Opinions: Fujinon - SW 90mm f8 vs Linhof Schneider Super Angulon 90mm F8

[CropDusterMan]

Interested in opinions from those who've used both who can give an honest preference given the choice.

Fuji is Seiko Shutter....Linhof Schneider is Synchro-Compur.

(Ya...I know, a 5.6 is easier to focus.)

 

[Old-N-Feeble]

I have no experience with the Fujinon but had a SA and it was okay. Almost everything I've read indicates the Fuji is a better performer. However, the Nikkor f/8 seems to be largely the favorite of all the 90's.

 

[Patrick Robert James]

I doubt you are going to see much difference between the two. My 90mm is an f/8 Linhof Super Angulon and the rest of my lenses are Fujis. Optically they are nearly impossible to tell apart. I guess what i am saying is, flip a coin! If you already have Fuji lenses get that and vice versa. The Linhofs are supposed to be the creme-de-la-creme of Schneiders though, fyi. I don't know much about the Seiko shutter but the Synchro-Compur is a great shutter.

I hope that helps you, but it probably didn't!

 

[Dr Croubie]

I've got a SA90/8 and an SWD90/5.6.
Hands down, the Fujinon SWD is sharper. But then, you asked to compare a SW not an SWD, so I can't help you there. A good SWD might set you back $300, so unless money is ridiculously tight I'd recommend one of them anyway. Takes 82mm filters and is huge, so size might be another reason to stick with the smaller ones.

The Seiko shutters are a bit interesting. Not on my SWD90, but on my old-W 210mm. You can't open the shutter for preview/focussing unless it's cocked first. Also, if it's open, you can press the shutter at which point it will close, then open/close to take the shot. Not a massive deal, but just different to all my other shutters.

 

[Richard S. (rich815)]

Sorry, never used the SA but my SW 90/8 is sublime. Beautiful lens:

 

[Alan Gales]

Mamiya RZ67 lenses use internal Seiko shutters. I've read that the Seiko shutters on the Fujinon large format lenses are reliable also.

Most people are not as familiar with the Seiko shutters so lenses mounted in them usually sell for less than lenses in Copal or Compur shutters from what I have seen. I wouldn't be afraid of one but I'm going by what I have read and not real experience. I have owned an RZ67 and had no problems with the Seiko leaf shutters in the lenses I owned.

 

[Alan Gales]

Sorry, never used the SA but my SW 90/8 is sublime. Beautiful lens:

View attachment 122420

That is nice!

 

[Trond]

I haven't compared it directly with other lenses, but I have been very satisfied with my Fujinon SW 90/8.

Trond

 

[DREW WILEY]

Hmmm, Richard... I see that I'm not the only one picking up ticks in the East Bay. Mt Diablo-esque. Love those oaks. A lot depends on the
vintage of the lens. I prefer Nikkors to SA's; but it's a minor distinction. Most late lenses work quite well. And I'm very impressed with Fuji
lenses in general, though their wide-angle lenses per se are less common.

 

[Richard S. (rich815)]

Hmmm, Richard... I see that I'm not the only one picking up ticks in the East Bay. Mt Diablo-esque. Love those oaks.....

I am so in love with oak trees! This was right off Morello Ave in Martinez, near Hidden Lakes Park.

 

[Richard S. (rich815)]

That is nice!

Thanks Alan.

 

[ic-racer]

I'd check each very carefully for separation. The lens elements near the center are not very large, so even a small amount of edge separation can be a significant proportion of the lens field. I'd also check each very carefully for haze. I'd check each lens very carefully for evidence of tamper. Re-cementing the elements on many 90s is a real challenge and without the proper alignment rig, nearly impossible. I'd then check each shutter very well for any evidence of tamper. People that shouldn't be in side shutters mess up the screws. People that know what they are doing, replace messed up screws or don't damage them in the first place.