It seems that the Planar 3.5/75 lens numbers took a large jump in this range - I am not certain where or when, but my type four 3.5 F (2,800,000 - 2,844,999) from 1966 has serial number 2,805,772 with Planar 4,178,643. I have never been certain of the date the 6 element Planar was introduced in the Rollei TLR but I don't think 1959 is correct. Small writes that: 'All 3.5/75 CZJ Planars fitted to 3.5F Rolleiflex cameras from lens number 2753002 onwards had six elements.

I'm certainly not an expert on the subject, but this is what I've found. The Zeiss Planar is the 'crown jewel' of the Rollei lenses; it's one of the sharpest lenses you'll ever lay hands on. The Xenotar is a copy that is said to be the Planar's near equal or is slightly superior, depending on who you to talk to.

The Schnieder Xenotar is a great lens but probably has a bit looser quality control than the Zeiss. The Tessar is the lower cost consumer lens from Zeiss; it has fewer elements and isn't as sharp as the Planar, but stopped down, it's still a tack sharp lens (say @ f8 or better). Ditto for the Xenar (the Schneider equiv. Of the Tessar). I own a 125$, 1953 Rolleicord IV with a Xenar; this camera with it's 'modest' lens is capable of stunning results if used properly (lens hood used to reduce flare and stopped down to sharpen things up). No matter what lens you have, I think you'll find that used properly, you'll be able to astound yourself.

Joe, Photographic Optics by Arthur Cox (formerly of Taylor, Taylor & Hobson) lists the Schneider Xenar 75mm f3.5 under the section, 'Cooke Triplet Lenses & Allied Types.' He shows it as four elements in three groups, with cemented rear doublet. Owing to an apparent typo, the only entry for the Carl Zeiss Tessar identifies it as a zoom (!) but of course it is also a classic example of a four element triplet. He does correctly reference the same schematic, though, as for the Xenar. F3.5 Carl Zeiss Planar is shown as a five element 'symmetrical' lens (it is really not quite symmetrical--two elements on one side of the diaphragm, three on the other). The 80mm f2.8 Planar is shown as six elements, three on each side of the diaphragm, but still not very close to symmetrical. The Planar, of course, is a very highly corrected design invented by Paul Rudolph at Zeiss, around 1890.

The 75mm f3.5 Schneider Xenotar is shown as a very nearly symmetrical six-element, with the classic single front and rear elements, and a cemented doublet on each side of the diaphragm. It is a Planar type lens.

Owning to this more advanced design the Planar and Xenotar are more highly corrected for abberations and have lower distortion. Thanks so much to all that responded.

Rollei owners seem to be a nice breed. If I would have asked that question Canon VS Nikon, I would have been flamed to a burning cinder. Thank you for your patient. Seems to me, the legendary quality of the body and these optics should command a legendary higher price. I have NOT found that to be the case, the optics whether Tessar or Xenar, Planar or Xenotar still carry name brand of Zeiss and Schneider. We are not talking Tamrom, Vivitar or Tokina here. This is not about Ford vs.

Chevy but about Ferrari vs. The classic body style is another advantage I see. The Rollei TLR design has changed little in the way of form and pure function over time.

It's hard to improve over an obvious winning design. I, like most of you (assuming) come from various format worlds into Rollei and do so for various reasons. I come to Rollei from a Pentax 645 world where the colors of my prints hold only two. We've all been down the 35mm path. My goal for my new systems are simple. Sharper, better bokeh, creamy smooth B&W images that enhance my eye for fine art photography. While my Pentax 645 is certainly capable of producing stunning images, my hopes would be something abit more as I move into the Zeiss / Schneider world, so I have made the quantive leap.

I have decided rather than to wage a war on which it better, to view the results first hand. Yesterday I purchased a Rollei with a serial number of 1268xxx. I am assuming it is the Rolleiflex 3,5 A Automat Rolleiflex Model 4 Rolleiflex MX (type 1) with the Xenar. Also, this camera I believe has Rolleikin option which allows for switching easily from 35mm roll film to cine film.

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