Schneider-Kreuznach Xenogon 35mm F2.8

[David Murphy]

I acquired a Schneider-Kreuznach Xenogon 35mm F2.8 from another member here not too long ago and I've been testing it a bit. I didn't know too much about the lens when I bought it, but knowing it was made by Schneider and German was enough to get me interested, both good signs of quality.

Since then I have learned that it was a lens originally designed for the Robot 35mm camera series and it is a six element design that uses A36 filters. In some ways it appears physically similar to the Summicron 3.5cm F3.5, but I think it makes better images.

My copy is in very good condition and the build quality, like many lenses from its era, is very high - Leica quality or better. The lens is very compact for a six element 35mm F2.8 lens, and the machining and chrome metal finish, are all superbly done - no corner cutting here.

The photos show my Xenogon mounted on my nice Canon L1. The test photos take with the lens are from Las Vegas and nearby Death Valley, all shot on 35mm generic ISO 200 color print film processed and scanned at Walmart. The pawn shop shown is the famous Gold and Silver pawn shop from the hit TV series "Pawn Stars". The Sunlight shot of me was taken by my wife at about 1/250 and F16, and the other shots are at wider aperture.

I like the image quality and this lens is now becoming my favored 35mm lens.

 

[David Murphy]

Oh yes I might add that one reason I am sticking with this lens for regular use is that I really like the way it accurately renders color. Many vintage lenses do not, even if they are sharp. I find its overall "character" fully modern (although I understand some photographers actively seek-out vintage character). This modern aspect in my opinion is a testament the really excellent optical engineering of Schneider, particularly considering that the lens was made in the early fifties (according to sources at least).

 

[je2a3]

Nice lens and images, thanks for posting!

 

[oftheherd]

I don't think Schneider-Krauznach lenses ever get their due. Your photos look good.

 

[xayraa33]

Nice photos David, and that is a beautiful Schneider lens.
The closest look that lens produces remind me of what you get with the single coated Zuiko glass.

 

[Gabriel M.A.]

I don't think Schneider-Krauznach lenses ever get their due. Your photos look good.

I haven't owned a Schneider-Krauznach lens I didn't love.

I tried for a long time to get my hands on this particular lens. <mumbling at="self">Friggin' collectors...</mumbling>

 

[maddoc]

From memory I have one of these, should be mounted on a Robot 35mm camera. 🙂

I agree with you David, a very unique and stellar performing lens !

 

[David Murphy]

A few more shots with the Xenongon. Made with an M3 and Kodak Gold 100. In and around Pasadena city hall. The school boy is my son. The sharpness of this lens just amazes me!

 

[hilltime]

Hi David,
Nice shots from the Xenogon. I did a post on this lens back in November 2010 and you responded you had recently bought one. I haven't used mine since
a vacation trip to GA, but now I'll have to break it out and shoot some more.
Gary Hill

 

[john341]

Nice pix David and great colour gradation. The Germans certainly know how to construct a decent lens. Top.

 

[madNbad]

While out on my regular walk there is a camera shop at about the halfway point. Mostly they specialize in repairs and often have interesting equipment come in as a trade or for consignment. Today when I stopped by they had recently received a Tower III with a 50mm 2.0 Nikkor, a 85mm 2.0 Nikkor and a 35mm 2.8 Schneider Xenogon all in LTM. At first the Xenogon looked much like the 3.5 Summaron and I have been looking for any information on it. I see it takes A36 filters and the FOOKH hood for the Summarom should work. The price is good and I was wondering if anyone had additional comments about this lens. Thanks.

 

[lundrog]

It's on my list! Nice shots.

 

[rfaspen]

I suspect madNbad grabbed this lens. (a year ago?) Would be silly not to, unless the price was too steep. BlueMoon are sometimes a bit optimistic in their pricing, but usually not and sometimes listen to reason if you're serious.

My summaron is finicky and I don't enjoy using it. I think I might like the Xenogon instead. I expect lens performance to be similar.........

more examples?

 

[thawkins]

My two Retina cameras are equipped with Schneider lens. They are definitely superior to the Nikon and Minolta glass I have and equal to the Leica lens used on the M3.

 

[raid]

Do Robot cameras use ltm lenses? How did your 35/2.8 fit on the Canon? It seems that this lens came in ltm and in Robot mount.

 

[radi(c)al_cam]

Do Robot cameras use ltm lenses? How did your 35/2.8 fit on the Canon? It seems that this lens came in ltm and in Robot mount.

Yes, Schneider made some lenses for Leica, some having the name «Schneider», and some «Leitz»/«Leica», even today AFAIK 😉

The LTM lenses here:
http://camera-wiki.org/wiki/39mm_screw_lenses#Schneider

 

[raid]

I know this fact, but David referred to a lens designed for a Robot camera.

 

[radi(c)al_cam]

I know this fact, but David referred to a lens designed for a Robot camera.

Dear Raid,
I didn't doubt that you know that. I was confused why you did ask, but you're right, the phrase «Since then I have learned that it was a lens originally designed for the Robot 35mm camera series and it is a six element design that uses A36 filters. In some ways it appears physically similar to the Summicron 3.5cm F3.5, but I think it makes better images.» is a bit misleading 🙂

 

[madNbad]

I suspect madNbad grabbed this lens. (a year ago?) Would be silly not to, unless the price was too steep.

I already had a 3.5 Summaron in LTM and encouraged the shop to toss it in the 'bay and make considerably more than they were asking for it.

 

[raid]

Dear Raid,
I didn't doubt that you know that. I was confused why you did ask, but you're right, the phrase «Since then I have learned that it was a lens originally designed for the Robot 35mm camera series and it is a six element design that uses A36 filters. In some ways it appears physically similar to the Summicron 3.5cm F3.5, but I think it makes better images.» is a bit misleading 🙂

David may have meant to also say that his lens was in ltm. It sells for about $700-$800 on ebay.