Schneider G-Claron 150mm f/9

Schneider G-Claron 150mm f/9 is the process-lens / macro 4×5 dialyte — originally designed for offset-printing reproduction work, the G-Claron series has been embraced by LF macro and contact-print photographers for its sharpness and usable image circle at close-focus.

Key features

• Mount: Copal 0 shutter (1s to 1/500, X-sync at all speeds)
• Focal length: 150mm
• Maximum aperture: f/9 (slow — typical of process-lens designs)
• Image circle: ~189mm at infinity; ~280mm at 1:1 reproduction
• Optical formula: 6-element/4-group dialyte (modified Goerz Dagor lineage)
• Single-coated on older production
• Process-lens optimization — peak performance at 1:1 reproduction; usable at infinity

Use case + rendering

The 150 G-Claron is the alternative-process / macro / contact-print 4×5 lens — particularly favored for cyanotype, palladium, and other alternative-process workflows where an aesthetic of "older lens character" suits the print process. Sharper at close-focus than infinity, but usable across both ranges.

The slow f/9 aperture makes ground-glass focus dim — bring a focusing loupe + dark cloth.

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 G-Claron 210mm f/9 — longer G-Claron sibling
• Schneider Macro-Symmar HM 120mm f/5.6 — modern macro alternative