Dick,
Both Schneider Optics and Linos-Rodenstock offer their respective digital lenses, in a factory mounted configurations, including those to be used on the Sinar P-Series platform. Have you considered purchasing Schneider APO-Digitar lenses in this manor? With this configuration, Schneider procures the necessary Sinar-specific lens board and mounting components directly from Sinar AG.
Most all digital-specific lenses require a critical degree of precision in the mounting process, to maintain the necessary flange-focal distance and image field. This is especially true with those lenses that are 35mm in focal length or shorter.
The second-hand market can prove to be tricky, when and if you do not have the ability to properly test, and evaluate the lens.
With regard to the proper mounting of a lens, you are forced to rely on the manufacturers abilities to properly assemble, mount, and calibrate the lens(es) in question.
I cannot speak directly for Schneider's representation in the UK, however the Schneider Kreuznach website provides the following contact information:
GROSSBRITANNIEN - United Kingdom
JOHNSONS PHOTOPIA Ltd.
JP Distribution
Hempstalls Lane
GB - Newcastle
Staffordshire, ST5 OSW
Fon: +44 - 1 - 782 753 304
Fax: +44 - 1 - 782 753 377
info@johnsons-photopia.co.ukRegards,
Jordan Miller
I have been frustrated spending weeks trying to get a medium format digital view camera system set up and working, but nobody seems to want to mount Schneider Apo-digitar lenses onto Sinar P3 lensboards - whenever you ask someone for a price they reply with questions and not answers.
I have a Hasselblad H3D11-50, but what goes on the back of the camera should not effect mounting lenses on the the front of the camera, especially if you intend to slide and stitch and use all the image circle.
The P3 system is an open system so anyone can manufacturer P3 compatible lensboards ( or P3 lens board compatible cameras)... but I do not know if anyone does.
I understand that the separation of the elements is critical, and so you need shims to adjust for different thicknesses of lens panel and /or shutter... and if the thickness of the lens panel is not standardized, this might be a problem.
If you mount a Schneider lens on a Schneider electronic shutter you would hope that it should not be too complicated.
If you buy a new lens I imagine that you would get installation instructions and a set of shims... if you buy a second hand lens, you might not get the shims or the instructions and it might be difficult to mount the lens for optimum performance.
If you buy a lens mounted on a P3 lens board - how do you check that it is mounted correctly?
Schneider do not seem to have an official UK dealer.
I an an engineer, and I have a vernier caliper, and I hope to have several Schneider APO-digitar lenses, so I thought it might be worth climbing up the learning curve and doing it myself (as if there was not enough to learn).
Has anyone any relevant advice or information?
Dick Roadnight