I think everyone is familiar with the glut of these surplus lenses that have been sold within the last while. I received mine not too long ago with some shipping damage. The front filter ring was banged up, and it took quite a bit of effort to get it out of the weirdo housing, after which I discovered the front cell had been knocked so hard it was cross-threaded within the barrel mount.
The seller has been gracious enough to offer an exchange, either for the whole thing or just the front cell and mount. My question is, should I keep the rear cell, or send the whole thing back? The only reason this isn't an obvious choice is that the condition of these lenses are somewhat dubious and unpredictable, and this one's rear cell is immaculate. The front cell has a starry night sky full of nicks, but that was acceptable to me. The important part was the rear was clean, and the front at least had no coating damage or smudges, and neither had haze.
From another similar thread, I take it that Schneider doesn't recommend mismatching cells from the older lenses, because the manufacturing process didn't guarantee good matches unless tested. On the other hand, it was said that it may be safe with symmetrical designs like the Symmars and other plasmats. Does the Xenotar count amongst those that would be safe?
I suppose if there's any chance the cells won't match well, I'll just send the whole thing back. I think I'm just looking for confirmation through raise of hands.
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