What's The Skinny on the Schneider 47 XL Lens?

**Henry Ambrose** · 26-Jan-2005, 16:25

Andre,
If the 47 is the only super wide that will cover 4x5 then what are your choices other than buying one and seeing if its of sufficient quality for you? If the 58 is too long for you I'm pretty sure the 55 will be as well so that leaves the 47 as your only choice. Buy it from a reputable dealer who will take it back if its not right. And don't forget the center filter if you're going to use it on 4x5!

I own 4 Schneider (3 are XLs) and 2 Rodenstock modern lenses. None of them have problems with flecks or crap inside. I've been thinking about a 47. If I shot more roll film I'd buy one without hesitation, I just don't shoot that much roll film and the 58 is already real wide on 4x5.

I understand your concern about what you get for your hard earned money. I work hard for mine too. I also own some very nice lenses from the big names and I am sure we could find a little dust in them. I've looked through lots and lots of lenses - from really cheap ones to very very expensive ones - and even taken some apart and I've never seen a flawless lens. Some of the cleanest ones were cheap Nikon 35mm SLR lense that were near spotless inside. Go figure.

If you get a 47 come back and tell us what you think about it!

**Jim Rice** · 26-Jan-2005, 18:04

I certainly wouldn't kick the 47 XL out of bed as it were, but the greatest car ever made is my 1986 BMW 735i.

**Armin Seeholzer** · 27-Jan-2005, 03:45

Hi Sammy

The Brochure of Schneider stated shift 9/8mm and in non critical aplications not a white wall for example I could go up to 12mm on f 22 and up to 14mm on f32 but without any center or other filter.
At 14 mm and f 32 the corner2-3 mm was a tiny bit darker!