Canon ltm lens serial numbers and dates?

[Kodachromeguy]

Is there anywhere a list of Canon ltm lens dates as per their serial numbers? I saw an older reference to Peter Kitchingman's Canon Rangefinder website, but that site may be be gone (or at least I could not find it). The dates when these ltm lenses were made appears to be a great mystery. I recently bought a 50mm f/1.4 lens with ser. 77543 and am curious about the year of production. Thanks!

 

[Ozxplorer]

Is there anywhere a list of Canon ltm lens dates as per their serial numbers?...... The dates when these ltm lenses were made appears to be a great mystery. I recently bought a 50mm f/1.4 lens with ser. 77543 and am curious about the year of production. Thanks!

View attachment 220168

Hi... try this link for more information. Might help...? https://www.the-digital-picture.com/Canon-Lenses/Canon-Lens-Aging.aspx

 

[Kodachromeguy]

Hi... try this link for more information. Might help...? https://www.the-digital-picture.com/Canon-Lenses/Canon-Lens-Aging.aspx

Unfortunately, this code is for modern lenses, not the 1950s and 1960s thread mount lenses.

 

[Ozxplorer]

Unfortunately, this code is for modern lenses, not the 1950s and 1960s thread mount lenses.

You may well be correct. The table start date/year is 1960. However, your lens appears to be one of the S-series Canon lenses released to the market August 1959 - production was discontinued in 1972. One source states the serial numbers of this particular model started at around 29700... thus, unless the lens is marked per the table above, we can conclude the manufacture date to be after 1959 and before 1972 - probably closer to the latter date? My best guess...

 

[Mackinaw]

You need to buy Peter K's book, if you want info on Canon rangefinder lenses.

I have his book. Your 50/1.4 is a Type II lens, made from 1961 'til 1970. Serial numbers range from about 30,000 to 120,000. With a serial of 77XXX, your lens was probably made in the mid-60's.

Jim B.