School me on the differences between...

[Dan Quan]

the Schneider Xenar 135mm ƒ4.5 and the 135mm ƒ4.7, please.

I know the ƒ4.5 is 90 grams heavier; but are there additional differences? Is one sharper?

Thanks in advance.


Xenar 4.5/135mm (https://www.schneideroptics.com/info/vintage_lens_data/large_format_lenses/xenar/data/4,5-135mm.html)

Xenar 4.7/135mm (https://www.schneideroptics.com/info/vintage_lens_data/large_format_lenses/xenar/data/4,7-135mm.html)

[Jim Graves]

I believe the only difference besides the obvious maximim aperture is that the 4.7 was made for smaller and lighter cameras and would fit a smaller shutter. It's the same basic design but compacted to fit.

[Dan Quan]

I believe the only difference besides the obvious maximim aperture is that the 4.7 was made for smaller and lighter cameras and would fit a smaller shutter. It's the same basic design but compacted to fit.

Thanks Jim. I appreciate the response.

[Emmanuel BIGLER]

Hi !
4.7 and 4.5 xenar models are described more in detail in the original documentation in German, dated 1966. Unfortunately those archives are no longer accessible from the manufacturer.

1966 xenar 4.7 and 4.5 xr_xnt_66.pdf (http://www.cjoint.com/15av/EDrabPqrNOv_xr_xnt_66.pdf)

Apparently the 4.7 / shutter size 0 model was discontinued so time after 1966.
xenar and xenotar xr_xnt.pdf (http://www.cjoint.com/15av/EDradLobQHY_xr_xnt.pdf)

xenar xr.pdf (http://www.cjoint.com/15av/EDrafVux8qa_xr.pdf)

1985 xenar xr_85.pdf (http://www.cjoint.com/15av/EDrahnPbdZb_xr_85.pdf)

Unfortunately, at the time, there were no MTF curves published by Schneider-Kreuznach, so we cannot even guess which one of the xenars, the 4.5 or the 4.7 (or the last 5.6 versions) performs theoretically better ;)

[Dan Fromm]

Emmanuel, the 1966 Xenar u. Xenotar brochure is here: http://web.archive.org/web/20100922053809/http:/www.schneiderkreuznach.com/archiv/archiv.htm That link is in my list of links to manufacturers' sites etc. (here: http://1drv.ms/1w0vbMD) along with other useful and, alas, hard to find links.

Dan, the f/4.7 is on a #0 shutter (max opening 24 mm), the f/4.5 is in a #1 (max opening 30 mm). That seems to be the only difference between them. According to the brochure they have the same coverage (161 mm), the same distance between the principal points (1.1 mm) and the same filter threads (M40.5 x 0.5). Until proven otherwise, they are the same.

[Dan Quan]

Thank you for the response, I really appreciate your time and effort. I plan to use this with a P67 so the shutter is not relevant. I apologize for not mentioning this first.