New here, and new to the Rollei

[JPD]

The edges can be softer than the centre wide open, but I disagree with the assertion the Xenar is an unsharp lens per se. It's probably more likely the issue is with focus adjustment of the camera, or a need to practice using it.

The Rolleicord III and IV I had were never capable of bitingly sharpness even stopped down though they were clearly in focus. And I had plenty of experience using Rolleis. The lenses were clean, and the front and rear elements screwed in place like they should be. Other Xenars, like one on a V and Rolleiflex Automat (the first post-war model) were excellent.

The only explanation I could think of was sample variation. Since it were in focus, the rear lens group must have projected the image correctly on the film, so maybe the problem was with the first or second elements, not being ground to the exact specifications. The serial number on the front element rear element was the same. Schneider used to stamp it on the mount of the rear lens group as well. So the front and rear groups were matched.

 

[Sarcophilus Harrisii]

The Rolleicord III and IV I had were never capable of bitingly sharpness even stopped down though they were clearly in focus. And I had plenty of experience using Rolleis. The lenses were clean, and the front and rear elements screwed in place like they should be. Other Xenars, like one on a V and Rolleiflex Automat (the first post-war model) were excellent.

The only explanation I could think of was sample variation. Since it were in focus, the rear lens group must have projected the image correctly on the film, so maybe the problem was with the first or second elements, not being ground to the exact specifications. The serial number on the front element rear element was the same. Schneider used to stamp it on the mount of the rear lens group as well. So the front and rear groups were matched.

Zeiss used to do that also with some of their older lenses. The Contaflex Rapid I repaired the other day being one such. Later examples omitted this detail, which is a pity.

 

[Dan Daniel]

The Rolleicord III and IV I had were never capable of bitingly sharpness even stopped down though they were clearly in focus. And I had plenty of experience using Rolleis. The lenses were clean, and the front and rear elements screwed in place like they should be. Other Xenars, like one on a V and Rolleiflex Automat (the first post-war model) were excellent.

The only explanation I could think of was sample variation. Since it were in focus, the rear lens group must have projected the image correctly on the film, so maybe the problem was with the first or second elements, not being ground to the exact specifications. The serial number on the front element rear element was the same. Schneider used to stamp it on the mount of the rear lens group as well. So the front and rear groups were matched.

Sample variation seems to be the key. The sharpest Tessar-type lens I've used was a Xenar in a K4 Rolleiflex, a version from around 1949. The Rolleicord IV and III were being made around this time with Xenars, so I would say that there were excellent Xenars being made at that time.

I have three 2.8C Xenotar cameras. One of the first run and two of the second run. Two of the lenses are fine but not amazing while one sample is stunning (one of the later versions).

Anyone know if Rollei or Schneider would test Xenars at this time and pass the better samples along to the 'Flex assembly line while lesser samples went to the 'Cord line?

 

[miragem5]

Well Dan I have just been for look through all the film I have used in my Rolleicords IV and Vb and k4b Flex and realised that (a) I have taken an aweful lot of completely crap and rubbish photos and (b) I have some real sharp and detailed stuff corner to corner from all three.
Funny the best Tessar copy results come from a Yashica 124g the lens of which I put together from two cameras , and I must not forget the great bit of glass that's in my old Minolta-Autocord

 

[JPD]

Anyone know if Rollei or Schneider would test Xenars at this time and pass the better samples along to the 'Flex assembly line while lesser samples went to the 'Cord line?

I don't think so. That would have harmed the reputation of the Xenar lens as well of F&H and Schneider.