Schneider Super-Symmar XL 80mm f/4.5

Schneider Super-Symmar XL 80mm f/4.5 is the fast wide-of-normal modern plasmat — equivalent to roughly 24mm on 35mm when used on 4×5. The Super-Symmar XL series uses an extra-large image circle design supporting movements typical of much wider Schneider lenses.

Key features

• Mount: Copal 0 shutter (1s to 1/500, X-sync at all speeds)
• Focal length: 80mm
• Maximum aperture: f/4.5 (faster than typical LF wide-normals)
• Image circle: ~212mm at f/22 — covers 4×5 with very generous movements
• Optical formula: modern XL plasmat
• Multi-coating standard — high-modulation-transfer optimization

Use case + rendering

The 80 XL is among the brightest 4×5 wide-of-normals — f/4.5 makes ground-glass focusing comfortable in moderate light. Ideal for architectural work, environmental portraits, and landscape compositions where some inclusive perspective is wanted with substantial movement room.

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 Super-Symmar XL 110mm f/5.6 — slightly longer XL
• Schneider Apo-Symmar 100mm f/5.6 — slower standard alternative
• Schneider Super-Angulon 90mm f/5.6 — wider non-XL