I came across a used Schneider 65mm f/8 Super Angulon (chrome barrel) in mint condition at a reliable camera repair shop. I like the (about $325) price on this lense. I would like to use it for 4 x 5 landscape photography using color transparency film. However, I feel that it may not work that well because of it's very small image circle. I am concerned that I may get vignetting on the corners of my film. Even with no camera movement at all. These lenses are about half the cost of a used 75 mm lense, but they are about the same price new. That is for the current f/5.6 model. Does anybody have experience using this lense? Should I buy it, or should I just forget it and save up for a 75mm or 90mm Super Angulon?

-- Mark Schumann (schumann@ecentral.com), January 19, 1998

Answers

I have used this lens regularly in the past on 4x5, and I have always found it to be one of my favorite lenses. However, it will just barely cover 4x5 full frame. You will have very little in the way of movements. If you dont mind croping a bit when you print, then the lens should be fine. What is a problem though, is the light fall off from the center to the edges. This is especially true of the older Angulons. You can get a center graduated filter to match the lens, but this will cost as much, or a little more than the quoted cost of the lens. Additionaly, depending on what camera you are going to put the lens on, you are probably going to need a recessed lens board, and it can get mighty tight to manipulate the lens/shutter controls.

As I said, I loved this lens, and will recommend it highly, you just have to forgive some of it's quirks and let it grow on you.

Regards,

-- Britt Leckman (bleckman@gmu.edu), January 19, 1998.

I bought a 65mmf8 Super Angulon with my Toyo about 7 months ago and love it. The sharpness is stunning to say the least, but while shooting a movie theatre interior for an Architect I found the image on the ground glass to be very very dark due to the f8 aperture. This light shortage makes composing the image a daunting task, especially while under tight time restraints. It is for this reason that I would recommend getting a lens with a maximum aperture of no smaller than f5.6. But on the other hand, if your only goal is to use your lens in well lit situations, then buy the lens!

-- Mike Austin (mphoto@coastnet.com), March 25, 2000.