A Kazan-made Jupiter-11 with Kiev bayonet.

Hello,

I've recently acquired a Jupiter-11, 13,5 cm. f:4 in its "white" aluminum barrel, for my Kiev/Contax outfit.

The only thing I've found strange, is its serial number "<b>N° 916779</b>", thus not beginning with the two digits indicating the production's year.

It's something new to me so, I'm asking whether anyone else encountered similar lenses with such a numbering.

Many thanks in advance,

Enzo

Hello Elmar,
Sometime ago this question was discussed, not remember here or on russian forums. As was defined, KOMZ sometimes mark lens without first digit(in Your case - 5, 1959 year; was found lens from 1957 and 1961 year - not single issue). Why - not defined, suggestions: exported into other countries / batches for dedicated goals(as example, supply for local newspapers photographers) / etc.

http://xalmaz.narod.ru

Thank you very much for the interesting information. Hopefully, we'll know more about these strange occurrences.

Besides that, I can say that this lens is a very fine one in the practical use, no different from my postwar Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 13,5/4 "red T" s.n. 3091516 belonged to my grandfather, who purchased it late in 1949 for his Contax.

Best wishes,

Enzo

The relative thread is here:

http://ussrphoto.com/Forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=2878&SearchTerms=jupiter,11

Amitiés. Jacques.

Thank you Jacques,

I've read the other discussion in the given link: all interesting info, but I think that until now there is no technical explanation for these strange numbers on Kazan-made Jupiters.

Well, at least it's a new, uncommon addition to my Contax/Kiev outfit!

All the best,

Enzo