Super-Paragon PMC Auto Zoom 28mm-50mm is this a rarity?

Hubert · Joined: 13 Jul 2015 Posts: 8 Location: Bath, England

Hi all,

I'm new to this forum but I've been lurking and reading and buying up M42, M39 and C-mount lenses from time to time to use on my Panasonic Lumix GX7.

I've just bought on eBay.co.uk a Super-Paragon PMC Auto Zoom 28mm-50mm (max aperture f1:3.5 - f1:4.5, stopping down to f1:16).

It has an M42 lens mount. I’m absolutely certain of this, as the mount is identical to my other M42s which all fit on the same M42-Micro Four Thirds adapter.

It was mounted on (and bought with) a Praktica LB body. There is a serial number - 908065 - and it has one of those gold oval quality control stickers - it passed (' Razz

') - which suggests it may have been made in 1993.

(The code is there but the images aren't Sad

)

I can't find any reference to it anywhere online, including the M42 Lens Database. There are few mentions of the same make/focal range with other mounts.

It's a gloomy, cloudy evening here in the UK so I can't really put it through its paces to check IQ. It's in pretty good condition as far as I can see, although the mechanics are a bit sloppy.

Is this a real rarity, or am I just getting over-excited?

Thanks,

Hubert

iangreenhalgh1 · Expire: 2014-01-07

Hubert · Joined: 13 Jul 2015 Posts: 8 Location: Bath, England

Lloydy · Expire: 2022-01-01

Paragon and Super Paragon were the store brand lenses of the Photax chain of photography / camera stores, which I think folded in the 1980's.
My view is, and I could be wrong, Photax were unusual in buying better quality lenses for re branding rather than the cheapest. I've had a few of their lenses and still have the 135 / 2.8 Super Paragon made by Cimko ( identified by the unequal green diamond focusing mark ) which is a very good lens. It certainly isn't as good as some other 135's, but it it is far better than most of the cheap store branded and 'no name' 135's I've tried. And reading other peoples experiences with the Paragon's, I don't think I'm far out in my view.
Photax did use other manufacturers to supply lenses, and there is a lot of confusion with Panagor lenses, they are not the same.

Lloydy · Expire: 2022-01-01

Another giveaway for Cimko lenses is the four screws securing the mount to the lens - the back of the lens - are unequally spaced.

(But I bet someone will come along and tell me different Wink

)

Hubert · Joined: 13 Jul 2015 Posts: 8 Location: Bath, England

casualcollector · Posted: Tue Jul 14, 2015 4:56 pm Post subject:

I agree, Cimko. I came across a group of eight of these in M42 mount in a charity shop and bought them all. Mine are labelled for an American importer, CPC, Combined Products Corp.

Attila · Expire: 2025-11-18

'Is this rarity" too general title , please always put lens name into title, I did fix it.
People will find your post based on title and learn from your post and replies.

On noname lenses 'rarity' is doesn't matter factor, even worst on noname zooms like this one. No matter how rare, usually it has no value and no interest by majority of users or collectors. I have many I did save them from trash bin.