Hi everyone. I just bought a gold Schneider 210 Symmar-S 125th anniversary lens. Does anyone know how many of these beautiful lenses were made ? Also, did they originally come with some sort of a special display box? Unfortunately mine did not come with a box, but it did come with some beautiful felt-lined gold-embossed lens caps. Lastly, the rear element has some small spots around the inside of the barrel where the black paint appears to have come off. Is this anything that I should be worried about ? Other than that, the lens is mint and a joy to look at. Thanks in advance for your help !
Doug, I'm not sure how many were made, but I recall being told that Schneider also released a 90mm and 150mm in the gold finish to celebrate this occasion. I wouldn't worry about the spots on the barrel - just enjoy using the lens.
This is not the first time for a gold plated Schneider lens in the recent past. For the 50th anniversary of the Linhof Technika Linhof made a gold plated Master Technika with a gold plated 150mm Symmar S. I believe 100 were made. We brought about 50 of these sets into the U.S. and all but one set were sold and one lens was stolen from our warehouse. One of these camera sets was used as a door prize for a camera store's grand opening in Miami in 1987 or 88. There are probably other instances of lenses being made recently in special finishes to commemorate a milestone event as well.
Hi Doug, are you in the UK? This may well be my old lens! I sold it (very reluctantly) when I moved up to 10x8. I bought it originally from Robert White (so you can be happy with its pedigree!). I think he had a 90mm also, but that was eight years ago. Enjoy! Best wishes.....
