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Schneider Tele-Xenar 300mm 5.5 - Info? Opinions?
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PostPosted: Wed Jan 19, 2022 4:01 pm    Post subject: Schneider Tele-Xenar 300mm 5.5 - Info? Opinions? Reply with quote

Occasionally I see a Schneider-Kreuznach Tele-Xenar 300mm 5.5 on eBay. Usually in Exakta mount? I own a 200mm 5.5 Tele-Xenar (also EXA) and while it is a bit on the heavy side it is a very nice lens. I can't really find very much on the 300mm though. Does anyone have one? Opinions?

Another thing I am wondering about is why both the 300mm and the 360mm have a (EXA) mount that appears to protrude from the bottom of the body of the lens by 1,5 cm or so?

Regards, C.


PostPosted: Wed Jan 19, 2022 4:04 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I don't have it, but the early 70s 300mm f5.5 from Vivitar etc is probably going to equal or better the performance for substantially less money.


PostPosted: Wed Jan 19, 2022 4:30 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

eggplant wrote:
I don't have it, but the early 70s 300mm f5.5 from Vivitar etc is probably going to equal or better the performance for substantially less money.


The Vivitar is a Tokina. I have two Tokina 300mm lenses, an older "preset" design and a newer "Tele-Auto" design. The older design is better in my humble opinion. The newer design is shorter in length but also a good 100 grams heavier (at about 860 grams) and the image quality is worse. I am assuming the Vivitar is based on the newer design. The Schneider I am looking at looks like one of their 1950's designs judging by the styling. If it behaves about the same as a Schneider 150mm 5.5 I own of the same style, then the Vivitar (Tokina) and Schneider might be about the same image quality (nothing to write home about).

Aside: for me this also about exploring lenses. The excitement of discovery and trying out different things. As well as trying to take nice pictures Smile

Regards, C.


PostPosted: Wed Jan 19, 2022 11:25 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

connloyalist wrote:
eggplant wrote:
I don't have it, but the early 70s 300mm f5.5 from Vivitar etc is probably going to equal or better the performance for substantially less money.


The Vivitar is a Tokina. I have two Tokina 300mm lenses, an older "preset" design and a newer "Tele-Auto" design. The older design is better in my humble opinion. The newer design is shorter in length but also a good 100 grams heavier (at about 860 grams) and the image quality is worse. I am assuming the Vivitar is based on the newer design. The Schneider I am looking at looks like one of their 1950's designs judging by the styling. If it behaves about the same as a Schneider 150mm 5.5 I own of the same style, then the Vivitar (Tokina) and Schneider might be about the same image quality (nothing to write home about).

Aside: for me this also about exploring lenses. The excitement of discovery and trying out different things. As well as trying to take nice pictures Smile

Regards, C.


Interesting! Not a problem, nice that you have both to compare.

Just my 2c, I own a Vivitar 300mm f5.5 that looked nice on mft wide open without a speedbooster.


PostPosted: Thu Jan 20, 2022 1:39 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

The Tele-Xenar was a specific lens formula at the time. IMHO not all Tele-Xenars perform similarly, from the ones I've had. I had a prewar 18cm that had "personality", and I still have the conventionally excellent 1960's 360mm, so performance of the 300mm is unpredictable.


PostPosted: Thu Jan 20, 2022 8:01 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

luisalegria wrote:
The Tele-Xenar was a specific lens formula at the time. IMHO not all Tele-Xenars perform similarly, from the ones I've had. I had a prewar 18cm that had "personality", and I still have the conventionally excellent 1960's 360mm, so performance of the 300mm is unpredictable.


Your answer stimulates my sense of exploration and discovery Wink

I suppose that comes under the heading "GAS" Smile

Regards, C.


PostPosted: Thu Jan 20, 2022 1:55 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

GAS can lead to impulse buying of barely average things.....I've learnt that.


PostPosted: Fri Jan 21, 2022 5:48 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

martinsmith99 wrote:
GAS can lead to impulse buying of barely average things.....I've learnt that.


This is true.

Regards, C.