Sold Schneider Symmar S 6.8 360mm Lens - $600

[berarthbun]

Schneider Symmar S 6.8 360mm Lens

This is another fine example of the Symmar S 360mm lens. There are no scratches, cleaning marks, or separation. There is the usual “Schneideritis” that has no impact on the recorded images. I bought the lens from a friend who retired from his studio. He used the lens for studio work. I've taken good care of the lens. It has served me well as both my primary lens for 8x10, and a wide angle for 11x14. The image circle is 490mm stopped down to f22 giving ample movements even when using an 11x14 view camera. The shutter is in excellent condition and all speeds work. I really have no need for a lens this large as I'm no longer shooting 11x14 film. I have a Sinar lens board available for the lens.

A few items to consider. This lens comes in around three pounds. The front filter size is 127mm, so filters on the front lens element are not a real possibility. The good news is that this is an underrated lens for those reasons. The images created from this lens are as sharp as it gets. I recommend it for portraits. It's also great for those landscapes or urban scenes. I had no issues schlepping the lens on moderate hikes. I personally trade quality for size. Not that a smaller 360mm lens would be any less quality. It all comes down to personal taste.

The lens is priced based upon the condition. It can be shipped or picked up. I'm located 30 miles north of Providence Rhode Island. Shipping charges are additional. I accept PayPal, credit cards on my website, and cash for local pickup. Feel free to reach out with any questions.

~Bruce

 

[berarthbun]

I lowered the price for anyone interested.

 

[Alan9940]

Other than the fact that this lens weighs ~3 lbs and has a front lens element the size of a small dinner plate, it's an absolutely fantastic performer! I bought it new in the mid-80's and still use it to this day. I'd guess that 80% of my 8x10 negs have been shot with this lens.

Something else to consider for any potential buyer is that this lens cannot be used on every 8x10 out there. The camera needs to have a sturdy front standard; an Intrepid 8x10, for example, couldn't handle it, IMO.

Anyway, GLWS!

 

[berarthbun]

Hi Alan. You are correct sir! This is a fine lens that I'm still deciding if I want to sell. One can never have too many lenses for the 8x10. I'm fortunate enough to have an Arca Swiss F-Metric with a solid front standard. I can even use the lens with my 5x7 Arca as well. Good point on the front standard. I'll include that as ell. On a side note, I bought a Nikon 360mm lens to use as I am now shooting mostly color film and need to use filters. The Schneider is not practical for filters. Thanks again and good shooting!

~Bruce

 

[Alan9940]

In later years I bought a Fuji 360mm CM-W which is still a pretty hefty lens, but half the size of the Schneider. A few years ago, I stumbled into a mint condition Fuji A 360mm which quickly became my "go to" lens. I use it on both my 8x10 and my Arca F-line 4x5. I occasionally drool over the Arca 8x10 with Orbix but, honestly, if I were buying new today I'd be looking closely at the Chamonix Alpinist X. Wishing you good light and have fun shooting!

Edit: Just wanted to make it clear that I use the Fuji 360A when hiking with the 8x10, and the Schneider 360/6.8 when working from or near the car. Didn't want anyone to think I was contradicting myself based on what I said above.