Schneider Tele-Arton 250mm f/5.6

Schneider Tele-Arton 250mm f/5.6 is the true-telephoto LF design — uses a telephoto optical formula (asymmetric design with rear group acting as a Barlow) to achieve a focal length longer than the bellows draw permits with a standard symmetric design. Allows photographers to use focal lengths longer than their camera's bellows would accommodate with a Symmar or Apo-Symmar.

Key features

• Mount: Copal 1 shutter (1s to 1/400, X-sync at all speeds)
• Focal length: 250mm (effective; physical lens length much shorter than 250mm)
• Maximum aperture: f/5.6
• Image circle: ~230mm at f/22 — covers 4×5 with movements; covers 5×7 tightly
• Optical formula: telephoto (asymmetric)
• Single-coated on older production; multi-coated on later

Use case + rendering

The 250 Tele-Arton is the portable LF portrait-tele — useful when bellows draw is limited (folding field cameras, press cameras) and a 250mm symmetric Symmar would not fit. The telephoto formula trades some optical quality for compactness; sharpness is good but not class-leading for the focal length.

Compatible cameras

• Toyo 45A / Toyo 45AII / Toyo 45G
• Graflex Crown Graphic / Graflex Speed Graphic / Graflex Super Graphic — particularly good fit; press-camera bellows would otherwise prohibit 250mm

Related lenses

• Schneider Tele-Xenar 360mm f/5.5 — longer telephoto sibling
• Schneider Apo-Symmar 240mm f/5.6 — symmetric plasmat alternative (requires longer bellows)