1960s Schneider Optics

Hi,

 

I am interested in purchasing a new lens for my 4x5 speed graphic. Right now I

am looking at two Schneider lenses. One of them is a Schneider 150mm/5.6 Symmar

SINAR-PRO with serial # 8600000 (putting it at Feb 1964) and going for $450.

The other is a Schneider 135mm/4.5 Xenar w/Copal-1 with serial # 10900000

(putting it at October 1967) and going for $400. Both of them are in very nice

condition and working well. I have been currently using a 135mm lens and enjoy

that focal length. However, I am curious to know what people think of these

lenses. Is the symmar much better than the xenar? Also, are the prices

reasonable? From looking around a little it seems like the symmar price is

pretty reasonable but I am not as sure about the xenar. Any input from people

that have experience with these lenses or knowledge of this era would be

appreciated.

 

Thanks,

 

Erik

Both are way too expensive. A 1980s plasmat (Symmar-S, Sironar-N, Nikkor-W, Fujinon-W)

should run from $200 to $350 depending on condition and age.

Schneider very generously provides information on their website about their older, discontinued lenses: http://www.schneideroptics.com/ -- Info -- Vintage Lens Data. There you will find that Schneider specs the coverage of the 135 mm f4.5 Xenar as 161 mm diameter -- this just barely covers 4x5. This makes sense, since the Xenar as a tessar-design lens. Unless you never want to use any movements that need additional coverage, such as front rise or front tilt, I'd recommend, for 135 mm and 4x5, selecting a plasmat design, such as one of the Symmars. Other plasmats are the Nikkor-W, Fuji-W and the various Rodenstock Sironars.