Canon 50/1.4 ltm: type I vs type II

[romualdo]

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"Type I and Type II lenses use the same optical formula – six elements in four groups, based on the Planar design developed by Paul Rudolph at Carl Zeiss. The only difference between the two Types appears to be cosmetic. On the Type I lens, the distance scale is represented in meters only, while on the Type II the distance scale is represented in both meters and feet. My review is based on the Type II lens. As of this writing, prices for both versions range from around $200 USD for a fair copy, to around $350 USD for a mint piece"

from

https://casualphotophile.com/2021/03/22/canon-50mm-f-1-4-ltm-review/

[Guest]

Type II should be engraved "LENS MADE IN JAPAN" according to Peter Kitchingman.

[Pyrogallol]

This is mine, that I inherited from a friend.

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[Big Jim]

3 hours ago, Studienkamera said:

Type II should be engraved "LENS MADE IN JAPAN" according to Peter Kitchingman.

Thanks. That’s really interesting. I’ve attached pictures of my lens. It has type 1 serial number and no “Lens made in Japan”. But has m and ft marked.
I’ve found one #19000 and #22900 and both just had meters. I’ve just purchased this so would like to make sure it’s original. 
 

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Edited January 23, 2024 by Big Jim
Uodate

[Guest]

Looks like type I to me. Actually, Kitchingman does not mention the distance scale when describing the differences between both versions.

https://web.archive.org/web/20110220204739/http://www.canonrangefinder.servehttp.com/index.php?page=lenses&type=standard_lenses&id=12

Edited January 23, 2024 by Studienkamera

[Pyrogallol]

4 hours ago, Studienkamera said:

Looks like type I to me. Actually, Kitchingman does not mention the distance scale when describing the differences between both versions.

https://web.archive.org/web/20110220204739/http://www.canonrangefinder.servehttp.com/index.php?page=lenses&type=standard_lenses&id=12

Haven’t seen that site before. Thanks.

[Big Jim]

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So is the conclusion that the statement that all Type I had a distance scale in Meters only and Type 2 feet and meters is incorrect ? It at least not a clean cut as the previously described. There may have been a period where for example Type 1 had feet and meters. 

[Guest]

9 hours ago, Big Jim said:

There may have been a period where for example Type 1 had feet and meters. 

In my opinion, this conclusion is more likely than assuming that someone tinkered with your lens. But I am no expert on Canon RF lenses.

Edited January 24, 2024 by Studienkamera

[kkumpu]

On 1/23/2024 at 9:43 AM, Pyrogallol said:

This is mine, that I inherited from a friend.

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Well, that setup looks very familiar... 😁

[Big Jim]

Hey !

My new (second hand) Canon 50mm 1.4 LTM arrived and looks pretty good. I did notice one thing though that I wanted to ask other owners about. The aperture ring is smooth and enters the click stops fine but what I notice is :

1. When in a click stop e.g. f22 if I grip the aperture ring on both sides I can turn it very slightly backwards and forwards and it makes a slight click. It’s like it has some minor movement whilst remaining in the click stop. This movement is visible in the aperture blades.
 

2. Likewise if I press (rather than turn) on one side of the aperture ring and then the other there is a very tiny movement and slight click also visible in the aperture blades. 
 

It’s as if the aperture ring has a tiny bit of play. Is this normal and nothing to worry about. ? 

Edited January 24, 2024 by Big Jim

[TomB_tx]

8 minutes ago, Big Jim said:

Is this normal and nothing to worry about. ? 

Just like mine - a bit of axial play between the metal parts. Nothing to worry about.

[kkumpu]

On 1/24/2024 at 11:12 PM, TomB_tx said:

Just like mine - a bit of axial play between the metal parts. Nothing to worry about.

Same here, there's little bit of play. I wouldn't worry too much.