Schneider Super-Angulon XL 47mm f/5.6

Schneider Super-Angulon XL 47mm f/5.6 is the widest Schneider 4×5 + 5×7 lens — the XL series uses an extra-large image circle design to support movements at extreme focal lengths. The 47mm on 4×5 is equivalent to roughly 13mm on 35mm — among the widest fields of view achievable on LF.

Key features

• Mount: Copal 0 shutter (1s to 1/500, X-sync at all speeds)
• Focal length: 47mm
• Maximum aperture: f/5.6
• Image circle: ~166mm at f/22 — covers 4×5 with movements; covers 5×7 tightly
• Optical formula: 8-element/6-group XL wide-angle
• Multi-coating standard on XL series

Use case + rendering

The 47 XL is the architectural ultra-wide + dramatic-perspective landscape lens for 4×5. Front rise of 30-40mm is achievable on 4×5 — invaluable for tight-interior architectural work where converging-vertical correction is necessary. On 5×7 the coverage is tight but usable for non-movement-intensive compositions.

The XL designation reflects the optical design's emphasis on edge illumination and field flatness at extreme wide angles — the older non-XL Super-Angulons can't match the 47mm focal length on 4×5 with usable movements.

Compatible cameras

• Toyo 45A / Toyo 45AII / Toyo 45G — bag bellows or wide-angle bellows essential at this focal length
• Cambo SC / Cambo Calumet 45NX — bag bellows essential
• Graflex Crown Graphic — verify front-standard clearance for bellows compression

Related lenses

• Schneider Super-Angulon XL 58mm f/5.6 — slightly less extreme
• Schneider Super-Angulon 65mm f/5.6 — non-XL alternative at adjacent focal length