Fujinon SW S 90mm f8 VS "something else"

Hi

I have one of these which I bought about 5 years ago for under US$300, the lens is often leaving me with the feeling that its not 'sharp' but then I really can't say as I only have one other lens to compare it with (which is a 180mm). The other borrowed lenses I've tried are only longer than this.

I've found this site (well long ago actually) and it does not actually test that lens, but as far as I know (from what I've read) the design is the same as the Schneider super angulon f8 (they look similar on the outside at least). Given this, the testing for it is:
Fstopcnt/mdl/edge
f/11 67 67 17
f/16 60 54 21

compared to the Nikon f8
f/11 80 80 60
f/16 67 67 60

This seems to reflect what I'm seeing in my images (where edges are soft)

I'm sort of interested to know if the later Fujinon (with the printing around the outside of the barrel) are any better. I'm also not so enthusiastic about the Seikonic shutter on my Fujinon as I find the preview mechanism clunky compared to the Copal on my other lens (and its a bit dicky in speeds too).

I'm also seeing a Topcor 90mm f5.6 lens popping up now and then on the auctions (like this one)



but I can't find much on these.

I guess I should get the Nikon and perhaps I'm just trying to save money.

Anyway, advice and alternative thinking welcome

The big advantage of the Nikon is the greater coverage. Are you using lots of movements? Or shooting 5x7?

OTOH any used lens may not be a great example. You may have a bad example. Or maybe the Nikon you buy might be bad. Or maybe there is nothing wrong with your current lens -)

I think with the SW Fujis the only real change was in coatings. It's not like the W Fujis that had design changes.

You may find references to the Topcor as a Caltar HR. I am quite happy with mine. 90mm 5.6 is a big lens - 77mm filters.