Schneider Tele-Xenar 360mm f/5.5

Schneider Tele-Xenar 360mm f/5.5 is the long-telephoto LF design — uses a telephoto formula to deliver 360mm focal length in a more compact lens than a 360 Symmar or Apo-Symmar. Among the longest practical focal lengths for folding field and press cameras.

Key features

• Mount: Copal 3 shutter (1s to 1/125, X-sync at all speeds)
• Focal length: 360mm (effective; physical length shorter than 360mm)
• Maximum aperture: f/5.5
• Image circle: ~250mm 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 360 Tele-Xenar is the portable long-tele for 4×5 field work — produces compressed perspective and shallow DoF for portrait and isolation work. The telephoto design's compactness makes it practical on field cameras with limited bellows draw, where a 360 Symmar would not fit.

Compatible cameras

• Toyo 45A / Toyo 45AII / Toyo 45G — verify bellows draw
• Cambo SC / Cambo Calumet 45NX — extension rails recommended
• Graflex Speed Graphic / Graflex Super Graphic

Related lenses

• Schneider Tele-Arton 250mm f/5.6 — wider tele sibling
• Schneider Apo-Tele-Xenar HM 400mm f/5.6 — longer apochromatic tele
• Schneider Symmar 360mm f/5.6 — symmetric plasmat alternative