Schneider Symmar 180mm f/5.6

Schneider Symmar 180mm f/5.6 is the 5×7 normal + 4×5 short-tele plasmat — equivalent to roughly 60mm on 35mm when used on 4×5. The 180mm focal length is true 5×7 normal (matching the 5×7 frame diagonal) and the shortest "telephoto" focal length common on 4×5.

Key features

• Mount: Copal 1 shutter (1s to 1/400, X-sync at all speeds)
• Focal length: 180mm
• Maximum aperture: f/5.6
• Image circle: ~245mm at f/22 — covers 4×5 with generous movements; covers 5×7
• Optical formula: 6-element/4-group plasmat
• Convertible rear element ~315mm at f/12
• Single-coated on older production; multi-coated on later

Use case + rendering

The 180 Symmar is the portrait + tight-landscape lens for 4×5 and the normal lens for 5×7. Plasmat sharpness by f/22; pleasant out-of-focus rendering for portrait subjects. Often paired with the 90mm or 75mm wide as the second lens in a 4×5 kit.

Compatible cameras

• Toyo 45A / Toyo 45AII / Toyo 45G
• Cambo SC / Cambo Calumet 45NX
• Graflex Crown Graphic / Graflex Speed Graphic / Graflex Super Graphic
• 5×7 view cameras

Related lenses

• Schneider Symmar 150mm f/5.6 — wider sibling (4×5 normal)
• Schneider Symmar 240mm f/5.6 — longer sibling
• Schneider Apo-Symmar 180mm f/5.6 — apochromatic successor