An additional point about all Olympus kit.
Serial numbers are not a reliable guide to exact age, or type. I have a
50mm f1.8, marked OM System on the decor ring with an earlier serial number
than known M System marked lenses. I also have a slightly higher serial
number lens which has slotted screws in the mount, which were used for
early manufacture. Parts could have been changed.
On Sun, 10 Sep 2023, 19:38 Chris Weir, <chris.a.weir@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> Type 1: Original 6 elements in 5 groups, single coated. All silver nose
> are Type 1, but there are many black nose Type 1s.
>
> Type 2: Revised 6 elements in 5 groups, single coated. The basic formula
> is the same as Type 1, but all the elements are different, the first
> element is larger in diameter. Few parts are interchangeable with Type 1.
>
> Types 1&2 are both marked F-Zuiko. Serial number on the decor ring.
>
> Type 3: Major redesign. 6 Elements in 4 groups, multi coated. Marked Zuiko
> MC Japan on the decor ring. Serial number on the lens mount. Mechanical
> design is changed for easier manufacturing, more plastic used, lighter,
> slightly shorter. The front 3 elements, groups 1&2, are a semi-sealed unit,
> which is very difficult to disassemble.
>
> Type 4: Identical to Type 3 except for an improved multi coating, called
> NMC by Olympus. Marked Zuiko Japan on the decor ring. Note No MC marking.
>
> Type 5: Optically the same as Type:4. Mechanically redesigned for even
> easier manufacturing. Even more use of plastic. The rear groups are held by
> a bayonet fitting, rather than screw threads. Marked Zuiko Made in Japan on
> the decor ring.
>
> Reputedly Type 5 lenses are optically superior. They all seem to have been
> made in the same factory and precision and QC may well have been better.
> You cannot, however assume a Type 5 is better than any other; My best and
> worst samples of the 50mm f1.8 are both Type 5.
>
> In general I do believe the Types 3 to 5 have better edge resolution at
> wider apertures, and Type 5 has the potential to be superb, but see above!
> Any MC type obviously handles flare better and has higher contrast
>
> The big problem with Types 3 to 5 is fungus in the front elements. Fungus
> is VERY common in lenses sold on e*bay. If it is stated that an MC 50mm
> f1.8 has fungus DO NOT BUY. I would advise not buying an MC one without
> careful inspection.
>
> Not all have fungus, my Type 3 bought new in 1982 is fungus free.
>
> Types 1&2 can be cleaned of fungus, but may have coating damage which will
> have some effect on contrast, but I don't know how much.
>
> You cannot rely on the decor ring to identify a type, as these are
> interchangeable. Types 3 and 4 are otherwise difficult (impossible?)to
> differentiate. Otherwise, it is possible to identify the type by
> inspection, if you know what to look for.
>
> Hope that is comprehensive enough!
>
> This information is derived from the Olympus lens diagrams, and my own
> observation. The only type I don't own, at least one of is Type 4.
>
> Chris
>
> On Sun, 10 Sep 2023, 14:31 MICHAEL GORDON via olympus, <
> olympus@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>
>> I can’t seem to find the post on our list outlying the differences in the
>> various versions I recall John chimed in a couple variations had just
>> cosmetic differences. (? 3 and 4). There were two major optical formula
>> though both double gauss designs. I believe Nathan has the latest miJ from
>> Bill Barber.
>> Mike
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> --
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