Anyone know an online source to find age of Rodenstock lenses? Tried the Rodenstock sites but didn't see anything. Have serial number.

-- John Laragh (jwl@taconic.net), April 03, 2002

Answers

Yes. You send me or call me, with the number.

-- Bob Salomon (bob@hpmarketingcorp.com), April 03, 2002.

We have all the production serial numbers from 1910 to 1998 on file. Just email.

-- Jeff (info@badgergraphic.com), April 03, 2002.

Bob,

Would it be possible for you to post this information on the HP web site (or ask Rodenstock to post it on theirs). Schneider has had their serial number data online for years. It is a valuable resource and I consult it whenever I am considering purchasing a used Schneider lens. I have a hard copy that I take with me to swap meets and used equipment dealers. Since such info obviously exists, it would be nice if it was readily available for Rodenstock lenses as well.

Thanks, Kerry

-- Kerry Thalmann (largeformat@thalmann.com), April 03, 2002.

I second what Kerry says. I've made a PDF file of Schneider's age page and seem to use it all the time. Something similar for Rodenstock and Nikon would be an excellent resource. Kerry's research has shown that Fujinon is pretty much a lost cause for accurate age data.

-- Jim Galli (jimgalli@lnett.com), April 05, 2002.

Thanks all for responding. I did not find a list posted anywhere, but I emailed Badgergraphics (second response) with serial number and they wrote back quickly with approximate age of lens (within four years).

-- John Laragh (jwl@taconic.net), April 05, 2002.

Production Dates for Rodenstock Lenses:

Year of Production	Serial Number
			   (up to)



1910			    50,000
1920			   200,000
1930			   400,000



1935			   700,000
1938			   900,000
1940			   950,000



1945			 2,000,000
1952			 2,500,000
1954			 3,000,000



1957			 4,000,000
1961			 5,000,000
1966			 6,000,000



1971			 7,000,000
1973			 8,000,000
1974			 9,000,000



1977			 9,500,000
1979			10,000,000
1984			10,500,000



1991			11,000,000
1993			11,150,000
1994			11,231,713



1995			11,294,073
1996			11,358,165
1997			11,407,513



1998			11,468,541

-- Kerry Thalmann (largeformat@thalmann.com), April 05, 2002.