Ducati-Articles & News

This section is a work in progress, the research continues...

Here we will try to inform you of any new information we find which may be of help to the Sogno collecting community. We are not yet sure where this will take us, but let's find out!

Article 1, Oct. 2025 (Lens Variations):

We spend a lot of time doing research, especially regarding the Sogno lenses these past few years. This could never have happened without the help of other great collectors who have given their time to us in helping to identify the differences of some series. I have mentioned the collectors names who have helped in other places on the website already, but special thanks once again to Antonio Rossetto for his keen observations. With his (and others) help, we have so far identified the following:

Argon Lens: The production of a small batch of lenses (only 3 found so far) produced early with the SN in Black on the Helicoid. All others with Red SN on the lever. (Consonni)
Dugon Lens: The production of a small batch of lenses (only 3 found so far) produced early with the SN in Black on the Helicoid. All others with Red SN on the lever. (Consonni)
Eltor Lens: The difference in Height and Weight between the first "Tall" and second "Short" series. It is noted that there are about twice as many of the second series known. (Rossetto)
Fitor Lens: Until the acquisition of our first Fitor in the "Adriano Set" about ten years ago, these lenses were only a rumor mentioned in the early documentation. We also found a second one in 2021. (Bazzoli)
Lator Lens: When we began our collection there were the "Heavy" and the "Light" versions known to most. Since then we have added the "Med. Light" version made near the end of production (Bazzoli), and the "Knurled" version made at the very start of production. (Rossetto) Further research (lens data) is needed to confirm the Med. Light" version as the SN's of the last portion of the Lator's (Light & Med. Light) show a mix of types within that range. It is also possible that near the end of production older brass parts were included, raising the weight of the "Med. Light" and so, was not a new design, just an anomaly. There is also some mixture of SN's on the "Knurled" and later Lator & Teletor lenses, not a clear-cut start-stop point.
Teletor Lens: When we began our collection there were the "Fat" and the "Slim" (Red & White) versions known. Since then we have added the "Light-Fat" version made near the end of Fat production, and the "Knurled" version made at the very beginning of production. (Bazzoli)
There have also been other reported small variations such as for the size (height) of marking stamps, some early "Fat" lenses seem to have been stamped in error as OD 6408.2 (which was later used for the "Slim") instead of OD 6408.1, but we consider these cosmetic or errors only. Other differences such as small variances to the close focusing distance are discussed on the dedicated lens page.

A note about the early "Knurled" versions of the Lator & Teletor: While many of us had probably noticed a difference in the texture of the bottom grip area on some, it was Antonio who realized that this was not just a cosmetic adjustment, which was not worthy of a new variation, but rather a screw threaded knurling needed for the early screw-on Sports Finders, (similar to the knurled filter threads) making them unique. Here are photos to show the differences, and the proposed naming of the Variants:

For additional photographs refer to each lenses dedicated page.

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Article 2, Nov. 2025 (View Finder Variations):

Due to the discovery of the "Knurled" versions of the Lator & Teletor, we have spent additional time reviewing our various finders in order to better understand the differences. We have so far identified the following:

Sports Finder OR 2401.1: There appear to have been at least two different versions of this code number. Ours, the earliest version of it, does not include the thumb screw at the bottom, refer to photo below. A second version with the thumb screw can be seen HERE at Dario's website. Our version will only work on the "Knurled" versions of the Lator & Teletor and both include only the 60 & 120mm framelines. I have seen reference to an OR 2401.2 but have never seen it.
Sports Finder OR 2404.1: This intermediate version includes the 40mm framelines for the Eltor & Luxtor as well as the 60 & 120mm. From our testing it will not work on the "Knurled" versions of the Lator & Teletor.
Sports Finder OR 2404.2: This is the final and most seen version. It includes the 40mm framelines for the Eltor & Luxtor as well as the 60 & 120mm. From our testing it will not work on the "Knurled" versions of the Lator & Teletor.

Wide Angle Finder OR 2403-1: There are two versions of this finder, both with the same code number and they are quite similar. The primary difference is that the front sight of the later iteration is painted Black. We assume this is for better visibility during use. It is interesting that on the early version of this one, as well as the earliest Sports type above, there is a pad of what appears to be the same material as the body covering, glued to the bottom part which will rest on the Sogno's top plate, no doubt to avoid scratching. Just a small thing which shows the extra attention to detail in the early days, when the Ducati brothers were still in control. Note that the early non-painted version is rarely seen.

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(All of the above is subject to change as additional information becomes available. And, should you know of any earlier published articles or books where any of the above Variations may have already been described, please forward us a link (or info) so that we may give proper credit to the discoverer. And, as always, if you have any information to share to expand our knowledge, please contact us! Thank you.)

Finally, we have not yet updated the individual pages for the Lator & Teletor lenses regarding the "Knurled" variants. We are awaiting further input from other collectors in order to get the data as correct as possible. Soon...