Can you identify this lens?

[PeterW]

Hi all,

I've had an f/2.8 28mm lens for some time that I can't identify. It's got a fixed Canon mount, not an adaptor, and on the front it says 'Lens made in Japan, Miranda'.

It's got nothing to do with the old Miranda camera company, but after that folded, the UK camera chain Dixons used the name Miranda on several cameras and lenses. I believe the cameras were all made for them by Cosina (there are three in the Cosina list), but I don't know about the accessory lenses. Apart from the front name ring the only other identification is FD93310896 on part of the barrel. I found a reference to it, and a picture, on the internet, but it didn't say who made it.

I don't use it because although it's not a bad performer it's not so good at the edges as my genuine Canon 28mm, but I'd be interested to know who made it.

Does it ring a bell with anyone?

PeterW

[casualcollector]

I'm gonna place money on Cosina, Peter. They started making cameras and lenses for Vivitar in the mid to late 70s. Cosina made Vivitars can be identified by the serial beginning with 9. That seems to go for camera bodies as well as lenses. They may have also adopted Vivitar's serial numbering system. Your serial could be interpreted as FD (Canon fit) 9 (Cosina) 3 (1983 or '93) 31 (31st week) 0896 (896th produced).

Here's where I found the skinny on Vivitar's numbering scheme.
www.cameraquest.com/VivLensManuf.htm

Bill