Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2000/02/29
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Gary, I see that you have received quite a few responses already to your inquiry, but I would like to add my $.02 too; especially since I just went through this exercise! I have a V35 with the "as delivered" 40mm Focotar lens. Since I've been a Schneider lens user for more years than I care to remember I had often entertained the thought of replacing the Focotar with something from Schneider optics. But, what could be better than the Focotar? Though...now...thinking about it...kinda makes sense that most modern optics would probably fare better than the Focotar...anyway... To keep this brief, I bought a 40mm/2.8 Schneider APO-Componon HM with the intention of a direct comparison to the Focotar and shipping the sucker back if it didn't "live up to" my expectations. I posted my findings to the LUG several weeks ago but, briefly, I determined that center performance was almost identical between the two--though I would give the nod to the Schneider--however, edge performance was something else all together. The Schneider lens simply blew away the Focotar! No comparison...not even close...the improvement in sharpness, tonality, etc., with the Schneider was miles ahead of what the Focotar was capable of. BTW, this was easily seen with an unaided eye at approx 16x20 enlargements; actually somewhat smaller since I usually print full frame. I fully appreciate what others have said, but my experience--at least, the "head-to-head" between the Focotar and Schneider--proved to my eye that the Schneider optic was worth the investment. I kept it. Most likely, any one of several 50mm lenses would be just as good, but I stuck with the 40mm length hoping to maintain autofocus capability. Not sure if this is working out because I always final focus with my Peak. Anyone out there among LUGland know if autofocus on Leitz enlargers is determined by focal length or, maybe, physical dimension of the lens? I know I've read that if you change to a 50mm lens that the appropriate cam should be installed too... Best regards, Alan Huntley