First Look - Schneider Xenon FF-Prime Lenses

[Al Hill]

Well, there is a set of Xenar IIs in Korea

Well, there is a set of Xenar IIs in Korea

Even though a set of the current III Xenars is getting up there in price $48,000, there is a set of the IIs on ebay right now: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Schneider-K...01111744?pt=Camera_Lenses&hash=item4ac31e21c0

They telescope in and out a bit. More annoying on extreme focus pulls than minor pulls. The same optics as the III series, you just have to deal with the odd, early design. But then again you are saving $30,000 off the price of the III set, so maybe the IIs aren't all that inconvenient after all. They certainly would pay for themselves a lot faster than the IIIs. But you don't get a 18mm so it's more like $20,000 off. A Duclos modded Leica R 19mm ver 2, would make a nice replacement for the missing 18mm.

Same optics, bizarre mechanics. (but they work). Try some out today...

Alan

Phil, firstly, thanks for all your in depth lens reviews. Love em. I rarely post here, but I'm always lurking for info.

Based on your comments, I decided to rent some Cine Xenar IIIs the other day, and boy was I amazed. One of my favorite lenses on the R1MX and almost any digital cam are the lightweight Optimo Zooms. They provide one closest look to the Panavision Primos, which are my dream prime lens set, but I've only used them twice and obviously can't buy them. The Xenar IIIs are like 90% of that look. Slightly cooler than the Optimos, just like the Primos; slightly less snappier than the Zeiss, just like Primos. Very similar to the Leica glass inside the Primo. So, thanks to you, I've found my dream lens set and that too for way less than I had expected. If you ever come to South East Asia, hit me up, I owe you a cold one. Cheers man.

 

[Clayton Burkhart]

Even though a set of the current III Xenars is getting up there in price $48,000, there is a set of the IIs on ebay right now: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Schneider-K...01111744?pt=Camera_Lenses&hash=item4ac31e21c0

They telescope in and out a bit. More annoying on extreme focus pulls than minor pulls. The same optics as the III series, you just have to deal with the odd, early design. But then again you are saving $30,000 off the price of the III set, so maybe the IIs aren't all that inconvenient after all. They certainly would pay for themselves a lot faster than the IIIs. But you don't get a 18mm so it's more like $20,000 off. A Duclos modded Leica R 19mm ver 2, would make a nice replacement for the missing 18mm.

Same optics, bizarre mechanics. (but they work). Try some out today...

Alan

Great optics, poor design. Good value.
But I wouldn't pay 21K for a set.
I have seen these going for around 14-15K, if you bargain with the seller.
Very difficult for them to sell.

 

[Josef Gatti]

I borrowed Phil's Xenars for a short film a few weeks ago. They impressed me quite a bit, hopefully once I have a bit more time I can post some stils and give you guys a more specific impression.

Hey Evin,

Hanging out to get your take on these. Let's hope you can get an update in soon!

 

[Jon Carr]

Any update on any new focal lengths to add to the 35, 50, 75?

 

[Phil Holland]

Any update on any new focal lengths to add to the 35, 50, 75?

There is a 25mm on the way. I don't know if it's shipping at the exact same time the 35, 50, and 75mm will. It should be within that window though.

The other length that was in the works was something like a 100mm, which might end up being a macro as well. That sounded like a sooner than later concept, so maybe a couple months after the initial launch of the series.

There was talk of an 18mm, but it sounds like it was officially still in the works.

Based on my interactions with the Schneider folks they have picked up on the interest that the market has for these lenses and are focusing hard on getting the set fleshed out. 18, 25, 35, 50, 75, and 100mm would indeed be a great set and would pair nicely with my Cine-Xenars. I'll have to do some side by side tests with the production version of these lenses to really know anything.

Hanging out to get your take on these. Let's hope you can get an update in soon!

The more I shoot with the Cine-Xenars the more I'm enjoying the way they draw. When I was thinking about purchasing them I did a lot of technical tests just to see what they could do, but now after a few shoots with people and different lighting setups I'm really digging the look. They do have an "energy" about them. There's nothing really like these on the market when it comes to that aspect. Been shooting mostly between T2 and T5. Did some VFX elements at T8 a bit back though and that also had a nice flavor, even though the subject matter was very flat. They got a bit of that Standard Speed, Leica-esque draw and tone, and a bit of PV Primo "containment" in there with proper and consistent mechanics. A unique look. I know where they rank on my personal list of what cinema glass I enjoy. Heh. I'll have to break down that top 10 one day.

My only real quibble with these is that they should have just labeled them as a T2 set. I get the reason for this level of precision in terms of actual markings and the pride that comes with it, but nobody else does this. And believe me even on some of the higher end pricey glass there's easily that level of variation across a set within individual lenses. But you didn't hear that from me.

 

[chommavong somphane]

Phil, firstly, thanks for all your in depth lens reviews. Love em. I rarely post here, but I'm always lurking for info.

Based on your comments, I decided to rent some Cine Xenar IIIs the other day, and boy was I amazed. One of my favorite lenses on the R1MX and almost any digital cam are the lightweight Optimo Zooms. They provide one closest look to the Panavision Primos, which are my dream prime lens set, but I've only used them twice and obviously can't buy them. The Xenar IIIs are like 90% of that look. Slightly cooler than the Optimos, just like the Primos; slightly less snappier than the Zeiss, just like Primos. Very similar to the Leica glass inside the Primo. So, thanks to you, I've found my dream lens set and that too for way less than I had expected. If you ever come to South East Asia, hit me up, I owe you a cold one. Cheers man.

I met Phil at Jason Comparetto's preparty in Tropicana, NAB'12, he is very nice guy (informative and intelligent), so I think wherever soil
he steps on,he deserves respect and of cause the cold one.
BTW Mehran MK Khan would you mind if I guess you are in Singapore or Malaysia ?
Phil you are always welcome to SEA.

somphane

 

[Bob Gundu]

I met Phil at Jason Comparetto's preparty in Tropicana, NAB'12, he is very nice guy (informative and intelligent), so I think wherever soil
he steps on,he deserves respect and of cause the cold one.
BTW Mehran MK Khan would you mind if I guess you are in Singapore or Malaysia ?
Phil you are always welcome to SEA.

Ah yes the tub full of refreshing drinks.

 

[chommavong somphane]

Ah yes the tub full of refreshing drinks.

I was late to that party, but still some drink left.
Remembered Jason's partners ran around to make sure all guests were fed.

 

[Mehran MK Khan]

BTW Mehran MK Khan would you mind if I guess you are in Singapore or Malaysia ?


somphane

That depends. Home base is Santa Monica, CA. But I spend a lot of time in Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, India and (presently) my parent's place in Bangladesh. If they exchanged frequent flyer miles for RED stuff, I'd be owning a lot of Epics.

 

[Brian Gottschalk]

Has anyone got any news on availability? It's September 2013 everywhere but no confirmation whatsoever.

 

[Troy Bakewell]

Should be some news soon hopefully.

 

[David Kellermann]

I'm meeting with Schneider Kreuznach at IBC. Will post some updates then...

 

[Brian Gottschalk]

Thanks David, looking forward to it!

 

[Phil Holland]

FYI Schneider showed off the 25mm Xenon-FF Prime at IBC. Hinting that the first few sets might be on track for October. I'll learn more soon.

Relevant to me also, they showed off the Cine-Xenon 14mm T2.2 prime. 2014 is going to be another crazy lens year for sure.

 

[Justin Chin]

Hey Phil,
Does that mean a, "full set" would include the 25mm? If so that would be incredible.

 

[Phil Holland]

Hey Phil,
Does that mean a, "full set" would include the 25mm? If so that would be incredible.

The first three available will be the 35, 50, and 75mm. The 100mm will likely come next and the 25mm right after that. David mentioned around NAB 2014 for those two lengths to hit the market. I was told similar from Dieniela and Ryan.

A full set will likely be 18, 25, 35, 50, 75, 100, 135. However, that will take time.

 

[David Kellermann]

I talked to the Schneider people at their IBC booth. As Phil mentioned, they are showing the new Xenar 14mm and the Xenon 25mm and 100mm.

Here is some more info on a potential group buy.

 

[Phil Holland]

Ah. I can't wait to look at those new prototypes. The 100mm looks like it's hold true to form with it's minimum focus. This set to me is designed for narrative use.

That 14mm Cine-Xenar is something I'm itching to look at too. If you guys got your hands on the 18mm Cine-Xenar you'd know what I'm saying.

 

[Stephane Marino]

Phil, do you know if we can choose a metric scale ?
I am trying to get the info but I can't find anything in Europe !! (incredible for a european product...)

 

[Phil Holland]

Phil, do you know if we can choose a metric scale ?
I am trying to get the info but I can't find anything in Europe !! (incredible for a european product...)

Yep. They will be available in metric.