Schneider Xenar 150mm f/4.5

Schneider Xenar 150mm f/4.5 is the fast Tessar-derived budget LF normal at the standard 4×5 focal length — covers 4×5 marginally with barely-usable movements. The fastest aperture in the Xenar lineup at 150mm.

Key features

• Mount: Copal 0 shutter (1s to 1/500, X-sync at all speeds)
• Focal length: 150mm
• Maximum aperture: f/4.5
• Image circle: ~152mm at f/22 — barely covers 4×5; movements minimal
• Optical formula: 4-element/3-group Tessar
• Single-coated on older production

Use case + rendering

The 150 Xenar f/4.5 is the Tessar-design 4×5 normal at faster aperture — useful when ground-glass focus brightness matters in low light. Sharp at center stopped down to f/16-f/22; the corners are typical of older Tessars (acceptable for moderate-size prints, less impressive for large-print enlargement).

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/5.6 — slower compact sibling
• Schneider Symmar 150mm f/5.6 — premium plasmat alternative