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View Full Version : Dating Oberkochen lenses, 1948-1996

harry01562
02-11-2006, 12:31
Just got my copy of the new Thiele book on CZ lenses produced post-war by the West German incarnation of Zeiss. It's in German, but tabular, so possible to get most of it figured out.
If anyone is interested in data on applicable lenses, drop me a PM, or post here. I can't vouch for the accuracy of the data, but I can pass it on, at least.
We also have another member of the group who has the CZJ book, so we have the post-war period covered.
I also bought the volume II of the Kuc book "On the Trail of Contax". Interesting, and beautiful illos of some very nice equipment. Not a great deal I had not read elsewhere, but it is gathered together nicely.
I also got fantastic service from Peter Loy in the UK on the transaction. The books arrived much sooner than expected, and very well packed. Wouldn't hesitate to order again. Just a satisfied customer.

Harry
yossarian
02-11-2006, 14:41
Harry, thanks for the post. I've dealt with Peter as well, and service is first rate.
However, I'd like to slip in a plug for camerabooks.com in California.
This was an unpaid and unsolicited endorsement.

Fred
harry01562
02-12-2006, 19:55
In just my small sampling of lenses, I've encountered one instance of something strange. I have a Contax 50/1.5, SN 821731, Carl Zeiss, which is not listed. There is a production ticket for a run of 2000 listed out on 28-3-51. However, the SN range is supposedly 819315 to 821260. There is then a gap to 823048. There is no indication that my lens is anything other than a genuine lens, except for this gap in the published information.

It was also brought to my attention that some lens numbers seem to be way off based on the production ticket date. In that instance, I have 2 labeled Carl Zeiss, both with ticket dates of early 1951. That labeling is supposed to be not in use until 1953. Obviously, there are instances where the numbers weren't used for a substantial period of time, or the lenses were perhaps ground, but not mounted for a long period. I wish I had a command of the German, to see if there is any clarification in the text.

Harry
harry01562
02-12-2006, 19:58
Harry, thanks for the post. I've dealt with Peter as well, and service is first rate.
However, I'd like to slip in a plug for camerabooks.com in California.
This was an unpaid and unsolicited endorsement.

Fred

I agree with the comment on camerabooks, based on my limited experience. I had contacted them and Peter at the same time. He answered first, and I placed the order. There really was no difference in the approximate net cost that I paid. The stock that they both seem to have is a tremendous asset to all of us.

Harry