Schneider Xenar 100mm f/3.5

Schneider Xenar 100mm f/3.5 is the Tessar-derived budget LF normal at wide-of-normal focal length for 4×5 — covers 4×5 marginally. The Xenar lineage uses a 4-element Tessar design (vs the 6-element plasmat of Symmar / Apo-Symmar lineages), trading a stop or two of corner sharpness for substantially lower cost and weight.

Key features

• Mount: Copal 0 shutter (1s to 1/500, X-sync at all speeds)
• Focal length: 100mm
• Maximum aperture: f/3.5
• Image circle: ~117mm at f/22 — barely covers 4×5; movements very limited
• Optical formula: 4-element/3-group Tessar
• Single-coated on older production; multi-coated on later

Use case + rendering

The 100 Xenar is the budget-tier 4×5 wide-normal — a buyer's choice when a working LF lens is needed at minimum cost. Sharp at center by f/8; corners require stopping to f/22 for usable performance, and even then they don't match the 6-element plasmats. Good for static-subject work where minimal movements are needed.

Compatible cameras

• Toyo 45A / Toyo 45AII / Toyo 45G
• Cambo SC / Cambo Calumet 45NX
• Graflex Crown Graphic / Graflex Speed Graphic / Graflex Super Graphic

Related lenses

• Schneider Xenar 150mm f/4.5 — longer Xenar sibling
• Schneider Apo-Symmar 100mm f/5.6 — premium plasmat alternative