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Brass Chromed Schneider lenses
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PostPosted: Mon Jul 07, 2014 2:18 pm    Post subject: Brass Chromed Schneider lenses Reply with quote

I'm looking for information when Schneider switched production from Chrome/Brass heavy lenses to much lighter Alu lenses.

Either by serial numbers or by date?

Also do Schneider lenses after the red triangle have the same coating as the red triangle ones?


PostPosted: Tue Jul 08, 2014 12:45 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Late 1950's I think.
They went from chromed brass to enameled aluminum (or partially brass/aluminum) "zebra" style. Some are in bright aluminum IIRC.
I doubt it all happened at once for all models so there probably isn't a general cutover serial number.


PostPosted: Tue Jul 08, 2014 1:53 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I see no reason for knowing the serial numbers when you know the newer brass/aluminum lens have different finishing. For the coatings, Schneider will change the formula from time to time.


PostPosted: Tue Jul 08, 2014 12:17 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

luisalegria wrote:
Late 1950's I think.
They went from chromed brass to enameled aluminum (or partially brass/aluminum) "zebra" style. Some are in bright aluminum IIRC.
I doubt it all happened at once for all models so there probably isn't a general cutover serial number.


Thanks Luis,

Yes sometime in the 50s, in about a 5M serial number. Some models of Aka, Diax and others definitely are not chromed brass.


PostPosted: Tue Jul 08, 2014 12:20 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

calvin83 wrote:
I see no reason for knowing the serial numbers when you know the newer brass/aluminum lens have different finishing. For the coatings, Schneider will change the formula from time to time.


The reason I ask is because it is sometimes difficult to tell alu from chromed brass purely from a photograph of the lens. whereas a Serial # defines it.

Some sellers polish the metal, some do not and it goes dull, only the weight knows it.


PostPosted: Tue Jul 08, 2014 1:23 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

JohnBar wrote:
calvin83 wrote:
I see no reason for knowing the serial numbers when you know the newer brass/aluminum lens have different finishing. For the coatings, Schneider will change the formula from time to time.


The reason I ask is because it is sometimes difficult to tell alu from chromed brass purely from a photograph of the lens. whereas a Serial # defines it.

Some sellers polish the metal, some do not and it goes dull, only the weight knows it.

Could you give an example? I think it will be useful for those Schneider lovers.

FYI, the brass lens are not made of completely brass. They have to use other material on different side of the helicoid. If the outer shell and inner shell of the helicoid are made of same material, the helicoid may jam easily.


PostPosted: Tue Jul 08, 2014 3:03 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

calvin83 wrote:

Could you give an example? I think it will be useful for those Schneider lovers.

FYI, the brass lens are not made of completely brass. They have to use other material on different side of the helicoid. If the outer shell and inner shell of the helicoid are made of same material, the helicoid may jam easily.


Well no, thats partly why I am asking.

My youngest is a Diax b Xenar 2.8/50 which starts 459xxxx. and is chromed brass and heavy

Perhaps people with younger lenses can add to this thread.