on Jun 26, 2015 1:45:27 GMT
If there's a rule that most of us recognise for all ML lenses, it is that their serial numbers start with the letter A.
I was checking a few new items picked up from Ebay - 100-300, 300 C, 200 C, and several MC lenses that were attached to cameras. I had not noticed that there is a strange breach of the Yashica numbering rules on the MC 35-70 and 75-200 in that both of these have serial numbers (A followed by only 5 numerals - not the more usual 6,7 or 8) on the front bezel; as you know, traditionally, all ML lenses have the numbers stamped into the metal barrel just above the aperture ring.
But I then discovered it's not that simple because two of my MC 35-70 lenses don't have the numbers on the bezel at all but have a cartouche on the aperture ring containing their serial numbers starting with a C, followed by 6 numerals.
Does anyone here know why there are C-serial numbers on some of the lenses? They appear identical in every way to their cousins with the A-numbers on the bezel; might this be an indication of them being manufactured in China or by Cosina? And why the breach of Yashica etiquette by placing serial numbers on the front bezel...? I also note that none of the MC lenses displays the usual Yashica 'Made In Japan' reference which makes me think they may all have been made in China and the C would then most likely represent Cosina - but that's just a guess.
I apologise if this enquiry seems a bit uber-nerdy but I'm just curious to see if anyone here has an explanation. The attached piccie shows both the cartouche on the aperture ring on one while also depicting the serial number on the other lens where the 52mm filter ring symbol has been moved to on the C lens. Odd....
