Schneider APO-Symmar 180mm f/5.6

Schneider Apo-Symmar 180mm f/5.6 is the 5×7 normal + 4×5 short-tele apochromatic plasmat — equivalent to roughly 60mm on 35mm when used on 4×5, native normal for 5×7. Direct successor to the 180mm Symmar with apochromatic correction.

Key features

• Mount: Copal 1 shutter (1s to 1/400, X-sync at all speeds)
• Focal length: 180mm
• Maximum aperture: f/5.6
• Image circle: ~252mm at f/22 — covers 4×5 with generous movements; covers 5×7 with movements
• Optical formula: 6-element/4-group plasmat with apochromatic correction
• Multi-coating standard

Use case + rendering

The 180 Apo-Symmar is the portrait + tight-landscape 4×5 lens, and the normal 5×7 lens. Apochromatic correction reduces purple fringing on high-contrast subjects (architectural details against bright sky). The leaf shutter syncs flash at all speeds.

Compatible cameras

• Toyo 45A / Toyo 45AII / Toyo 45G
• Cambo SC / Cambo Calumet 45NX
• Graflex Crown Graphic / Graflex Speed Graphic / Graflex Super Graphic
• 5×7 view cameras

Related lenses

• Schneider Apo-Symmar 150mm f/5.6 — wider sibling
• Schneider Apo-Symmar 210mm f/5.6 — longer sibling
• Schneider Symmar 180mm f/5.6 — predecessor