150mm Apo-Symmar F/5.6 MC or L? Linhof 'Select' or not?

I hope this doesn't seem like one of those 'which lens is best' threads. I know the answer to that: the difference may be evident in theory, but negligible in practice; more is attributable to other factors, not least the care and skill of the photographer, etc.


However, , is the extra coverage of the 75° ‘L’ version of this lens superfluous on a Linhof Master Technika, as the earlier 72° ‘MC’ exceeds the extent of the camera’s movements anyway? Or could a combination of movements like shift plus swing, say, stretch it too far? I have read that the extra ‘circle’ is more of illumination rather than sharpness anyway but, presumably, the extent of sharpness is nevertheless greater. I should add that I have a Sinar P2, too, which will test the limitations of any lens.


In many ways, this is the more important question: on a Linhof 'Select' Apo-Symmar lens, with the signature engraved on the outside rim of the rear lens, ought it to be on the front too? If it isn't, does that suggest a composite lens that has been assembled from the front of one lens, and the rear of another? I know that this might require pretty arcane knowledge, but I am trying to decide on the authenticity of a particular lens, and I know that this is one of the corners of the internet where someone is most likely to know.


Many thanks.

Adam.

Adam, I have a Schneider 150mm APO-Symmar L lens, with the Linhof word engraved, purchased new from Linhof Munich. I can take a snap of the lens later in the day for you to see.

That's kind. Thanks. It's a question of whether it is written just on the rear, but not on the front, just on the front, or both.

From the top of my head the engraving is on the front rim only.

I've checked, it's on the front rim only.

I have a Linhof Select 180 mm Symmar-S made between October 1979 and January 1981. The word "Linhof" is marked on the outside circumference of the front cell between the serial number and "Symmar-S". There is nothing marked on the rear cell. The word "Linhof" just fits in the space it's in. Is it possibly the case with the example you have that it's a physically small lens and there wasn't really space to fit "Linhof" in on the front cell?
David

I have several Linhof lenses, and all of them say Linhof or Technika on the front element, even the tiny 90mm Angulon/6.8.

miha said:

I've checked, it's on the front rim only.

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Thanks, I appreciate you checking.

David Lindquist said:

I have a Linhof Select 180 mm Symmar-S made between October 1979 and January 1981. The word "Linhof" is marked on the outside circumference of the front cell between the serial number and "Symmar-S". There is nothing marked on the rear cell. The word "Linhof" just fits in the space it's in. Is it possibly the case with the example you have that it's a physically small lens and there wasn't really space to fit "Linhof" in on the front cell?
David

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Thanks, David. That might be the reason. I assumed that, if it was a question of branding, then Linhof would want it visible up front too, not hidden inside the bellows.

abruzzi said:

I have several Linhof lenses, and all of them say Linhof or Technika on the front element, even the tiny 90mm Angulon/6.8.

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Thanks. I know I might sound promiscuous , but I've been over on the Large Format Forum, too. Bob Salomon says that Linhof either put their name on the front or the back, but never both. It would seem that my worries are unfounded.

AdClem said:

Thanks. I know I might sound promiscuous , but I've been over on the Large Format Forum, too. Bob Salomon says that Linhof either put their name on the front or the back, but never both. It would seem that my worries are unfounded.

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Thank you for this. I too might be considered promiscuous as I would have seen this over there too at some point today.

I wonder if Linhof has any analogue lenses left to sell as "Select". The current lens price list on their website is dated April 2019. It shows the 90 mm Super Angulon XL with a price and the Apo-Sironar-S in focal lengths of 150, 210, 240, 300, and 360 mm with the comment "Price on request."

David

David Lindquist said:

Thank you for this. I too might be considered promiscuous as I would have seen this over there too at some point today.

I wonder if Linhof has any analogue lenses left to sell as "Select". The current lens price list on their website is dated April 2019. It shows the 90 mm Super Angulon XL with a price and the Apo-Sironar-S in focal lengths of 150, 210, 240, 300, and 360 mm with the comment "Price on request."

David

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Email or call Linhof and ask them.

AdClem said:

is the extra coverage of the 75° ‘L’ version of this lens superfluous on a Linhof Master Technika, as the earlier 72° ‘MC’ exceeds the extent of the camera’s movements anyway?

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3º additional degrees don't make much a difference, a larger circle allows a greater rise so it allows an slightly greater correction for converging diagonals, for example, this is used for architectural photography, but modern lenses intended for architecture may reach 100º.

AdClem said:

I have read that the extra ‘circle’ is more of illumination rather than sharpness anyway but, presumably, the extent of sharpness is nevertheless greater.

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Manufacturers usually do not disclose which criterion they follow to say what part or the illumination circle is the good image circle. The L version was a new design needed because some ingredients for the glass manufaturing were forbiden, so other glasses had to be used. Reportedly the L and the MC versions are pretty close in performance.