Luminous Landscape Forum

Equipment & Techniques => Medium Format / Film / Digital Backs – and Large Sensor Photography => Topic started by: vduault on September 21, 2010, 12:22:02 pm

Title: Which 35mm for an Alpa 12Max ?
Post by: vduault on September 21, 2010, 12:22:02 pm

I work with a Phase One P20 and I shift and stitch almost every time
I would like to know the real difference between the "adapted" Schneider Apo-Digitar 5.6/35 mm XL and the "exclusive Alpa" Schneider ALPA Apo-Switar 5.6/36 mm
frankly is the 1mm focal lenght difference worth ? If I refer to the website the optic formula is the same...

Does anyone tried side by side these two lenses?

Title: Re: Which 35mm for an Alpa 12Max ?
Post by: Derek J on September 21, 2010, 01:09:50 pm

Quote from: vduault on September 21, 2010, 12:22:02 pm

I work with a Phase One P20 and I shift and stitch almost every time
I would like to know the real difference between the "adapted" Schneider Apo-Digitar 5.6/35 mm XL and the "exclusive Alpa" Schneider ALPA Apo-Switar 5.6/36 mm
frankly is the 1mm focal lenght difference worth ? If I refer to the website the optic formula is the same...

Does anyone tried side by side these two lenses?

The optical formulation is the same.  It is my understanding that Alpa found the focal length of the 35 XL to be actually closer to 36mm, hence the 36mm Switar designation.  But it is indeed the same lens with the same focal length.  The real difference between these lenses is the nice integrated hood on Switar.

http://www.alpa.ch/en/products/lenses/exclusive-alpa-lenses/schneider-alpa-apo-switar-5_6-36-mm.html

Cheers,
Derek

Title: Re: Which 35mm for an Alpa 12Max ?
Post by: j.miller on September 21, 2010, 01:52:27 pm

Having used both lenses (however, not side by side), I can confirm they are optically identical. As Derek pointed out, the integrated hood design of the 'APO-Switar' is quite nice. It also allows for the use of common, 72mm screw-in filters.

Title: Re: Which 35mm for an Alpa 12Max ?
Post by: Jeffreytotaro on September 21, 2010, 08:13:21 pm

While these lenses are optically identical, I would choose the 36.  I use this lens and it is much sharper edge-to-edge than the 35xl.  Why?  I suspect that there is known variance in these lenses (known as a 'Diva' lens for its fussiness) and that Alpa get the top of the crop to be made into Switar variations.

Title: Re: Which 35mm for an Alpa 12Max ?
Post by: Barkeeper on September 22, 2010, 05:17:28 am

Hi,

I do have a different 35mm lens...

Rodenstock Apo-Grandagon 35mm f/4,5 with ALPA mount.

I could take a picture with an Hasselblad H3DII-50 back for you.
Maybe I would sell this lens, because I do not use in very often.

Where are you from?
I am based in Berlin / Germany.
Maybe you would like to test the lens. "try before buy" ;)
Just contact me.

Regards
Barkeeper

Title: Re: Which 35mm for an Alpa 12Max ?
Post by: archivue on September 22, 2010, 04:54:58 pm

you should consider the new 32 from rodenstock... or the old 35 HR !

the apo sironar digital 35 surfers from focus shift, the 35xl is a little bit better... but these lenses aren't exceptional !

Title: Re: Which 35mm for an Alpa 12Max ?
Post by: vduault on September 23, 2010, 10:50:31 am

Of course the new Digaron W 32 lens looks better on paper but this steep and enormous front element is a bit scary for me, and I might need the gear in 2-3 weeks, far before this lens became available...

Title: Re: Which 35mm for an Alpa 12Max ?
Post by: pindman on September 23, 2010, 06:27:54 pm

No complaints about my 35mm digitar with a P65+ back.  It's on a Cambo.  I'm switching to Alpa, and have ordered it with another 35mm digitar from Paul at Optechsditital.com. 

If you haven't already, I suggest you talk to him, as he has considerable experience with the Alpa system, and is fantastic to deal with.

Paul