Schneider xenar 18cm in copound from 1936

bluez · Apr 1, 2015

I bought a Schneider xenar 18cm f3,5 20 years ago, and i haven't used it before. It is in very good condition. They seem sought after because i saw a similar lens on ebay got more than 50 bids. It is very solid and heavey and the aperture has around 16? blades. According to the Serial no, it's from 1936.

Are this lenses just collectable or are they still good for lets say portrait? Also i dont have the retainer ring, any ideas on how to attach it to a lens board?

Ian Grant · Apr 1, 2015

It's a very usable lens, see Ken Lee's website and his Tessar gallery, the Xenar is Schneiders equivalent. While a great Focal length for portaraits it would be fine for general use.

I assume it's in a Compound #3 shutter, they usually came with a mounting flange rather than a retaining ring, you may be able to find a flange on ebay.

Ian

jjphoto · Apr 1, 2015

Can you post some images of your lens?

Not sure how to mount yours but in terms of useability I think these lenses should have lots of potential. I have a similar lens, not in shutter, see below. I've only ever used it with a full frame 35mm digital camera (on a Sinar) and the images are quite sharp IMHO and background bokeh seems quite soft so I think this would be a very useful lens with film. I always planned to get a 6x9-6x12RFH for a Sinar and I never quite seem to get around to it. It's on the 'to-do' list.

Mine has a very odd serial number which has not allowed me to date it in any way. I assume you have a normal Schneider serial number, not the short one like on my lens.

See sample images below from FF (35mm) digital camera, ie. a very small central portion of the 4x5 that I think (not sure) this lens covers.

100% crop to show sharpness:

bluez · Apr 1, 2015

Here is a picture (not so good) :

i have blured the last serial no (every one else is doing so).
And i used this list to date the lens :

http://www.schneideroptics.com/info/age_of_lenses/

The glass is clear with no scratches or fungus. The shutter seems to fire correctly. However when i want to open the lens so i can adjust the camera i must put it in the B postion, but
that is perhaps the way it was ment to be used.

It's built like a tank and i am impressed with the 16 blade aperture, never seen so many blades before.

bluez · Apr 1, 2015

Another picture

shutterfinger · Apr 2, 2015

Measure the Outside Diameter of the threaded portion on the rear of the lens, its Metric. Go to http://www.skgrimes.com/products/mounting-flanges/metric-stock-flanges and buy one or at least get the technical measurement of the flange you are looking for.

John Koehrer · Apr 2, 2015

Yes, using B to focus is correct.

mike c · Apr 2, 2015

I want to be sure I'm correct that you don't cock the shutter on "B" or "T" just pull the shutter release on these Compound shutters, If I am wrong please correct me , I have heard that shutter damage can occur.

Mike

shutterfinger · Apr 2, 2015

Mike C.,
This style/type shutter is called Dial Set. Dial Set shutters were made by several companies. The most common are Compur and Compound. Common labeling on the selector lever is IBT or ZDM.
On B or T/Z or D do not cock the shutter. The cocking lever should be locked in the full release position. Forcing the cocking lever in either of these positions will bend levers or break the main cocking spring drum or both.
In I or M position cock and release the shutter as normal with other types of shutters.

mike c · Apr 2, 2015

Thanks shutterfinger, I knew there was something about the those older dial set that one has to be careful of.

Mike

bluez · Apr 8, 2015

mike c said:
Thanks shutterfinger, I knew there was something about the those older dial set that one has to be careful of.

Mike

Thanks for the tip.

Schneider xenar 18cm in copound from 1936

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