135/4 Tele Elmar (Teleelmar) versions

[BNF]

Ciao

I am aware that the optical design remained unchanged from introduction to the series end - and that most likely the coatings were improved over the years.

What I cannot find, however, is reliable information about the physcial changes made to the lenses. I can pretty easily find the last E46 (#11861) pictures. But, I cannot find when and what differences there were to the previous versions (E39).

IE Which had the knurled, scalloped focusing rings, which had the smoother E46 style.... Which, if any, had the DOF scale changes and so on.

Can anyone help with pictures, serial number/manufacture year estimates of the changes?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Vickko]

I suggest trying Lager's books.

Or Put's site: http://www.imx.nl/photo/

Vick

 

[BNF]

This site is fairly comprehensive:

http://www.kbcamera.com/mreviews.htm

That helps because now I know that there are 3 physical appearance differences.

It's good, but does anyone know when "Type 2" of the 3 was released?

(And are they all Wetzlar or are there also Canadian?)

 

[awilder]

Type 1 with the scalloped focusing ring was made for a short period till the late 60's and it was followed by the smooth continuous pattern for several years until replaced with the E6 version. There were no changes to the optics or coating during the entire production run. All were made in Wetzlar.

 

[Palaeoboy]

Truly the best value M lens on the market. I wish all older M lenses were priced like this one.