I recently purchased a Certotrop folding plate camera with a Schneider Xenar lens marked 13.5 cm f/4.5 with a dial Compur shutter. The serial number on the lens is 172349. The serial number on the shutter is 41591. The shutter speeds are from 1 sec to 1/200 sec. The film format is 9 X 12 cm. This camera is in remarkable condition and comes with a German military case. It was made in approximately 1929. The lens was made around 1927. I really bought it for the lens. The shutter is sticking at slower speeds which I know is normal for a shutter that has seen no use for decades. The lens has no marks on it, but it does need a good cleaning on the inside. My question is does anybody know anything about this lens? Does it have enough coverage for 4 X 5? I think it will. And if so, what is the quality of the lens? I work only with color transparency film. So I do know the noncoated lens elements may not yeild optimal color results. Also, does anybody know the value of this lens in it's present condition? I am considering having it serviced. Because it would be a shame to let a very fine example of a classic lens just sit idle.

-- Mark Schumann (schumann@svs.com), June 30, 1999

Answers

I use an uncoated lens often, and I shoot chromes as well. I do notice a lack of contrast in backlit situations compared to a coated lens, but for non backlit shots, color performance is quite usable. Very saturated. (I shoot mostly Provia). Send the lens to Steve Grimes for a CLA. It probably wont give large movements, but for most landscape stuff, it will probably work just fine.

-- Ron Shaw (shaw9@llnl.gov), July 02, 1999.