Schneider Symmar 240mm f/5.6

Schneider Symmar 240mm f/5.6 is the 5×7 + 8×10 normal-length plasmat — equivalent to roughly 80mm on 35mm when used on 4×5 (a portrait-tele on small-format LF, normal on larger formats). Image circle covers 5×7 with generous movements and 8×10 tightly.

Key features

• Mount: Copal 1 shutter (1s to 1/400, X-sync at all speeds)
• Focal length: 240mm
• Maximum aperture: f/5.6
• Image circle: ~330mm at f/22 — covers 5×7 with generous movements; covers 8×10 tightly
• Optical formula: 6-element/4-group plasmat
• Convertible rear element ~420mm at f/12
• Single-coated on older production; multi-coated on later

Use case + rendering

The 240 Symmar is the portrait lens for 4×5 and the normal lens for 5×7-8×10. Long focal length compresses background distance — classic medium-format portrait rendering at LF resolution. Often the choice for environmental portraiture on 4×5 where the longer perspective and shallower DoF (relative to wider lenses) are desired.

Compatible cameras

• Toyo 45A / Toyo 45AII / Toyo 45G — bellows draw permits this focal length
• Cambo SC / Cambo Calumet 45NX
• Graflex Speed Graphic / Graflex Super Graphic — verify bellows draw
• 5×7 + 8×10 view cameras

Related lenses

• Schneider Symmar 180mm f/5.6 — wider sibling
• Schneider Symmar 300mm f/5.6 — longer sibling
• Schneider Apo-Symmar 240mm f/5.6 — apochromatic successor