[idler]

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I just noticed that some lenses were made in Japan, some in Taiwan. So are they different versions? Are there any significant differences in IQ?

I guess this must have been answered somewhere, but I couldn't find anything.

[stevebrot]

Taiwan? Do you have some example pics?

Steve

[idler]

Taiwan? Do you have some example pics?

Steve

I don't have a 50mm/1.7 yet.
It seems serial # 6XXXXXX were made in Taiwan. I saw few before, but can only find one image for now:
ASAHI SMC PENTAX-M 50MM F/1.7 SLR FILM CAMERA LENS - eBay (item 350199436672 end time May-14-09 18:15:56 PDT)
Check the last image with finger print. ( http://auctionwagon.s3.amazonaws.com/G2SM6bdae3ab-d732-41e6-991d-d4a2e4e342e4-37200.jpg )

[stevebrot]

Very interesting. My 50/1.7 (serial #6596445) has Japan right on the face of the lens. The one from your auction example obviously does not. Why do you think it was made in Taiwan?

Steve

[idler]

It says so on the lens in that image. It is hard to see, you have to blow up the image and maybe change contrast/brightness to see it.

[ryan s]

I have one of each. On non-Japan one, the name ring is missing "Japan" after "Asahi Opt Co." On the bottom side of the aperture ring, it says "Taiwan" and unlike the later A series lenses, it's not a sticker and doesn't say "Made in Taiwan."

I'd be lying if I said I could see a difference in the pics. Perhaps a test is in order...ugh :ugh:

[winglik]

i have 2 copy,start with 63.. and 65... SN 63.. has "Made in Taiwan" Marking on the body, on the ring only has "ASASHI OPTICAL CO", SN 65... didn't have any marking, on the body, it has "ASASHI OPTICAL CO JAPAN" on the ring. other than that, both are identical in design and mechanical parts. Don't see much different in IQ and pic quality difference.

Attached Images

   

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Last edited by winglik; 06-05-2009 at 09:46 PM.

[stevebrot]

It says so on the lens in that image. It is hard to see, you have to blow up the image and maybe change contrast/brightness to see it.

Oh! I see!

Stamped on the side near the base!

LIB!

Steve

(I was on my laptop earlier...My regular monitor is much better for seeing this sort of thing...)

[glasbak]

That 'made in taiwan' version is probably a rare find, I have never seen one !
I have only found the 'made in japan' text on the aperture ring on serial numbers below 4000000.
On higher numbers, nothing is printed on the aperture ring.
But in the lens text always was : ASAHI OPT. CO.,JAPAN

George

[ryan s]

Edit to my above post: my lens does say "Made in Taiwan" on the bottom and "Optical" is spelled out on the name ring

Of course...Pentax's serial numbers are a complete mystery...mine are:
264xxxx Japan
617xxxx Taiwan

An aside...I have 2 broken A 50/2s here. The "Japan" is engraved on the bottom while the "Taiwan" label was actually a sticker, placed in a recessed rectangle made just for that sticker. Their serials are:
320xxxx Japan
327xxxx Taiwan

[winglik]

I was surprise the early version was made in Taiwan then transfered to Japan. Normally it's other way around.

[glasbak]

I was surprise the early version was made in Taiwan then transfered to Japan. Normally it's other way around.

No, they are both late ones, the early versions serial numbers start with a 2.
These also have a finish closer to the K series.

Pictue of a early series lens 2xxxxxx :


A later lens 3xxxxxx:


And as far as I know, the latest incarnation 7xxxxxx:


I do have japan and taiwan versions of the M 1:2 50mm, but never spotted these taiwan 1:1.7 50mm.


George

[Jodokast96]

I'll have to check out mine when I get a chance.

[pop4]

My 338xxxx M 50/1.7 has Asahi Opt. Co., Japan on it.

[glasbak]

My 338xxxx M 50/1.7 has Asahi Opt. Co., Japan on it.

And I presume, 'lens made in japan' on the aperture ring.
This text is gone in the 7xxxxxx series.