Can I use a faster lens on my Beaulieu 4008 M3 without some collimation?

[Stephen Gordon]

Apologies if any of terminology is inaccurate:

A couple of years ago Joerg Polzfusz helpfully suggested that I could swap out the Schneider - Kreuznach 1.8 / 6 - 66 lens (collimated by Bjorn after he removed the gelatin filter) on my Beaulieu 4008 M3 for a faster C-mount lens to improve the camera's low light performance. I have just come across this : Fujinon TV 25mm 1;0.85 F/0.85 Super Fast C-Mount Lens | eBay UK which is the fastest one I've seen so far. 

Could I simple attach this to the camera and be good to go in terms of ability to get sharp focus..? Or would that lens need to be collimated/calibrated with/for the camera to ensure sharp focus was possible?

I kind of feel it would but I'm no lens technician so interested to hear what the experts here have to say!

[Takahiro Nakano]

Unfortunately, that lens cannot be used with the Beaulieu.
The rear of the lens protrudes.
If you look at your Schneider zoom lens, you will see that there is no protrusion behind the screw.

For example, you can use lenses like this:

Canon TV 25mm f1.4 C mount

Angenieux Type M1 25mm f/0.95 C

Collimation is often required to match the distance scale on the lens.
If you focus using the viewfinder, you can use it for now.

[Stephen Gordon]

Ah! I see exactly what you mean Takahiro! Thanks for the links - I will know what to look for now. 

So to be clear - even though I wouldn't be able to rely on the witness marks on the lens for reliable focusing I could just focus by eye?

Very helpful - thank you!

[Mark Dunn]

17 hours ago, Stephen Gordon said:

Ah! I see exactly what you mean Takahiro! Thanks for the links - I will know what to look for now. 

So to be clear - even though I wouldn't be able to rely on the witness marks on the lens for reliable focusing I could just focus by eye?

Very helpful - thank you!

Don't forget the Brexit bonus of VAT, import duty and customs fees when buying from the EU. Those £400 lenses will probably be over £500.

Edited May 27, 2025 by Mark Dunn

[Stephen Gordon]

Thanks Mark - good point. I actually just offered the seller £175 for this lens: Schneider-Krauznach Xenon 25mm 0.95 c-mount lens | eBay UK and it was accepted. Looking forward to seeing how it works out. I believe it will give me 2 stops increase on the f/1.8 of my current lens.