New Schneider lens at photokina!

[Don Hutton]

I'd guess about $1800-$2000. We'll see!

[chilihead]

Fujinon "A" 360mm f9 - I think - is what Schneider was attempting to emulate -

[Struan Gray]

Kudos to Schneider. I'm guessing it's more of a Celor than a Ronar, but the coverage splits the difference between classic versions of either.

The Fujinon C 300 is probably its closest competitor.

[Arne Croell]

Kudos to Schneider. I'm guessing it's more of a Celor than a Ronar, but the coverage splits the difference between classic versions of either.

True, its about 53° coverage. The Celor and similar older dialytes for pictorial use (Unofocal) tended to have larger openings, though. I am glad they did not do that and kept the size 1 shutter! It is interesting to note that they now address the "amateur" photographer. Some years ago, their main customers for any LF lens would have been professional (studio) photographers, where weight and size are not that important. It would be great if they would expand the "high-resolution, lightweight, and affordable" concept to other focal lengths, like a 210mm or a 90mm. Maybe at photokina 2010 if this one sells well?

[Peter K]

It is interesting to note that they now address the "amateur" photographer.

Since some time Schneider addresses the "amateur" photographer. The Fine Art XXL lenses aren't a professional tool at all. Specially with the engraved name of the owner in gold.

[Arne Croell]

Since some time Schneider addresses the "amateur" photographer. The Fine Art XXL lenses aren't a professional tool at all. Specially with the engraved name of the owner in gold.

Certainly true. They were not really in the "affordable" price range, though ( or lightweight). Much more of a niche product. This one should have a much broader appeal to LF photographers.

[jnantz]

Certainly true. They were not really in the "affordable" price range, though.

... maybe the original press release
said "affordable" for the "fine art" series as well.

[Ernest Purdum]

One of my father's favorite expressions was "moderation in all things". I thought it applied nicely to the Kodak 203mm f7.7 Ektar. Now Schneider seems to be applying that philosophy to a longer focal length. I wish them well as I would wish any one well who brings out a new lens design now.

[butterflydream]

hmmm looks like Schneider is trying to compete with their biggest competitor, their own old glass! I am curious to see just what "affordable" means though.

Old Xenar has no apochromatic coating, right? Then the competitiveness of new Xenar will depend on the price.

By the way it's not sure if the 'Tubus' is optional accessory or included as standard. It's no more compact with this extender - 44mm extension and #3 lensboard. Most of field cameras wouldn't need Tubus.

[Peter K]

In an apochromatic lens three wave-lenghts meets at a common focus instead of the usual two. Lens coating reduces the reflexivity of glass-surfaces. This are two different things.