Brief Field Report:  The Schneider G-Claron 355mm  f9.0 lens

Background:

Schneider's G Claron series lenses were available as:

• 150mm f9 for image coverage of 332mm/382mm

• 210mm f9 for image coverage of 452mm/561mm

• 240mm f9 for image coverage of 237mm/515mm

• 270mm f9 for image coverage of 580mm/720mm

• 305mm f9 for image coverage of 662mm/823mm

• and the 355mm f9 G Claron lens.

From the Lens Vademecum

The coverage is the diameter given at 1:1 reproduction at f9 and at f22 respectively.  Design is equivalent to a Symmar type air-spaced design.  These are noted to be excellent performers for general use with some flexibility in transfer from barrel to shutter mounts.  Eg. 

Compur 1 for 210mm lenses for some serial numbers

Size O shutter for 150mm f9 G Clarons with a black finish at 12,937,69x serial numbers

From 1968 these were not listed in shutters.  By the 1990s many process lenses were available on the market

at reasonable prices and the G-Claron established its reputation as a very good second hand lens with sharp,

very contrasty characteristics and free of distortion.   It covers a good angle however not as much as a Symmar,

despite the similar lens configuration.  The 255mm is identified as being in preparation at the start of 08/1968.

Background:   Schneider's range of G Claron lenses are distinct from G-Claron WA lenses [designation =

wide-angle].  The original use of Schneider's G Claron lenses relate to the repro' field and were optimised for

the critical tolerances designed for repro' work.  Therefore empirical findings for lens performance when trans-

ferred to non-macro and field work suggest greater latitude for use than the published specification. Whole

Plate photographers may find this range of lenses highly satisfactory with respect to macro and infinity work

(given the limitations of field sharpness requiring stopped down apertures).

For Whole Plate 1:1 contact printing, such critical tolerances are unnecessary since the destination output

material is neither enlarged nor projected. 

Construction:                Six elements in four groups.  

                                       This lens is designated as a repro' or process lens, optimised for reproduction between

                                       x1 - x5 the focal length (linear magnification: 5:1/1:5).  

Aperture:                       Lens test data recommend stopping down to f22 for sufficient field sharpness.

Angle of coverage:       64 degrees [manufacturer's data].  80 degrees [actual data]

Image Circle:                 Coverage for whole plate format is not an issue: available movement range limited by

                                       camera/bellows and maximum available extension for close-up reproduction.

Shutter:                          Available as a barrel lens or mounted within a Copal 3 shutter

Weight:                          30.16 oz (without shutter)

Length:                          3.06 inches

Filter Thread:                77mm

Field Report:

Camera tested:             Charten-like Japanese Whole Plate camera

Lens panel:                   Custom made to fit the camera lensboard rig with a Copal 3 sized hole.

Bellows Issues:            None.

Summary: 

1. This is a compact lens for its focal length which offers a scope of application in process and field work.

2. Cost is favourable for a G-Claron 355mm lens compared to equivalent 360mm lenses from Fuji, Nikon and Schneider's own range.

3. Optimised for macro/close-up work, the G-Claron is ideal for still-life applications.

Acknowledgements to Diane Maher for supplying information.

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Comments, revisions and suggestions welcome.