Schneider lens defects, 800mm and 110mm XL

[Vick Ko]

Wow. Not great news.

Do you have the serial number range for "affected' lenses?

And if you own an "affected" lens, is there a permanent remedy? What about a thorough disassembly and cleaning?

Does this lens tear down and go back together in a straight-forward fashion, i.e. not needing active re-alignment?

Vick

[Drew Wiley]

This problem is not "Schneideritis" at all, is unique to these two particular lenses; and I've
heard about it for several years, and even cautionary statements about buying used lenses
prior to the alleged fix. B&H clearly labels what products are labeled gray and which are
under official US import warranty, and none of this would make me gun-shy of other Schneider products. Nobody has a 100% batting average on radical new designs, and it is
sad that this fluke became so seriously inconvenient.

[Michael Alpert]

Brian,

Did you purchase this lens new? Was it purchased from Badger? I believe Schneider did take back and replace defective XL Symmar lenses for a number of years after the first batch, which was the defective batch, was sold. (I think I am remembering this correctly.) So, in a technical sense, they did honor their international limited warranty. The ethical question remains. The whole situation is a shame; the XL Symmar lenses, when they are good, are very good.

[Leigh]

This problem is not "Schneideritis" at all, is unique to these two particular lenses; and I've
heard about it for several years,...

That's exactly my point.

I did not say this problem was "Schneideritis". Go back and read my post.

The problem is the fact that Schneider does not care about correcting defects in its products.

The reference to "Schneideritis" is just another example of this corporate policy.

- Leigh

[Brian Vuillemenot]

Does this issue affect the usability of the lens? I thought that Scneideritis was just a cosmetic issue, the lens works just as well as one without it, although the resale value is quite a bit less...

[Leigh]

Go back and read my post #14.

The issue is not the defect, it's the company's lack of interest in correcting the defect.

- Leigh

[Brian Vuillemenot]

Go back and read my post #14.

The issue is not the defect, it's the company's lack of interest in correcting the defect.

- Leigh

Does this mean that it does not affect the image quality? I'm not implying that Shcneider shouldn't care or currect the situation, just curious as to the effect on usability. I have a 110 XL that looks fine so far, but am worried that this could happen to me also.

[Leigh]

Hi Brian,

I don't own any Schneider lenses, for the reasons stated above, so I'm not the best person to answer your question.

It's my understanding that Schneideritis does not affect image quality except in very severe cases, where it might
contribute to internal flare.

- Leigh

[Frank Petronio]

It kills the resale value at the least.

[Michael Alpert]

The problem is the fact that Schneider does not care about correcting defects in its products.
- Leigh

This kind of overstatement is not helpful. Schneider, Rodenstock, Fuji, and Nikon all make fine usable lenses. They try very hard to produce the best lenses possible. I've used great lenses from all of these companies for many years with no problems of any kind. Also, by the time many of us will be ready to sell our lenses, they will probably not have much monetary value. It doesn't matter. Lenses are not investments.