while I am at it- Zeiss Opton and coating indicator?

Dan Daniel · Jul 21, 2021

Here's the camera that led me to find the cord'o'flex or whatever that chimera of a TLR is in another thread. It is a Rolleiflex Automat MX, with a Tessar lens. So post-WWII.

It is marked 'Zeiss-Opton' And it has a red DOT, not a red 'T.' It is certainly late enough to have been coated. But I don't remember seeing a red dot beofre on Zeiss lenses of this era.Even the 2.8 A Tessar lenses seem to have the red 'T.'

Any thoughts on why the lens does not have a T?
(ebay listing for better view- https://www.ebay.com/itm/255036216658?hash=item3b6157d552:g:9XUAAOSwRIlg3TZ~&nma=true&si=PWlcUPB%2BZHZLCcaSqlP5%2FOHwjV0%3D&orig_cvip=true&nordt=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557 )

JPD · Jul 22, 2021

I don't know the answer. The only thing I can think of would be the legal problems both the Zeiss Oberkochen and Zeiss Jena had for a while about the rights to use tradenames in certain regions. I have never heard about the "T" for coating being included in these legal matters, but it's a possibility. It it was quickly settled, that would be a reason why it isn't really known. Another explanation could be that the "T" was worn out in the engraving machine and a dot was used for a few lenses. Only guesses.

macfred · Jul 22, 2021

... Shortly before the end of WWII Zeiss began to indicate coated lenses by placing a big red dot into the front lens bezel. This marking is extremely rare. The more common coating designation is the engraved red "T" symbol into the front lens bezel ...

This is from: http://www.zeisscamera.com/services_overhaul-cIIa-lenses.shtml
See the chapter ''What is a red T-coating''

JPD · Jul 22, 2021

macfred said:
... Shortly before the end of WWII Zeiss began to indicate coated lenses by placing a big red dot into the front lens bezel. This marking is extremely rare. The more common coating designation is the engraved red "T" symbol into the front lens bezel ...

This is from: http://www.zeisscamera.com/services_overhaul-cIIa-lenses.shtml
See the chapter ''What is a red T-coating''

Interesting, but this is a Zeiss-Opton lens with a serial number indicating that it was made in 1952-53.

macfred · Jul 22, 2021

JPD said:
Interesting, but this is a Zeiss-Opton lens with a serial number indicating that it was made in 1952-53.

Yes, I see - I just wanted to give an approach to find the right answer ... Let's wait and see.

AgX · Jul 22, 2021

We should differ between "Opton" as part of the manufacturer's legal name and as brand used on their lenses on certain export markets. The latter was longer in use.

Nicholas Lindan · Jul 22, 2021

As everyone knows putting a prominent red dot on photographic equipment lets you charge a lot more money for it.

Dan Daniel · Jul 22, 2021

macfred said:
Yes, I see - I just wanted to give an approach to find the right answer ... Let's wait and see.

I'll throw out two possibilities. I am thinking of he Rolleiflex 2.8 Tessar, often referred to as 'A.' This has Zeiss tessar lenses made before the war, but coated after the war. I wonder if maybe this red dot Opton was pre-war stock? Maybe found one day and they decided to throw it on a batch?

Second is that a lens swap happened at some point.

I don't know enough about the meaning of Opton, nor the various fonts and engravings, to make any comment on the possible year of manufacture and such.

cramej · Jul 22, 2021

Nicholas Lindan said:
As everyone knows putting a prominent red dot on photographic equipment lets you charge a lot more money for it.

Hmmm, maybe I should start putting colored dots on things before I sell them. ***RARE*** 1 of 1!!!!! EXC++++++++++++++++ (oh by the way it has funguses)

AgX · Jul 22, 2021

Nicholas Lindan said:
As everyone knows putting a prominent red dot on photographic equipment lets you charge a lot more money for it.

Strange enough the red dot used by AgfaPhoto did not get people crazy...

flavio81 · Jul 22, 2021

Nicholas Lindan said:
As everyone knows putting a prominent red dot on photographic equipment lets you charge a lot more money for it.

This is one of the best posts i've ever seen here. Thanks

while I am at it- Zeiss Opton and coating indicator?

Advertiser

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency