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View Full Version : Production dates of Schneider 90mm F/6.8-Angulon



Mel
9-Oct-2010, 08:16
I've read about a lot of variance in the quality of these lenses.
Apparently the last ones produced in the 1970's are best,
due to the improved quality control at the time. Those lenses
are also single coated compared to the 1950's version which
are not coated at all.

This lens would not be my first choice but requirements for
small size outweigh all other considerations. That said, is
there a way to determine the year of production from the
serial number? Is there a list of serial numbers corresponding
to the build-year lurking somewhere in cyberspace?

Thanking you in advance of your help.

Tony Lakin
9-Oct-2010, 08:30
I've read about a lot of variance in the quality of these lenses.
Apparently the last ones produced in the 1970's are best,
due to the improved quality control at the time. Those lenses
are also single coated compared to the 1950's version which
are not coated at all.

This lens would not be my first choice but requirements for
small size outweigh all other considerations. That said, is
there a way to determine the year of production from the
serial number? Is there a list of serial numbers corresponding
to the build-year lurking somewhere in cyberspace?

Thanking you in advance of your help.

Have you seen this:-
http://www.thalmann.com/largeformat/wide.htm
I hope it helps, my very late angulon is serial #11,358,630 in a Copal #00 shutter, a great performer approx 10mm of movement possible, lightweight and compact, I use it for backpacking with my Gowland pocket view.

bobwysiwyg
9-Oct-2010, 08:31
Also,

http://www.schneideroptics.com/info/age_of_lenses/

Mel
9-Oct-2010, 09:00
Thanks Tony and bob - EXACTLY what I was looking for!

Kevin Crisp
9-Oct-2010, 09:15
A Copal 00? You mean a Copal 0? Mine is 5 digits different from yours.

Ole Tjugen
9-Oct-2010, 09:33
... Those lenses
are also single coated compared to the 1950's version which
are not coated at all. ...

That's not correct - post-WWII lenses are coated.

More important that the age of the lens is the storage conditions! Angulons have only the outer element of each cell held in the barrel, the two inner elements are only held in place by the cement. And if an Angulon has been stored on edge in warm conditions, the cement may "creep" this decentering the lens.

I have a 1934 version and a 1964 version of the Angulon 90/6.8, and the difference in actual performance is very small. If anything the older lens has a larger useable image circle at very small apertures, whereas the newer one has a flatter field over the intended coverage.

Tony Lakin
9-Oct-2010, 09:47
A Copal 00? You mean a Copal 0? Mine is 5 digits different from yours.

Yes, don't know where my head is today, I typed wait instead of weight in another post today:o

Here is photo of angulon
45984

Mel
9-Oct-2010, 16:32
That's not correct - post-WWII lenses are coated.


My bad. You're quite correct.

Mel
9-Oct-2010, 16:45
Every seller on that famous site says storage conditions were "cool". You never really know for sure. I'm "looking" at one right now that was manufactured circa 1969 (low 11 million). Would you opt for that or a linhof type? Does $300 sound rich?

Also, does anyone happen to know the very last year they were manufactured?

Glad to hear all the good responses about this lens.

Darin Boville
9-Oct-2010, 16:52
Does $300 sound rich?

Very rich! Are we talking mint condition, untouched in the box?

--Darin

Mel
9-Oct-2010, 17:20
It looks like mint condition.
Hasn't been used since 1985
and stored in the famous
ubiquitous "cool climate" conditions.
Darin, since you asked I'm PM'g
you the link. Thanks.

Mel
9-Oct-2010, 17:51
Here are the prices for the lens at keh.com:

90 F6.8 ANGULON COPAL BULB, TIME (35 MOUNT), LARGE FORMAT VIEW LENS
CONDITION EX
$310.00

Large Format - Fixed Focal Length Lenses
90 F6.8 ANGULON LINHOF SYNCHRONIZED FOR FLASH COMP B (4X5)(35 MOUNT)WITH TECH III BOARD, CAM, LARGE FORMAT VIEW LENS
CONDITION EX
$325.00

90 F6.8 ANGULON LINHOF TECH SYNCHRONIZED FOR FLASH COMP B (4X5)(35 MOUNT) LARGE FORMAT VIEW LENS
CONDITION BGN
$189.00

90 F6.8 ANGULON SYNCHRONIZED FOR FLASH COMP B (4X5)(35 MOUNT) LARGE FORMAT VIEW LENS
CONDITION EX
$225.00

90 F6.8 ANGULON SYNCHRONIZED FOR FLASH COMP-P B (4X5)(35 MOUNT) LARGE FORMAT VIEW LENS
CONDITION EX
$215.00

So while $300 sounds rich to me too, it appears not to be if the condition is near "mint".

Dave_B
9-Oct-2010, 18:23
While you won't steal the lens from KEH, you will get an honest appraisal of its condition by people who know what they are doing, absolute assurance you will see the lens after you send in the money and a fair return policy. With lenses on the auction site, you get none of this. Most of us are willing to pay a premium for this protection.
Dave B.

Mel
9-Oct-2010, 18:32
I agree with you, Dave, and have been satisfied with my purchases from Keh.com. Then at other times I see something that looks really beautiful-and-minty on The Auction Site, and so far, knock on wood, it has been. It's unfortunate that keh.com, a site that caters to photographers and photography, does not provide photographs.:eek: :confused:

Mel
9-Oct-2010, 20:23
Not to change the subject--but, Darin--yours is one of the most impressive websites I have every seen. You are great writer, deep thinker, and creative soul. Your mid-life "crisis" appears to be a gift. How in the world did you make those images? Stunning.

Darin Boville
10-Oct-2010, 00:20
Not to change the subject--but, Darin--yours is one of the most impressive websites I have every seen. You are great writer, deep thinker, and creative soul. Your mid-life "crisis" appears to be a gift. How in the world did you make those images? Stunning.

Oh, hey--thanks.

Spread the word!

--Darin

Mel
10-Oct-2010, 04:55
You're funny, too. Would be curious to see how you express humor photographically.

Meanwhile I'm a NY minute away from getting the seller of the 90mm I want to reduce the price down to $250.00.

sanchi heuser
10-Oct-2010, 07:12
Hi,
By the way,
there's a chart with production dates up to 2008:
http://www.schneiderkreuznach.com/service/serie.htm
Language is german and english

sanchi