I just come across a used 35mm 'Cron serial No. 3,146,xxx in good condition asking us$580 with hood and a b+w skylight filter. Focusing and aperture rings move smoothly and the glass is clear and no sign of fungus. Some scratches on the small screws showing the lens has been open up before. I quite like it unless friends here says otherwise. Is it the latest pre asph version? Thanks for the advise.

-- tom tong (tom.tong@ckh.com.hk), October 28, 2001

Answers

Yes, it should be a 1981 Canadian pre-ASPH. I paid $650 about 6 months ago for a 1982 version (with hood/caps) and was happy with that price. A very pretty lens, and compact!

Check to see if the front part of the lens has a tendency to unscrew from the rear part - one weakness from that era. A good test is to try mounting and unmounting the lens while holding the lens hood - if you feel a slight give, the glue locking the threads may need replacing.

-- Andy Piper (apidens@denver.infi.net), October 28, 2001.

Grab it! Its a fantastic lens. And at that price, its a steal! I have the exact same lens, made in canada, serial no. 29xxxxxx. Belongs to the very first batch, and as andy has said, the front unscrews from the back. Not a big problem though.

-- Joel (joel_low@pacific.net.sg), October 29, 2001.

Seems like a real bargain to me - in fact if it is from a dealer I would be suspicious as it is so cheap. They are commonly $800-$1200 s/h from what I see from dealers, depending on condition.

-- Robin Smith (smith_robin@hotmail.com), October 29, 2001.