Schneider Super Symmar 80mm XL status question.

[Henry Ambrose]

I bought one back when they were introduced and it was one of my favorites, but sold it when I quit photography as a job. Over time I have seen comments about problems with haze. Did this affect all the 80mm lenses or just some range that can be identified? Can the problem be repaired?

Please fill me in - I may want to buy another one. Or maybe not.

[onnect17]

Interesting. I own one and the glass seems quite clear. The box reads 80-0002 so perhaps there’re more than one version.

Trying to focus fully open is a pain so I use it at 5.6


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[Heroique]

Did this affect all the 80mm lenses or just some range that can be identified?

As far as I can tell, the haze issue affected both the 80mm and 110mm lenses with the same symptoms and similar time frame.

I’ve noticed, generally, that 110mm owners have reported the malady on lenses bought new in the early-to-mid 2000’s, but I may not have a perfect understanding of which 110mm lenses carry the highest risk. I've never come across serial number ranges to avoid.

From what I know about symptoms of either lens, if you look through the front of a stricken lens, the whitish, cloud-like (“cumulus”) haze might typically appear halfway between the center of the lens and the filter threads, and spread slowly over time, moving & lengthening in a circular path (concentric w/ the filter threads). The growth of the haze is a slow process, and can take a few years to become plainly conspicuous. This is for properly used and stored lenses.

* Here's the good news: If the 80mm or 110mm lens is clear today, I believe it likely enjoys a future-safe condition.

[Richard Wasserman]

My 110mm Super Symmar developed haze and I brought it to Bob Watkins at Precision Camera. He cleaned it for a nominal fee and it’s been fine since then-about 2 years.

[Jac@stafford.net]

My 110mm Super Symmar developed haze and I brought it to Bob Watkins at Precision Camera. He cleaned it for a nominal fee and it’s been fine since then-about 2 years.

Do you think it helps service because you live within reasonable driving distance? Really, I would drive a long way if it helped. TIA

[Peter Lewin]

Just took a look at my 80 XL (serial 14922107) and it looks fine, no haze. I bought it new from Badger a long time ago, can't remember the year. But that implies that not every XL lens suffered from "Schneideritis."

[Henry Ambrose]

For some reason I remember talk about the XLs having a particular problem. Sounds like the occasional "schneideritis" is all it is. The one I owned was bought new and was nothing but wonderful for the years I owned and used it. I am open to more comments if anyone has something to add.

[Oren Grad]

"Schneideritis" is a term usually used to refer to flaking of the black coating on the inside surface of the optical cells. This is different:

https://www.largeformatphotography.i...Drops-the-Ball

https://www.largeformatphotography.i...ctive-products

https://www.largeformatphotography.i...-haze-on-glass

https://www.largeformatphotography.i...d-fog-problems

[Henry Ambrose]

Thank you, Oren.

I forgot to not rely on the forum search feature and missed those threads, but I guess that means that I did correctly remember a problem with the lenses.

So, how’s the 72 Super Angulon XL? Reliable? Dependable? I sure liked the size and very nice fall off of the 80, but maybe its not to be.

[Richard Wasserman]

Do you think it helps service because you live within reasonable driving distance? Really, I would drive a long way if it helped. TIA

I'm sure Bob W. does equal quality work no matter how the items arrive at his shop. Of course it's fun to go there in person to see the goodies he's working on and chat with him. Be sure to let me know if you do decide to make the trip so we can meet up.