135 mm Lenses: Which to keep?

[Jim Burk]

I currently have 2 135mm lenses. I am planning on keeping one and selling the other, probably purchasing a 90 mm. The ones I have are:

1 - Schneider Symmar-S 5.6 / 135 Multicoated, and

2 - Nikkor-W 5.6 / 135.

Which is generally considered the better lens?

[BrianShaw]

Keep whichever is in better condition. If in equal condition, then flip a coin.

[Jack Dahlgren]

They are so close that I think you could find as many people who prefer the Schneider as those who prefer the Nikkor. They are both older so condition of the lens/shutter is likely a bigger difference between them than anything else.

I have the Symmar and like it. You have both, which one do you prefer?

[Mark Sampson]

These two lenses were direct competitors in the marketplace when new (Schneider-1978-90, Nikon- 1980-2007?) and should both be superb performers. So:
Set up a photo that's typical of what you do. Shoot one side of a holder with one lens. Change lenses, refocus, and shoot the other side of the holder. Same shutter & f/stop of course.
Process, make contacts; matched enlargements; or look at chromes with a loupe. One may make an image you like better. Keep that lens. If the images appear almost identical (and they just might), flip a coin. Or sell the one that is better cosmeticallly, as that one will bring more money.

[goodfood]

If you want very sharp image, Nikkor. If you want a warmer color tone, Symmar. Keep the better condition and check the shutter which one is better and accurate.

[Jim Burk]

Thanks all.

I have to shoot an "Industrial Landscape" shot this weekend, and will be shooting some "High Key" still lifes that I also want on film. I will try to use both lenses and look for a difference. They both are in very good condition, with no visible flaws. The only hard part is that one is on a lensboard for my Toyo, and the other on a lensboard for my Wista. I will have to use both cameras, or take a wrench with me and swap lenses. For the shots at home that is no big thing.

Again, I really appreciate the replies.

[Doremus Scudder]

With a choice such as yours, it often comes down to logistic details. What size filters do you have and use most? (I have tons of 52mm filters, so I've got a couple-three Nikkors for that reason.) Which is lightest? What are the coverages of the two? etc.

FYI, the Nikkor gets panned in a couple of lens tests, but the consensus seems to be that the tests were not representative. I have the 135 Nikkor W and it is as sharp as any of my other 135mms.

Of course, you could always do as I, and keep them both (I've got three in that focal length; the Nikkor goes in the backpacking/hiking kit due to its size and weight, I have two Wide-Field Ektars that I like for their sharpness and larger image circle, one in the States and one that lives in Vienna (so I don't have to schlepp so many lenses back and forth across the Atlantic).

Best,

Doremus Scudder

[shadowleaves]

I have the 135 W for exactly the same reason - 52mm filter size, as my Fujinon 300C and 450C both have their front thread in that size. Symmar-S 135mm seems to have 49mm front thread.

For 135mm lense, Lee wide-angle adapter is necessary if one uses Lee GND; and life will be a lot easier with as few filter sizes as possible. My LF arsenal only contain lense in two filter sizes: 67mm and 52mm, and so I only have to use two WA adapters.

With a choice such as yours, it often comes down to logistic details. What size filters do you have and use most? (I have tons of 52mm filters, so I've got a couple-three Nikkors for that reason.) Which is lightest? What are the coverages of the two? etc.

FYI, the Nikkor gets panned in a couple of lens tests, but the consensus seems to be that the tests were not representative. I have the 135 Nikkor W and it is as sharp as any of my other 135mms.

Of course, you could always do as I, and keep them both (I've got three in that focal length; the Nikkor goes in the backpacking/hiking kit due to its size and weight, I have two Wide-Field Ektars that I like for their sharpness and larger image circle, one in the States and one that lives in Vienna (so I don't have to schlepp so many lenses back and forth across the Atlantic).

Best,

Doremus Scudder