Schneider APO-Symmar 150mm f/5.6

Schneider Apo-Symmar 150mm f/5.6 is the modern 4×5 normal apochromatic plasmat — successor to the Symmar and Symmar-S at the iconic 150mm focal length. Among the most-recommended Schneider LF lenses for new 4×5 buyers entering the system.

Key features

• Mount: Copal 0 shutter (1s to 1/500, X-sync at all speeds)
• Focal length: 150mm
• Maximum aperture: f/5.6
• Image circle: ~220mm at f/22 — covers 4×5 with generous movements; covers 5×7
• Optical formula: 6-element/4-group plasmat with apochromatic correction
• Multi-coating standard

Use case + rendering

The 150 Apo-Symmar is the universal modern 4×5 normal — sharper, better-corrected, and better-coated than the older Symmar-S. The lens that most current LF photographers buy as their first 4×5 normal lens. Plasmat sharpness by f/16-f/22 is exceptional.

Compatible cameras

• Toyo 45A / Toyo 45AII / Toyo 45G
• Cambo SC / Cambo Calumet 45NX
• Graflex Crown Graphic / Graflex Speed Graphic / Graflex Super Graphic

Related lenses

• Schneider Symmar-S 150mm f/5.6 — predecessor
• Schneider Apo-Symmar 135mm f/5.6 — slightly-wide sibling
• Schneider Apo-Symmar 180mm f/5.6 — slightly-tele sibling
• Schneider Super-Symmar HM 150mm f/5.6 — XL-IC modern alternative