Dating Zeiss Lenses

[jamesmck]

Would appreciate hints on how I might determine manufacturing dates for the following lenses (Contax mount):

Zeiss-Opton Sonnar, 1.5/50mm, #104xx55
Zeiss-Opton Biogon, 2.8/35mm, #113xx43

James

[Brian]

I have found more information on the Carl Zeiss Jena lenses, rather than the Opton and plain "Carl Zeiss".

Found this:

http://photo.net/large-format-photography-forum/00AAam

Carl Zeiss, Oberkochen, West Germany. 1946-1951 10,000-500,000 engraved Zeiss Opton. 1951-1953 500,000-1,100,000 same 1953-1959 1,100,000-2,600,000. Carl Zeiss except for Comecon sales. 1959-1961 2,600,000-3,000,000 1961-1965 3,000,000-4,000,000 1965-1969 4,000,000-5,000,000 1969-1971 5,000,000-6,000,000 1971-1975 6,000,000-7.300,000.

[jamesmck]

Thanks, Brian. I have been told that the Opton designation was discontinued in October, 1953, and that my numbers are on the high end of the series. So, 'around 1953' seems to be it.

James

[Brian]

I had a Sonnar with SN 112xxxx that kept the Opton name. They are all fine lenses. If anything, the Opton lenses are more desirable as the later lenses went to a synthetic cement that did not age as well as good old Canadian Balsam.