This lens is "uncommon", probably under 3500 made. This lens is a Planar formula design, 7 elements in 4 groups, a 1-3-2-1 configuration. The front doublet of a traditional Planar is replaced with a triplet, each element of lesser power than what would have been required to get the F1.5 speed from the traditional design. Using the triplet eliminates two air/glass surfaces that would be required in a 7 element/ 5 group design used in the Leica Summarit.
I believe the Simlar is an original Japanese design, one source stating it was formulated in 1937. The Canon and Nikkor lenses were based on existing Sonnar and Planar designs. This is the first 1-3-2-1 Planar that I've seen, the Canon 85/1.5 also used this basic block diagram. This lens was bought on a 4-digit Leotax D-IV, made in 1950.
I have seen it described as "half a Sonnar"- because it used a triplet as the second group. This is not correct, it is a Planar. The focal length of the front section and rear section are "roughly" the same. A Sonnar formula lens, the front section is a telephoto with focal length "about 2x to 3x that of the rear section.
I believe the Simlar is an original Japanese design, one source stating it was formulated in 1937. The Canon and Nikkor lenses were based on existing Sonnar and Planar designs. This is the first 1-3-2-1 Planar that I've seen, the Canon 85/1.5 also used this basic block diagram. This lens was bought on a 4-digit Leotax D-IV, made in 1950.
I have seen it described as "half a Sonnar"- because it used a triplet as the second group. This is not correct, it is a Planar. The focal length of the front section and rear section are "roughly" the same. A Sonnar formula lens, the front section is a telephoto with focal length "about 2x to 3x that of the rear section.
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