Schneider Symmar 135mm f/5.6

Schneider Symmar 135mm f/5.6 is the classic LF plasmat normal at a slightly-wide-of-normal focal length for 4×5. The Symmar (and its successor Symmar-S, then Apo-Symmar) define Schneider's normal-focal-length lens lineage from the 1950s through 2000s.

Key features

• Mount: Copal 0 shutter (1s to 1/500, X-sync at all speeds)
• Focal length: 135mm
• Maximum aperture: f/5.6
• Image circle: ~188mm at f/22 — covers 4×5 with movements
• Optical formula: 6-element/4-group plasmat (symmetrical double-anastigmat)
• Convertible: rear element alone yields ~235mm at f/12 — limited but usable
• Single-coated on older production; multi-coated on later

Use case + rendering

The 135 Symmar is the slightly-wide normal for 4×5 — popular for environmental portraits, studio work, and landscape compositions where the perspective should feel "natural" rather than "wide" or "tele." Plasmat designs are characteristically sharp by f/22 across the field.

The convertible-rear-element option is a Symmar tradition — the rear group alone becomes a longer focal length (the optic rated for the f/22+ stops). Rarely used in modern practice but historically a feature.

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 Apo-Symmar 135mm f/5.6 — apochromatic successor
• Schneider Symmar 150mm f/5.6 — true normal sibling