Rolleiflex lens and body serial numbers and dates

[k@9nQ0]

I recently got my hands on a Rolleiflex 2.8 E with a Xenotar 80mm lens. When I check the serial numbers online, I see that the Rolleiflex (serial 1,624,XXX) was made sometime in 1956-1959 (very early E serial number), and the Xenotar was made sometime between October 1954 (serial number 4,787,XXX) and February 1957 when the 5 million serial number kicked in according to the Schneider serial wiki.

This all checks out to me but I wonder if these serial numbers were issued in chronological order? Early Rolleiflex serial number suggests a 1956 build, and the Xenotar serial also suggests a mid-to-late 1956 issue. Is this the only way one can somewhat accurately date a Rolleiflex?

 

[Glenn2]

I’ve got an E with the 2.8 Planar but have never worried about its birth date.
My serial numbers are. 16464xx and 22621xx for what it’s worth.
Unfortunately I don’t use mine nearly enough. As soon as weather warms up must get out and capture some photons with silver emulsion.

Out of curiosity is your username your call sign? I’m a VE7

Glenn

 

[Rayt]

These are very old cameras and over the years it’s possible someone swapped lenses. I am a long time Rolleiflex user and have owned cameras with mismatched camera and lens serial numbers.

 

[k@9nQ0]

Not a worry at all, just curious to find its history. And just a random username, not a call sign.

Yes, I'm sure there are many out there given the age of these cameras.