Dating and identifying cameras

[Mitica100]

Well, time has come to leave a bit of info for all of you collectors out there. I'll try to cover as much as I can.

HIDDEN CODES:

Hasselblad camera owners can identify the year of manufacture by looking at the following code:

V H P I C T U R E S
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0

So, on the bodies and film backs you'll see a couple of letters from the above code, like UP,that means it was made in 73 (1973) and so on.

DECKEL SHUTTERS:

Compound is the first one, marked on the shutter, under the lens. The shutter appeared first around 1905.

Compur was the next one, introduced in 1912. Original Compur used a small dial to set speeds. Dial was located at the 12 o'clock position, cocking at 3 o'clock and a dial marked ZDM or ZBT at 9 o'clock. It is also known as the dial-set Compur. Next Compur variation, started in 1929, moved the shutter speed setting from the dial to a ring concentric with the shutter housing. This was known as rim-set Compur. Next Compur was the Compur Rapid, named so because of the added speed of 1/500 (from 1/250 on the older Compurs) and it was introduced in 1935. The Compurs lasted until the fifties.


FED (Russian) CAMERAS SERIAL NUMBERS (just in case...):wink: :
1934 31-4,000
1935 4,001-16,000
1936 16,001-31,000
1937 31,001-53,000
1938 53,001-82,000
1939 82,001-116,000
1940 116,001-148,000
1941 148,001-175,000
1942-1945 No camera production (war)
1946 175,001-176,000 (small production)
1947 176,001-186,000
1948 186,001-203,000
1949 203,001-221,000
1950 221,001-248,000
1951 248,001-289,000
1952 289,001-341,000
1953 341,001-424,000
1954 424,001-560,000
1955 560,001-700,000

In general, Russian made cameras made between 1950s and 1980s show the year of manufacture as the first two digits of the serial number. Hence a SN of 640001217 denotes it was made in 1964.

Look for other interesting posts on identifying lenses and films by year of introduction.

[Mitica100]

Yet another way to identify the age of your camera. It will tell you what kind of film it needs (inside the film chamber) or perhaps you find an old roll in an old camera...:)


101-1895
102-1895
103-1896
104-1897
105-1989
106-1898
107-1898
108-1898
109-1898
110-1898 (it's a different 110 than the newer one below)
111-1898
112-1898
113-1898
114-1898
115-1898
116-1899
117-1900
118-1900
119-1900
120-1901
121-1902
122-1903
123-1904
124-1905
126-1906 (different than the newer one below)
127-1912
128-1912
129-1912
130-1912
616-1932
620-1932
135-1935
828-1935 (also known as the Bantam)
126-1963 (the newer version)
110-1973 (the newer version, known as Pocket Instamatic)

The above is info only on American made film, perhaps we can gather some more info on other films from our TPF friends...:wink:

[Mitica100]

This is not a dating system but rather a code used by Nikon in indicating the number of lens elements used in a Nikkor lens. As far as I know it was used until the mid 1970s. The wide angle lenses didn't have this coding but rather had a W engraved. The red C found on many Nikon lenses made in the 50s means the lens was coated.

U - 1 element
B - 2 elements
T - 3 elements
Q - 4 elements
P - 5 elements
H - 6 elements
S - 7 elements
O - 8 elements
N - 9 elements
D - 10 elements.

Hope this helps.

[Mitica100]

1912 - 173400-200500
1913 - 208500-249350
1914 - 249900-252700
1915 - 282800-284500
1916 - 285200-288100
1917 - 289000-298150
1918 - 298200-322750
1919 - 322800-351600
1920 - 375200-419800
1921 - 433250-438350
1922 - 438900-498000
1923 - 561250-578300
1924 - 631850-648500
1925 - 652200-681751
1926 - 686800-703200
1927 - 722200-798250
1928 - 903100-908150
1929 - 919800-1016900
1930 - 1020500-1239700
1931 - 1239701-1365600
1932 - 1365601-1389300
1933 - 1436650-1456000
1934 - 1500450-1590000
1935 - 1615750-1752300
1936 - 1774800-1942800
1937 - 1950100-2220000
1938 - 2268000-2528000
1939 - 2528001-2651200
1940 - 2652000-2678000
1941 - 2678001-2790350
1942 - 2799600-??? (I don't have enough info on this)

[Mitica100]

Year: From: To:
================
1933 156001 195000
1934 195001 236000
1935 236001 284600
1936 284601 345000
1937 345001 416500
1938 416501 490000
1939 490001 538500
1940 538501 565000
1941 565001 582290
1942 582295 593000
1943 593001 594880
1944 594881 595000
1945 595001 601000
1946 601001 633000
1947 633001 647000
1948 647001 682000
1949 682001 765000
1950 765001 840000
1951 840001 950000
1952 950001 1051000
1953 1051001 1124000
1954 1124001 1236000
1955 1236001 1333000
1956 1333001 1459000
1957 1459001 1548000
1958 1548001 1645300
1959 1645301 1717000
1960 1717001 1827000
1961 1827001 1913000
1962 1913001 1967100
1963 1967101 2015700
1964 2015701 2077500
1965 2077501 2156300
1966 2156301 2236500
1967 2236501 2254400
1968 2254401 2312750
1969 2312751 2384700
1970 2384701 2468500
1971 2468501 2503100
1972 2503101 2556500
1973 2556501 2663400
1974 2663401 2731900
1975 2731901 2761100
1976 2761101 2809400
1977 2809401 2880600
1978 2880601 2967200
1979 2967201 3013600
1980 3013601 3087000
1981 3087001 3160500
1982 3160500 3249100
1983 3249101 3294900
1984 3294901 3346200
1985 3346201 3383200
1986 3383201 3422890
1987 3422891 3455870 (that's all I have folks!)

[Mitica100]

Name: Focal/Aperture: Filter info:
================================================== ==
Super-Elmar R 15mm/f3.5 built in
Fisheye-Elmarit R 16mm/f2.8 built in
Elmarit R 19mm/f2.8 N/A
Super-Angulon R 21mm/f4 S8.5
Elmarit R 24mm/f2.8 S8
Elmarit R 28mm/f2.8 S7
PA-Curtagon R 35mm/f4 S8
Elmarit R 35mm/f2.8 E55/S7
Summicron R 35mm/f2 E55/S7
Summicron R 50mm/f2 E55/S7
Summilux R 50mm/f1.4 E55/S7
Macro-Elmarit R 60mm/f2.8 E55/S7
Angenieux-Zoom 45-90mm/f2.8 E67/S8
Vario-Elmar 75-200mm/f4.5 E55/S7
Summilux R 80mm/f1.4 E67/S8
Elmarit R 90mm/f2.8 E55/S7
Summicron R 90mm/f2 E55/S7
Macro-Elmar R 100mm/f4 E55/S7
Elmarit R 135mm/f2.8 E55/S7
Elmar R 180mm/f4 E55/S7
Apo-Telyt R 180mm/f3.4 E60/S7.5
Elmarit R 180mm/f2.8 E67/S8
Telyt R 250mm/f4 E67/S8
Telyt R 350mm/f4.8 E77
Telyt R 400mm/f6.8 S7/S8
MR-Telyt R 500mm/f8 E77 *
Telyt R 560mm/f6.8 S7
Telyt S 800mm/f6.3 S7
================================================

* 5 special filters are part of the outfit.

[aggiezach]

WOW! Thanks for all that info yo!

Zach :D

[Mitica100]

Name: Focal/Aperture: Filter info:
================================================== ==
Elmarit M 21mm/f2.8 E49
Elmarit M 28mm/f2.8 E49
Summicron M 35mm/f2 E39
Summilux M 35mm/f1.4 S7
Summicron M 50mm/f2 E39
Summilux M 50mm/f1.4 E43
Noctilux M 50mm/f1 E58
Summilux M 75mm/f1.4 E60
Tele-Elmarit M 90mm/f2.8 E39
Summicron M 90mm/f2 E49
Tele-Elmar M 135mm/f4 E39
Elmarit M 135mm/f2.8 E55

Following are lenses for Visoflex 3 and Universal Focusing Bellows:

Elmar V 65mm/f3.5 S6
Tele-Elmar M 135mm/f4 E39
Elmarit M 135mm/f2.8 E55
Telyt V 200mm/f4 E58
Telyt V 280mm/f4.8 S8
Telyt V 400mm/f6.8 S7
Telyt V 560mm/f6.8 S7
Telyt S 800mm/f6.3 S7

[hobbes28]

HOLY COW!!! Are you going to write a book next? :D Thanks for all the info!

[Mitica100]

HOLY COW!!! Are you going to write a book next? :D Thanks for all the info!

:lmao: :lmao: :lmao:

No, I'm just quoting things from my books. On second thought... Naaah! :lmao:

[Mitica100]

For the Leica collectors/users there is a site where you can find the model and year of production of your Leica:

Screwmount_Leicas (http://www.cameraquest.com/ltmnum.htm)

M_series_Leicas (http://www.cameraquest.com/leicanum.htm)



Also, a link for collectors in general:

http://www.cameraquest.com/classics.htm


Enjoy!

[ferny]

Wow mitica!

[Mitica100]

Here's a great link:

http://www.xs4all.nl/~tomtiger/fakes.html

[Mitica100]

A guide on recognizing the Leica SM III models:





Model.... Date... Features

Leica III.. 1933...Top shutter speed 1/500 sec, slow speed split at 1/20 sec

Leica IIIa.. 1935..Top shutter speed 1/1000 sec

Leica IIIb.. 1938..Viewfinder/rangefinder moved close together

Leica IIIc.. 1940..Diecast body, body slightly larger, serial #360175 or greater

Leica IIId.. 1931..Very rare

Leica IIIf.. 1950..Flash synchronization

Leica IIIg.. 1957..Large brightframe viewfinder

[terri]

I'm going to have a question for you, Mitica, as soon as I can lay my hands on my hubby's new Rollei (no, NOT the WA - but he did get an apparently REALLY good deal on something else, as we discovered when we unwrapped the thing). ;)

How are you with dating and typing Rollei lenses?? :D

[Mitica100]

I'm going to have a question for you, Mitica, as soon as I can lay my hands on my hubby's new Rollei (no, NOT the WA - but he did get an apparently REALLY good deal on something else, as we discovered when we unwrapped the thing). ;)

How are you with dating and typing Rollei lenses?? :D

Well... I'm too old for dating... :lmao: He he... couldn't resist.


No problemo, just throw something at me and I'll tell you when it was made and model #.

[Kent Frost]

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B00006K7KP.01._SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

[terri]

Well... I'm too old for dating... :lmao: He he... couldn't resist.


No problemo, just throw something at me and I'll tell you when it was made and model #.
Actually, when I typed "dating and typing" I couldn't help but think of "crossing and typing" like one does with human blood to determine blood type. Sick, eh? I've been in the medical field way too long! :lol:

I have a great story about this new Rollei, along with the tad of uncertainty over its year of production. Brad is pretty sure of the year, but there is a # on the lens he's been unable to identify.

[terri]

Okay, Mitica! Here is the Story of Brad's NEW Rollei......

So, the old man was perusing ebay for camera porn (you guys are all nasty, you know that?) and he came across this Rolleiflex. It was advertised as a 3.5f with a Tessar lens. Pictures looked incredible, and it was supposedly the seller’s grandfather’s camera. So….he had shown up late in the auction, and as the time ticked down to the end he kept waiting for more bids to show up, since it was only showing about $350. He couldn’t stand seeing this great-looking thing going for only $350, when it looked like it should go for around $500 in this condition. So – he decided to play “spoiler” and in a strange moment he decides to toss out a bid for $450 to bring it up so whoever the lucky winner was couldn’t get it for cheap. Don’t ask, he just had a moment and did it. :roll: WELL – no one came back and he ended up winning it, for $385. He was happy.... but you guys would laugh if you’d heard him trying to explain: “Honey….um….I think I screwed up….but I think I got a good deal….” :lol: Lucky for him I am totally understanding about these things. ;)

SO – it arrived a few days ago. Leather case, lens cap, close-up lens kit included, blah blah – no question it was sparkling, amazing showroom quality. He takes off the lens cap – and it’s a Planar lens! No, mistakes like this aren’t supposed to happen, and we looked again at the auction and sure enough, this seller really made a grievous error. So Brad has been dancing with joy while trying to find out every detail he can about this STEAL of a deal. :cheer:

Well, we think we’ve narrowed it down to this. We know it is a 3.5f and we think a model 4. The serial # is 2826929 which we’re pretty sure puts it being manufactured in 1969. :?: Our only question now is: is this a 5 element or 6 element Planar? We understand that a weak 6th element was added something during the production line of the 3.5f ....but we’re not sure when. We’re assuming that since it was a late production (1969) that it does have the 6th lens element…. But don’t know how to make sure.

Feeling challenged yet?? :mrgreen: Would love it if you could shed any light on this lens element mystery.

As a postscript, the reason this is such a big deal to him is that the Rollei he's been using happily for years is a Rolleiflex Automat, 1955 with a Xenar 3.5/75. He gets that this is basically Schneider's Tessar lens design, so he is totally pumped to suddenly have a Planar (as opposed to a Xenar clone).

[oriecat]

He couldn’t stand seeing this great-looking thing going for only $350, when it looked like it should go for around $500 in this condition. So – he decided to play “spoiler” and in a strange moment he decides to toss out a bid for $450 to bring it up so whoever the lucky winner was couldn’t get it for cheap.

Terri, your husband is evil! That's just not nice! :mrgreen:

[Mitica100]

SO – it arrived a few days ago. Leather case, lens cap, close-up lens kit included, blah blah – no question it was sparkling, amazing showroom quality. He takes off the lens cap – and it’s a Planar lens! No, mistakes like this aren’t supposed to happen, and we looked again at the auction and sure enough, this seller really made a grievous error. So Brad has been dancing with joy while trying to find out every detail he can about this STEAL of a deal. :cheer:

Well, we think we’ve narrowed it down to this. We know it is a 3.5f and we think a model 4. The serial # is 2826929 which we’re pretty sure puts it being manufactured in 1969. :?: Our only question now is: is this a 5 element or 6 element Planar? We understand that a weak 6th element was added something during the production line of the 3.5f ....but we’re not sure when. We’re assuming that since it was a late production (1969) that it does have the 6th lens element…. But don’t know how to make sure.


Well... Congrats on the Planar!! I will research it more but for now I will confirm that it is a model 3.5f and was made in 1969, has a bayonet size II.

Planars were grrrrrrreat lenses, as you well know.


Here is a picture of a 3.5 F model, taken from a brochure:

http://www.wheeldon.plus.com/images/r6_copy.jpg

[Mitica100]

P.S.

Sorry about the size of the pic but I wanted you to be able to read it well... :mrgreen:

Anyway, the two lens combos were the Planars and the Xenars and from the looks of the ad and the serial number of your Rollei I can guess the Planars were used first. Better lens than the Xenar, IMHO.

As far as which Planar you have I will have to do more research...

[Mitica100]

Here is one more photo of the model 3:

http://johnsrolleionlypage.homestead.com/files/3.5F_mod_3_2262718_Large.JPG

One noticeable difference between model 3 and model 4 was the provision for a 220 film for model 4.

I have one question: the SN that you gave me, was it the Planar sn or the camera's?

[terri]

Terri, your husband is evil! That's just not nice! :mrgreen:
No, it wasn't, was it? And he choked on it for a couple of hours, apparently, when he realized he'd won the thing and had to come find me and 'fess up his evil deed. It backfired, which is what ALL evil deeds should do. :sillysmi: He felt so guilty!! We don't have money like that to toss around! :irked:

Of course, the second he took off that lens cap and saw those tiny letters "Planar" he began to feel much better about his reckless moment. :roll:

[terri]

I have one question: the SN that you gave me, was it the Planar sn or the camera's?
Oh, it's the camera's!! And I should have checked the lens. I'm pretty sure it has one. :blushing: I'll get it and post it for you.

Yep....look at that beauty!! It looks better in real life, too. ;) Our camera looks like it barely had 20 rolls of film run through it, it's that pristine. Brad keeps looking at it and just shaking his head.

Oh, and it still had film in it....Kodacolor 100...? I think that's what it was. :) D/C'd by now, I'm sure.


*Edit: PS - Mitica, you are so cool!!! :thumbup: I love looking at all this stuff....can't wait to show it to Brad. Don't apologize for the image size, you gotta do these babies justice, right?? :mrgreen: Thanks!!

[terri]

Okay, Mitica - here is the SN for that Planar lens: 4662884. Any light you can shed will be greatly appreciated. :hugs: Thanks!!

PS - Brad loved the old brochure info you posted. :thumbup: That was fun. :D

[Mitica100]

Terri... I didn't find yet info about the Planar but here is some more on the Rollei from a Rollei Club:


Rolleiflex 3.5 F Model 3 & 3-I, Model K4F
November 1960 - December 1964, 50,000 pieces

Serials: 3.5F-2.250.00 - 3.5F-2.299.546

Taking Lens:
Tessar 3,5/75mm, Opton PI 3.5/75mm, Carl Zeiss Oberkochen, Bayonet 2

Finder lens:
Zeiss or Schneider Heidosmat 2,8/75mm, Bayonet 2

Model K4F1
January 1965 - December 1976, 71,000 pieces

Serials 1965: 3.5F-2.299.547 - 3.5F-2.814.999, from 1966: 3.5F-2.815.000 - 3.5F-2.857.149

Taking Lens:
Xenotar 3.5/75mm, Schneider, Bayonet 2

Finder lens:
Zeiss or Schneider Heidosmat 2,8/75mm, Bayonet 2

Both models:
Shutter:
Synchro Compur MXV, 1 - 1/500 sec., B, M + X-sync., self timer.

Film: 120 for 12 or 24 exp. 6x6, and 35mm adapter Rolleikin 2.

Film Transportation: winding lever with auto stop on first exposure, exposure counter for exposures 1-12. Blank film pressure plate.

Can come with or without built in exposure metering.

Dimensions: 11.2x9.8x14.8cm.
Weight: 1,220 grams.

Changes during production:

Nov. 1965 # 2.299.547+: takes both 120 and 220 film

Flat glass provision 1956-1966 only, from

Nov. 1966 # 2.815.000+: no longer prepared for flat glass film plate

July 1971 # 2.845.000+: Flat film pressure plate, and blank front panel where factory name is shown under taking lens.
Can not be used with Rolleimarin.

============================

Interesting, they don't mention the Planar as one of the taking lenses.

[usayit]

Speaking of russian cameras.... I found this link very useful:

http://www.btinternet.com/~stowupland/index.htm

[Mitica100]

I found this useful guide on a different forum:

"Because they are chronological, serial numbers usually do tell the approximate age of a Canon SLR or SLR lens, but Canon Inc. has never put out any sort of public info about it. However, there's another way to get the information: look inside the body's film chamber for an alphanumeric code printed in black ink on the black surface of the film chamber. You may have to hold the camera under a strong light to see it. What you'll see is a date code, possibly something like 'U1140F.'

The first letter tells the year the camera was manufactured: in this case, 1980. It's an alphabetic code; A = 1960, B = 1961,....T = 1979, U = 1980, and so on up to Z = 1985. The next 2 numbers tell you what month the camera was made, in this example, November. (the leading zero for the month code is sometimes omitted, so an A-1 with a code of 'Y362' would have been manufactured in March, 1984, for instance.) The following 2 numbers are an internal code that is irrelevant for determining age, but year and month is close enough anyway, IMO. (This internal code is also occasionally omitted based on reports from Canon owners.) The last letter stands for the name of the factory. In this case, 'F' stands for Fukushima which was the main Canon SLR factory for about 20 years from the early 70s until 1991. (The factory code is rarely omitted, if ever.)

Starting in 1986, the year code was restarted with 'A' again, but the factory code was placed before it. Now that Canon SLRs are no longer manufactured at Fukushima, you're more likely to see a code starting with 'O' for Oita. So, for SLRs manufactured in 1994, you might see a code starting with 'OI' followed by the month code.

Incidentally, the same type of code is printed on the back of most EF lenses as well, typically in small white characters on a black baffle in the rear lens mount. Since Canon's SLR lens factory is in Utsonomiya, you might see a date code starting with
'UG' for a lens manufactured in 1992, for example. Previous to 1986, though, the lens date codes did not include the factory letter."

I hope it helps.

[Mitica100]

1. Viewing hood removable? (only the Vb has removable hood).

2. Exposure counter removable with a chrome finger-screw in the
center (if it is, it is a Va or a Vb, and the removable hood decides which it is).

3. Is the focusing knob on the left-hand side of the camera and does it have a film-speed reminder in the center? The Va and Vb have a large knob with reminder on the left. The V has a large knob with reminder on the right. The III and IV have small knobs with no reminder on the right.

4. Which shutter does it have? The IV, V, Va and Vb have Synchro Compur. Earlier cameras have Compur or Compur Rapid. The only difference between a III and IV is that the IV has a Synchro Compur.

5. Is there a red window in the base of the camera for setting frame 1? The III and all later models have no window.

6. If it has a red window, does it have bayonet filter mounts on either just the taking lens (early II, 1937) or both lenses (II from 1938/9).

7. If it has a red window and no bayonet filter mounts, it is an I or an
original (Art Deco) The latter is easily recognizable because is has a diamond patterned front plate.

===========
All above info from a collector's group I belong to. More to come...

[Mitica100]

Serial Number Ranges
for the CANON Rangefinder Cameras
(from Antique & Classic Cameras)

Rangefinder Canons after the Hansa/Original and J series were numbered more or less consecutively as they were produced (with many large gaps) and, until #700,001, without regard for model identification. The next table shows the models produced withitn the several serial number ranges.


Kwanon, Hansa, Original - No external serial number; use the number on the lens mount. 1000-3000 - J, JS (1938-42)

8000-9000 - J-II ( 1945-46 )

10001-15000 - S, SN, S-I ( 1938-46 )

15001-25000 - Seiki S-II, Canon S-II ( 1946-49 )

25001-50000 - IIB, IV trial models ( 1949-51 )

50001-60000 - IIC, III, Skinner IV, IV ( 1950-51 )

60001-100000 - IIA, IIAF, IID, IID1, IIF, III, IIIA, IIIA Signal Corps, IV, IVF, IVS, IVSB ( 1951-53 )

100001-169000 - IID, IID1, IIF, IIS, IVSB, IVSB2 ( 1953-55 ) REUSED for 7s ( 1964-68 )

170001-235000 - IID2, IIF2, IIS2, IVSB2 ( 1955-56 )

500001-600000 - VT, VT-Deluxe, VT-Deluxe M, L-1, L-2, L-3, VL, VL2 ( 1956-58 )

600001-700000 - VI-L, VI-T ( 1958-60 )

700001-800000 - P ( 1958-61 )

800001-999000 - 7 ( 1961-64 )

Various prototypes and trial models were numbered outside the above ranges.

[Mitica100]

List of Models

Rolleicord I f:4.5 (Art Deco) (1933-36)
Rolleicord I f:3.8 (1934-36)
Rolleicord Ia (1936-37)
Rolleicord II (1936-37)
Rolleicord Ia Type 2 (1937-38)
Rolleicord IIa (1937-38)
Rolleicord Ia Type 3 (1938-47)
Rolleicord IIb (1938-39)
Rolleicord IIc (1939-49)
Rolleicord IId (1947-50)
Rolleicord IIe (1949-50)
Rolleicord III (1950-53)
Rolleicord IV (1953-54)
Rolleicord V (1954-57)
Rolleicord Va Type 1 (1957-58)
Rolleicord Va Type 2 (1958-61)
Rolleicord Vb Type 1 (1962-66)
Rolleicord Vb Type 2 (1966-70)
Rolleicord Vb Type 3 (1970-77)

[Mitica100]

Rolleicord:
CAMERA MODEL ........YEARS ............SERIAL # RANGE
Rolleicord I (type 1) 1933-1936 1,460,000-1,760,000
Rolleicord I (type 2) 1934-1936 1,590,000-1,760,000
Rolleicord Ia (Type 1) 1936-1937 1,760,000-1,947,000
Rolleicord Ia (Type 2) 1937-1938 1,945,000-2,183,000
Rolleicord Ia (Type 3) 1938-1947 611,000-1,042,100
Rolleicord II (Type 1) 1936-1937 1,758,000-1,974,000
Rolleicord II (Type 2) 1937-1938 1,966,000-2,124,000
Rolleicord II (Type 3) 1938-1939 612,000-859,100
Rolleicord II (Type 4) 1939-1949 859,000-980,000
Rolleicord II (Type 5) 1949-1950 980,000-1,135,999
Rolleicord III (Type 1) 1950-1951 1,137,000-1,156,999
Rolleicord III (Type 2) 1952-1953 1,157,000-1,344,050
Rolleicord IV 1953-1954 1,344,051-1,390,999
Rolleicord V 1954-1957 1,500,000-1,583,999
Rolleicord Va (Type 1) 1957-1958 1,584,000-1,599,999
Rolleicord Va (Type 2) 1958-1961 1,906,001-1,943,999
Rolleicord Vb (Type 1) 1962-1967 2,600,000- ???
Rolleicord Vb (Type 2) 1968-1975 2,600,000- ???

Rolleiflex 3.5:
CAMERA MODEL ....... YEARS .... SERIAL # RANGE
Automatic (Type 1) 1937-1939 568,516-805,000
Automatic (Type 2) 1937-1939 568.516-805,000
Automatic (Type 3) 1939-1945 805,000-999,999
Automatic (Type 4) 1945-1949 999,999-1,099,999
New Standard ...... 1939-1941 805,000-927,999
X (Type 1) ........ 1949-1950 1,100,000-1,116,999
X (Type 2) ........ 1950-1951 1,117,000-1,168,000
MX (Type 1) ....... 1951-1954 1,200,000-1,266,999
MX (Type 2)....... 1951-1954 1,267,000-1,427,999
MX-EVS (Type 1) ... 1954-1955 1,428,000-1,499,999
MX-EVS (Type 2)... 1955-1956 1,700,000-1,737,911
3.5 E (Type 1) .... 1956-1959 1,740,000-1,787,999
3.5 E (Type 2) .... 1956-1959 1,850,000-1,869,999
T (Type 1)........ 1958-1966 2,100,000-2,199,999
T (Type 2) ........ 1966-1970 2,220,000-2,228,999
T (Type 3)........ 1971-1976 2,242,000- ???
3.5 E2 (Type 1)... 1959-1960 1,870,000-1,872,299
3.5 E2 (Type 2)... 1961-1962 2,480,000-2,482,999
3.5 F (Type 1 ..... 1959-1960 2,200,000-2,229,999
3.5 F (Type 2).... 1960-1960 2,230,000-2,241,500
3.5 F (Type 3).... 1960-1969 2,250,000-2,815,050
3.5 F (Type 4) .... 1969-1980 2,815,051- ???
3.5 E3 ............ 1962-1965 2,380,000-2,385.034

Rolleiflex 2.8:
CAMERA MODEL ... YEARS .... SERIAL # RANGE
2.8 A (Type 1) 1950-1951 1,101,000-1,201,000
2.8 A (Type 2) 1951-1951 1,201,000-1,203,999
2.8 B (Type 1) 1952-1953 1,204,000-1,240,999
2.8 B (Type 2) 1952-1953 1,241,000-1,260,000
2.8 C (Type 1) 1953-1954 1,260,350-1,299,999
2.8 C (Type 2) 1954-1955 1,444,000-1,475,405
2.8 D ......... 1955-1956 1,600,000-1,620,999
2.8 E ......... 1956-1959 1,621,000-1,665,999
2.8 E2 ........ 1959-1960 2,350,000-2,356,999
2.8 F (Type 1) 1960-1966 2,400,000-2,451,850
2.8 F (Type 2) 1966-1981 2,451,851- ???
2.8 E3 ........ 1962-1965 2,360,000-2,362,024
2.8 F Aurum ... 1983-1983 Unknown
2.8 F Platin .. 1986-???? Unknown

[Mitica100]

Of the 9-digit coded number:

Digit 1 plus 5 stands for the year of manufacture, you have to guess the
decade!

Digits 2 and 3 reflect engineering levels

Digits 4 and 5 minus 20 give the calendar week of the year of manufacture

Digits 6 to 9 stand for the sequential number of cameras built in that week.

[CertochromE]

Hello Mitica 100,
i have just read from your Super-Dollina here in these community.
But maybe some other fellow collectors can give me an advice too to prepare publishing a production history booklet about Certo Dollina and Certo Super-Dollina cameras built in Dresden-Zschachwitz.
So i would highly appreciate to receive following data :
- serial number of camera body
- type and number of the fitted lens
- number of Compur / Compur-Rapid shutter

Here a picture showing the countermarks settings of body and shutter :

http://www.photo.net/bboard/uploaded-file?bboard_upload_id=29037484

Dollina history started 1935 with Model I in its first version; then followed Mod. II, 0 and III. In 1938 Model III was replaced by the Super-Dollina, whose production ended in 1959.

Due to wartime break of production (maybe from 1942 up to 1946) there might be more different versions i couldn´t register yet. So if you own a Dollina 0, I II or Super-Dollina with a serial number higher than 40.000 i would need those data quite urgent.

Have many thanks for your help !
Best regards E.E. Schmidt

[Mitica100]

Hello Mitica 100,
i have just read from your Super-Dollina here in these community.
But maybe some other fellow collectors can give me an advice too to prepare publishing a production history booklet about Certo Dollina and Certo Super-Dollina cameras built in Dresden-Zschachwitz.
So i would highly appreciate to receive following data :
- serial number of camera body
- type and number of the fitted lens
- number of Compur / Compur-Rapid shutter

Here a picture showing the countermarks settings of body and shutter :

http://www.photo.net/bboard/uploaded-file?bboard_upload_id=29037484

Dollina history started 1935 with Model I in its first version; then followed Mod. II, 0 and III. In 1938 Model III was replaced by the Super-Dollina, whose production ended in 1959.

Due to wartime break of production (maybe from 1942 up to 1946) there might be more different versions i couldn´t register yet. So if you own a Dollina 0, I II or Super-Dollina with a serial number higher than 40.000 i would need those data quite urgent.

Have many thanks for your help !
Best regards E.E. Schmidt

Hello E.E. and welcome to TPF.

I checked my Super-Dollina and the serial is 28029. The shutter is Compur (T,B, 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100 and 300) and lens is Steinheil Cassar 5cm/2.9 uncoated, black rim, serial number 362176. On the black face of the Compur there is the F Deckel-Munchen all in white letters.

What version does this make it (since I am not an expert in Super-Dollinas)?

BTW, this camera came from Russia.

Thanks for your info as well.

[Mitica100]

Oh, by the way... I belong to the Internet Directory of Camera Collectors, an international directory of people being in touch and discussing different cameras at length. You can join as well, it's free:

http://www.photographyhistory.com/idccinfo.html

You might want to post the same question there.

[CertochromE]

Hello Mitica,
have many thanks for yoiur fast reply and the link to photographyhistory.
Your Super-Dollina might be one of the first ones built in 1938 or maybe springtime 1939.
Those delivered to Russia in 1946/47 for compensation (or is it called reparation ?) should have higher numbers - or even they weren´t numbered anymore at that time.
So maybe yours formerly belonged to a German soldier or came abroad to Russia during Soviet occupation - but there are too many other possibilities what might have happened at that time in the 1940´s.

Best regards an a nice sunday !

Here below a link to some more Dollina versions (hope it runs) :

http://de.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/certochrom/detail?.dir=/3947&.dnm=3d3d.jpg&.src=ph

[Mitica100]

Danke!

I am now intrigued by the non-rangefinder Dollina. :)

[santino]

Contax IIa, mechanical sync

Letter, Number series, Production date
P, 97,001-100,000, 11/1949 to 6/1950
S, 20,001-28,000, 7/1950 to 4/1951
T, 5,001-9,000, 3/1951 to 7/1951
T, 28,001-35,000, 8/1951 to 12/1951
U, 1-5,000, 1/1952 to 5/1952
V, 15,001-20,000, 7/1952 to 8/1952
X, 1-3,000, 9/1952 to 10/1952
Y, 57,001-62,001, 11/1952 to 3/1953
A, 43,001-46,001, 4/1953 to 10/1953

Contax IIa, PC sync

Letter, Number series, Production dates
A, 46,000-53,000, 11/1953 to 9/1954
B, 90,001-95,000, 10/1954 to 2/1955
F, 20,001-25,000, 3/1955 to7/1956
Q, 30,001-33,000, 7/1956 to 9/1957
R, 33,001-34,000, 11/1956 to 4/1958
L, 85,001-87,000, 4/1958 to 2/1961

Contax IIIa, mechanical sync

Letter, Number series, Production dates
T, 35,001-40,000, 3/1951 to 7/1952
V, 20,001-25,000, 7/1952 to 10/1952
Y, 52,001-57,000, 11/1952 to 3/1953
A, 53,001-63,000, 4/1953 to 10/1953

Contax IIIa, PC sync

Letter, Number series, Production dates
B, 95,001-100,000, 11/1953 to 9/1954
C, 1-5,000, 10/1954 to 2/1955
D, 76,001-86,000, 3/1955 to 1/1956
F, 25,001-30,000, 2/1956 to 8/1956
L, 75,001-85,000, 7/1956 to 7/1961
O, 86,001-91,000, 11/1956 to 7/1957
Q, 1 to 25, 1960
R, 34.001-38,000, 2/1961 to 8/1962

[donnad]

I have my grandfathers old camera and I cant find info specific to what is on this camera. Any help would be great.

Agfamatic II
Agfa Color - Apotar 1:2.8 / 45
Prontormator
Made in germany

Its all that is written on the outside of the camera
Inside is a pic of agfa isopan IF 17 prob just a film suggestion.

Much Thanks
Donna

[Mitica100]

Hi Donna,

Your Agfamatic II, a.k.a. Agfa Optima was made between 1959 and 1963. A simple but efficient 35mm rangefinder, it was pretty cheap back then and it's still cheap amongst collectors. Now... if you had an Agfamatic IIIS (or Optima IIIS), things would be different. They were made in small numbers and are considered quite rare.

The camera has the Apotar, a very decent lens, I would suggest popping a film in it and shooting using a hand held meter or the sunny 16 rule. You might be pleasantly surprised. As for pricing, it can be priced anywhere between $10 and $50, depending on its condition and willingnes of a collector to pay.

Hope this helps.

[Commonman]

Hi, I just aquired a Rolleiflex E2. There's a number after the "E2" underneath the bottom lens on the front of the camera.
That number is 1870410.

Someone said it might be a 60s camera.

[Commonman]

Sorry, I just found your guide to dating Rolleiflex cameras within this thread. I will look at this.

[Mitica100]

3.5 E2 (Type 1)... 1959-1960 1,870,000-1,872,299
3.5 E2 (Type 2)... 1961-1962 2,480,000-2,482,999

:D That would make it 1959 to 1960.

[crazy charlie]

I'm trying ot find some info on my camera. It's a bellows type (haven't had it cleaned or recoated since 1985) 35mm
The lens is marked AGFA SOLAGON 1:2/50 P21580
The F dial is marked PRONTOR - SVS
Inside the camera lid(?) is a AGFA label with the agaf logo and Isopan Agfacolor
There is a number on the tray(?) that the film passes over from spool to spool the number is QG 5090.

Somewhere I have a flash attachment for it that I've never used because I don't think you can buy battries for it any more (it's in a round red bag)

The focus adj goes from 3.5 to Inf
Speed from B to 300
F (?) from 2 to 16. The leather case fell apart but it took great photos.

[Mitica100]

I'm trying ot find some info on my camera. It's a bellows type (haven't had it cleaned or recoated since 1985) 35mm
The lens is marked AGFA SOLAGON 1:2/50 P21580
The F dial is marked PRONTOR - SVS
Inside the camera lid(?) is a AGFA label with the agaf logo and Isopan Agfacolor
There is a number on the tray(?) that the film passes over from spool to spool the number is QG 5090.

Somewhere I have a flash attachment for it that I've never used because I don't think you can buy battries for it any more (it's in a round red bag)

The focus adj goes from 3.5 to Inf
Speed from B to 300
F (?) from 2 to 16. The leather case fell apart but it took great photos.

You have an AGFA Karat IV made between 1950 and 1956. The three lens variations were the Solinar, the Solagon and the Apotar.

Good picture takers, good, sharp and contrasty lenses.

[crazy charlie]

Thanks for the information.
Any idea what it's worth?

[nealjpage]

Dimitri, any info on dating Graflex cameras, especially Speed Graphics? I'd like to know a bit about mine.

[Mitica100]

Thanks for the information.
Any idea what it's worth?

Anything between $45 and $75, depending on the condition.

[Hertz van Rental]

When I read that this thread was about dating cameras I feared the worst, but happily I find my fears were groundless and that no-one had quite gone that far with their passion :mrgreen:

[Battou]

When I read that this thread was about dating cameras I feared the worst, but happily I find my fears were groundless and that no-one had quite gone that far with their passion :mrgreen:

:lol: you are bad :mrgreen:

[Mitica100]

When I read that this thread was about dating cameras I feared the worst, but happily I find my fears were groundless and that no-one had quite gone that far with their passion :mrgreen:

:lol: Yeah, the older the better! ;)

[usayit]

Information for Argus collectors

http://www.photo.net/users/philster/Argus/DatingYourArgus.htm

Thanks for the link.. malkav41

[AndrewG]

I love this stuff; I'm such a geek! That Rolleiflex is a thing of great beauty...
Now, can anyone point me in the direction of a site which will enable me to accurately date my Nikons?
Thank you.

[pete_6109]

Thanks for all this info Mitica100. I pulled out my Rolleiflex and it is serial# 613867 which dates it between 1937 and 1939. It has a Carl Zeiss Jena 3.5 Tessar taking lens and a 2.8 Heidoscop Anastigmat viewing lens.

http://www.ramaglia.com/Rolleiflex1.jpg