Schneider defective products

[Brian K]

So what I thought was fungus in my 80mm Symmar XL turned out to be a defect in the glue that bonds the elements together, it eventually turns hazy. According to Badger Graphic, who now refuses to carry these lenses because they had so many returns. Further it seems that it became so cost prohibitive for Schneider to fix these lenses that they now will only do so at a cost of $1200.

This same defect also appears on the 110mm XL as well.

I am preparing to file a complaint with US Customs, or whatever other governmental agencies that are appropriate about these lenses and would like to hear from those of you who have encountered the same issue, even if Schneider repaired or replaced it for you at the time. The more people that come forward the stronger the case that this was a defect in manufacture. No lens should become unusable after a few years.

I should also caution anyone considering the purchase of these lenses that they have a fair probability of having the same issues so seeking an alternative like a Rodenstock, Fuji or Nikkor might be advisable.

[J. Gilbert Plantinga]

I own both of these lenses, purchased from Badger in 2007 - 2008 and have had no problems with either. When did you purchase yours?

[Brian K]

BTW that's Schneider in Germany, that won't stand behind the product. Schneider USA will warranty it for 5 years, after that you're out of luck.

[Brian K]

Gilbert, in 2007. Take a good look at your lens, especially the 80mm, shine a light at it.

[Vick Ko]

Brian, do you know what serial number range is affected?

I bought a used 110mm XL. s/n 14908xxx

Schneider's lens sn chart only goes to 2000 and 14,730,xxx
http://www.schneideroptics.com/info/age_of_lenses/

Oh, found a better chart. I'm likely 2005.
http://www.ground-glass.net/large-fo...der-lenses-age

[Brian K]

Vick my 80mm starts with #14963xxx. But according to Jeff at Badger it seems that it happened more often with the 80mm so maybe you'll be lucky. But shine a light a the front element and see if it has any cloudiness....

[J. Gilbert Plantinga]

My 80 is 14992xxx and it's fine.

[Brian K]

Glad to hear it Gilbert. Still, keep an eye on it over time. My 80 was stored in a temperature and humidity controlled room with vapor and fume filtering from a medical and allergy grade air cleaner (IQair) designed for print and equipment storage, along with 40 other lenses, all of which were older, some 30 years older, and which show no signs of any defects.

[Mark Stahlke]

I've owned and used both of these lenses and have no problems. The 110mm is one of my "go to" lenses. I recently sold my 80mm but only because I didn't like its light falloff characteristics and went back to my 75mm Caltar II-N.

[Brian K]

There are previous threads about this:

http://www.largeformatphotography.in...-5-XL-problems

http://www.largeformatphotography.in...-haze-on-glass

http://www.largeformatphotography.in...nvertible-lens