Schneider AV-Xenotar 90mm&Leica Super-Colorplan 90mm - Which is better

It's not easy to find information of projectors and projection lenses online, includes datasheet and patent. I even don't know most of lenses' group and elements number. Old slide fans always say that Leica's lenses are quite high-resolution and reproduce natural color. But what about Schneider? Rollei projectors are highly praised, too. AV-Xenotar only costs less than 1/3 of Leica's price. I think Leica photographic instruments always have a high premium, but not sure if projecting system is the same or not.

To be honest, I don't own a S-AV, Rollei or Leica projector. Unfortunately, both of lenses can't be directly used on rack type carousel projector, and rehouse Pyrite 90/4.5 (Apo Componon HM 90) with a 3D printed barrel seems much easier. I plan to make a xenon light source for 4400L projector, so 1.5+ stop faster may be not that important and visible.

Ps. If I use Pyrite as a projector lens, I will be worried about Schneideritis.

... don't forget the Zeiss P-Sonnar 90mm!

I don't have experience with those lenses. But generally the "Xenotar" designation refers to a 5/4 or 6/4 elements/groups configuration so it should be pretty good.

Hi,

found a lens section for the older Colorplan here, indeed a 5/4 design:
http://www.marcocavina.com/articoli_fotografici/Leitz_Colorplan_90_Germany_Portugal/00_pag.htm

Jens

OAPOli said:

I don't have experience with those lenses. But generally the "Xenotar" designation refers to a 5/4 or 6/4 elements/groups configuration so it should be pretty good.

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At least 150mm isn't a literally "Xenotar".

JensH said:

... don't forget the Zeiss P-Sonnar 90mm!

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Haha I often forget Zeiss. This glass is too rare to meet

JensH said:

Hi,

found a lens section for the older Colorplan here, indeed a 5/4 design:
http://www.marcocavina.com/articoli_fotografici/Leitz_Colorplan_90_Germany_Portugal/00_pag.htm

Jens

Click to expand...

Thanks, I will browse it.

Edit: Oh I've read a lot of articles on this site! Marco is a erudite, I learn so much from him

@MsLing based on this test, the Super Colorplan ranks slightly higher; https://deltalenses.com/projector-lens-group-test-1-fast-90s/

miha said:

@MsLing based on this test, the Super Colorplan ranks slightly higher; https://deltalenses.com/projector-lens-group-test-1-fast-90s/

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Thank you. From the test, I think purchasing a Componon-HM is quite nice Should only be careful about Schneideritis

There's currently a conversation happening around whether all AV-Xenotars were five element. Certainly the medium-format lenses were, but there's a question mark over the 35mm slide projection lenses. Back to you shortly with some answers on this . . .

There's also a small update pending to the Delta Lenses Fast 90's group test.

And there's an in-depth breakdown of differences between Colorplan variants here:
It may have a lot of the information you're looking for. It's also being updated . . .