I have come across a second-hand 150mm which is in very good condition (as far as you can tell visually). I know this lens has not been made for some years, but I am keen to get hold of an example of the last version to be made. The serial number is 8299841. Can anybody tell me if this is the latest version, and approximately when it was made?

Thanks in advance!

-- Ed Hurst (BullMoo@hotmail.com), March 23, 2001

Answers

The 150 started out at the beginning when the 6x7 first came out. It was called Super-Takumar and in 1972 was given SMC and called the 150 SMC Takumar. Both designs are the same except for the coating. My estimate on the age of yours is 1983-1984. SR

-- Steve Rasmussen (srasmuss@flash.net), March 26, 2001.

Ed, as far as I have seen, the serial numbers are logical and sequential. All focal lengths for the 67 are numbered in sequence and one can use this to determine the age of the optic. I know some will disagree with this but I have not seen any evidence to counter what I have found over the years. Yes, an 8300xxx is newer than your 8299841.

-- Steve Rasmussen (srasmuss@flash.net), April 06, 2001.

Thanks Steve - well-informed as ever!

I guess that would make it one of the final version, with the later coating?

-- Ed Hurst (BullMoo@hotmail.com), March 27, 2001.

Unfortunately, when I rang the shop, it had gone! Oh well, I'll just have to keep looking.

If I find one with a higher serial number, presumably this would maen it was younger? I know the serial numbers aren't logical ACROSS lenses and models, but presumably they are sequential WITHIN a particular model?

-- Ed Hurst (BullMoo@hotmail.com), April 06, 2001.