Schneider Symmar 150mm f/5.6

Schneider Symmar 150mm f/5.6 is the classic LF plasmat normal at 4×5 native normal — the lens that defines "150mm" on 4×5 for many photographers. Long-running Schneider production starting in the 1950s; succeeded by Symmar-S, then Apo-Symmar across the same focal length.

Key features

• Mount: Copal 0 shutter (1s to 1/500, X-sync at all speeds)
• Focal length: 150mm
• Maximum aperture: f/5.6
• Image circle: ~200mm at f/22 — covers 4×5 with movements; covers 5×7 tightly
• Optical formula: 6-element/4-group plasmat
• Convertible: rear element alone yields ~265mm at f/12
• Single-coated on older production; multi-coated on later

Use case + rendering

The 150 Symmar is the universal 4×5 normal — the lens that ships with most used 4×5 kits and the lens most photographers use most often. Plasmat sharpness by f/16-f/22 is excellent; the leaf shutter syncs flash at all speeds (an advantage over focal-plane SLR comparison).

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 Symmar-S 150mm f/5.6 — refined sibling
• Schneider Apo-Symmar 150mm f/5.6 — apochromatic successor
• Schneider Symmar 135mm f/5.6 — slightly wider sibling