Schneider Symmar 210mm f/5.6

Schneider Symmar 210mm f/5.6 is the classic LF plasmat at 4×5 portrait-tele / 5×7 normal focal length — equivalent to roughly 70mm on 35mm when used on 4×5. The 210mm Symmar is the original-Symmar predecessor to the Apo-Symmar 210, in production from the 1950s through the Symmar-S transition.

Key features

• Mount: Copal 1 shutter (1s to 1/400, X-sync at all speeds)
• Focal length: 210mm
• Maximum aperture: f/5.6
• Image circle: ~295mm at f/22 — covers 5×7 with movements; covers 8×10 tightly
• Optical formula: 6-element/4-group plasmat
• Convertible: rear element alone yields ~370mm at f/12
• Single-coated on older production; multi-coated on later

Use case + rendering

The 210 Symmar is the classic 4×5 portrait + 5×7 normal plasmat. Sharp by f/22; the convertible rear-element option is a Symmar tradition that some photographers exploit for on-location focal-length flexibility (rare in modern practice but historically a feature).

Compatible cameras

• Toyo 45A / Toyo 45AII / Toyo 45G
• Cambo SC / Cambo Calumet 45NX
• Graflex Speed Graphic / Graflex Super Graphic
• 5×7 + 8×10 view cameras

Related lenses

• Schneider Symmar 180mm f/5.6 — wider sibling
• Schneider Symmar 240mm f/5.6 — longer sibling
• Schneider Apo-Symmar 210mm f/5.6 — apochromatic successor