperture metering. Could it be that your lens is actually a late copy from just before the change-over to the 37908 SMC Takumar?
Ole, I have just found and purchased this 37801 (4333853) on Ebay. The serial number is only 747 before my early 37902 (4334600). Or have I just displayed my ignorance in understanding serial numbers for Takumars? According to the "Takumarology - Takumar Field Guide" (Page 10) there seems to be some overlap in numbers from the 37801 vs 37902. Maybe I should not have bought the 37801? Feeling kinda stupid now.
It seems a member here, Droo (field guide writer) is an expert concerning the 50mm Takumars. Hopefully he will sort this out for us. For the life of me I cannot understand the serial number overlap between models, but it is there.
I'll become a website supporter next month. I can't afford it this month after all this.