C.H. Ling,
>From what has been explained to me, the strategy behind painting the lens
white (safari tan or putty was official color name), was during sporting
events, all the other lenses were black. It was hypothesized by having a
different colored lens, it would stand out from the others, and that it
could lead to higher sales because of the unique visibility.
On or about this same time frame, Canon started doing the same thing with
their lenses. It is unclear who was the first to do this, Canon or Olympus.
I believe the tan lenses came out around 1985.
One other rumored theory was the tan lens did not get as hot as the black
lens, on hot days.
Sam....
----- Original Message -----
From: "C.H.Ling" <chling@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <olympus@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Friday, February 16, 2001 2:47 AM
Subject: Re: [OM] White Painted Lenses
> I think only the 180/2, 250/2 and 350/2.8 are available in white. In
> mid 80s' there were lots of camera manufactures decorated their high
> price tele lens with white color, I think it is just fashion and it is
> more easy for other people to learn that you are holding an expensive
> lens. And I remember a rumour in early 90s', in the sport field there
> were much more white lenses than black lenses, it indicated Nxxon was
> losing market share to Caxxn. As Nxxon's lenses are always black in
> color.
>
> C.H.Ling
>
> Clemente Colayco wrote:
> >
> > Is there any particular reason why some lenses such as the 180mm or the
> > 35-80 F 2.8 are painted white? Does this mean that all white painted
ones
> > are special models and expensive?
> >
> > Regards
> >
> > Titoy
> >
>
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