Schneider Xenar 210mm f/6.1

Schneider Xenar 210mm f/6.1 is the Tessar-derived budget LF lens at portrait-tele focal length — covers 4×5 with limited movements; barely covers 5×7. The Xenar 210 is less common than the Xenar 150 — most photographers buying budget LF normals stop at the 150 + 210 plasmat upgrade rather than picking up the 210 Xenar.

Key features

• Mount: Copal 1 shutter (1s to 1/400, X-sync at all speeds)
• Focal length: 210mm
• Maximum aperture: f/6.1
• Image circle: ~230mm at f/22 — covers 4×5 with movements; covers 5×7 tightly
• Optical formula: 4-element/3-group Tessar
• Single-coated on older production

Use case + rendering

The 210 Xenar is the budget portrait-tele 4×5 lens — a buyer's choice when a working long lens is needed at minimum cost. The Tessar design is sharp at center by f/16; corners stop down to acceptable performance by f/22. Good for static-subject portraits where the lens character (slightly soft corners, classic Tessar tonality) suits the subject.

Compatible cameras

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

Related lenses

• Schneider Xenar 150mm f/5.6 — wider Xenar sibling
• Schneider Symmar 180mm f/5.6 — premium plasmat alternative
• Schneider Apo-Symmar 210mm f/5.6 — modern apochromatic plasmat