Schneider APO-Tele Xenar HM 800mm f/12

Schneider Apo-Tele-Xenar HM 800mm f/12 is the extreme-telephoto LF lens — among the longest practical 4×5 + 5×7 telephoto designs in production. The 800mm focal length on 4×5 is equivalent to roughly 240mm on 35mm — long enough for serious wildlife or distant-architectural work that no 4×5 photographer typically attempts.

Key features

• Mount: Copal 3 shutter (1s to 1/125, X-sync at all speeds)
• Focal length: 800mm (effective; physical length still substantial)
• Maximum aperture: f/12 (slow — typical of extreme telephoto designs)
• Image circle: ~400mm at f/22 — covers 8×10 with limited movements
• Optical formula: apochromatic telephoto with HM optimization
• Multi-coating standard
• Extremely heavy — substantial bellows draw and rigid front standard required; tripod with long mount mandatory

Use case + rendering

The 800 Apo-Tele-Xenar HM is the niche extreme-telephoto for 4×5 + 5×7 + 8×10 — used for distant-wildlife, mountain-detail, or architectural-isolation work where no shorter focal length suffices. The slow f/12 aperture and dim ground glass make focus challenging — most users employ a Maxwell screen or laser focus aid.

Used examples are scarce; pricing reflects rarity.

Compatible cameras

• Cambo SC / Cambo Calumet 45NX — extended bellows + heavy-duty rail required
• 8×10 view cameras with substantial bellows draw

Related lenses

• Schneider Apo-Tele-Xenar HM 400mm f/5.6 — wider tele sibling
• Schneider Apo-Symmar 480mm f/8.4 — symmetric plasmat at adjacent focal length