Name: Schneider 80mm f/4 Componon-S Enlarging Lens - USA
Brand: Schneider
SKU: SR804CNS
Price: 549.95 USD
Availability: Discontinued
Rating: 2.33 (3 reviews)

Schneider 80mm f/4 Componon-S Enlarging Lens - USA

Schneider 80mm

Schneider

Adorama

Photography

Film & Darkroom Equipment

Enlarger Accessories

Schneider Enlarger Accessories

Schneider 80mm 

Buy: Schneider 80mm f/4 Componon-S Enlarging Lens - USA Buy now & save $93.

The Schneider Componon-S lenses are recognized industry-wide as a top-performing range of professional enlarging lenses. They are 6-element, 4-group lenses with special optical glass that are superbly corrected for a flat field, high-contrast transfer, and excellent definition over the whole field. With their high level of color correction, they are also ideal for top-quality color enlargements in enlargers using either opal lamps or cold-cathode lighting. The high performance of the Componon-S is maintained even at high magnifications and in distortion control setups.Mechanically, the Componon-S lenses are specially matched to enlarging requirements. The aperture ring with a linear f-stop scale -- for focal lengths 135mm to 210mm with illuminated iris scale -- has click stops at full and half steps.Componon-S lenses of 50mm to 100mm focal lengths are fitted in a barrel mount with a luminous aperture scale, click stops which can be disengaged, and a preset aperture control. With this system the iris can be opened after stopping down to the desired aperture for final cropping adjustment or fine focusing. A lever then returns the iris to the previously selected working aperture shown on the luminous scale.The Schneider Componon-S range of top-level enlarging lenses superbly meets all optical requirements of professional enlarging.

This lens was a dream...in the first years.Then came the haze on glass (my other SS 110 XL has the problem too)and the refusal from Schneider in Germany to reckon that it is their job once we're talking about a known production defect (in the first batches). They propose a repair for 1600 $ each. What a shame. They are so proud to define their products as high quality optics. They should add "but if you get the wrong sample it's your problem".
Never again.

Don't buy it

I'm very aware of the problems many people have with Super Symmar lenses developing milky deposits on internal lens elements. I find the reports of Schneider's handling of this issue extremely disappointing and worrisome.

However, I've never had any problems with any of my Schneider lenses... 38 SAXL, 58 SAXL, 72 SAXL, 110 SSXL and 150 SSXL.

Perhaps I'm just lucky. I hope my luck persists because I'm seriously considering adding a 80mm SSXL to my 4x5 kit.

RE: Milky deposits -- Not On Mine!!

Schneider has a problem with Super Symmar XL lenses. I have an 80mmXL. The front lens element has developed milky deposits due apparently to a manufacturing fault. Schneider are willing to repair the fault for free within 2 years of purchase, otherwise you pay and you pay heavily. As a long term user of Schneider optics, I am very disappointed with the outcome. I cannot recommend the Super Symmar 80mm XL lens to anyone under any circumstances.