Rolleiflex 6008 - Actual difference between Zeiss and Schneider lenses?

[hankchinaski]

I noticed that Schneider lenses command much higher prices (in most cases) compared to same focal lenght Zeiss equivalents (Xenotar vs Sonnar etc). What is the actual difference? Is it only because they are more rare? Maybe somebody has image samples that show the differences?

 

[markjwyatt]

Not sure I would compare the Xenotar to the Sonnar. The Xenon is the competitive choice and it is Double Gauss based. I think the Xenotar is more of an extended Tessar design, maybe towards a simpler Double Gauss design. I am not sure if Schneider really went the Sonnar route.

 

[hankchinaski]

Not sure I would compare the Xenotar to the Sonnar. The Xenon is the competitive choice and it is Double Gauss based. I think the Xenotar is more of an extended Tessar design, maybe towards a simpler Double Gauss design. I am not sure if Schneider really went the Sonnar route.

Thanks! What does it mean in terms of images?

 

[markjwyatt]

Thanks! What does it mean in terms of images?

They are all great lenses, so it is personal preferences. Really the reason lens makers moved to Sonnar and Double Gauss is to get faster lenses that still had acceptable image quality as you moved from the center to the edges. So if speed is not an issue, they can all produce great images. If you need clinical sharpness, move towards the Zeiss Planar. I have a few examples from my own kits (not all MF). I do not ha a Xeonotar (which I know realize is full Double Gauss and similar to the Zeiss Biotar):

CZJ 105mm f4.5 Tessar, 6x9 (late 1930s):


Golden Gate View by Mark Wyatt, on Flickr

CZJ Tessar, 35mm 1950s, close to wide open (f2.8):


fountain1 by Mark Wyatt, on Flickr


Tree On Hill by Mark Wyatt, on Flickr

SK Xenon, 35mm (1950s), @f1.9:


planetarium by Mark Wyatt, on Flickr


bougainvillea by Mark Wyatt, on Flickr

Zeiss Optron 50mm f2 Sonnar, 35mm (1950s):


VW by Mark Wyatt, on Flickr


Baby Jesus by Mark Wyatt, on Flickr


Praktica MTL5 & Zeiss Ultron by Mark Wyatt, on Flickr

 

[ic-racer]

Maybe somebody has image samples that show the differences?

Here is a picture showing some differences.

The AF and AFD and PQ lenses which are newer are frequently Schneider. The older SLX lenses are Zeiss. There is no 'vintage market' for those older SLX Zeiss lenses so they cost less. However they won't work on the Hy6.

$500 Zeiss 40mm with $2000 Schneider 40mm.

Handheld sharpness? The mass makes angular moment of rotation of the body pretty high with respect to the mirror so that 1/30 or 1/15 is feasible with the prism, 6000 body and Zeiss lens.

The much lighter Hy6 system counters with a 'Mirror Pre-Release' button in easy reach, allowing nearly the same lower handheld speed. Both are leaf shutter cameras.