Schneider's premium APO large format lens — the Apo-Symmar 180mm for professional 4x5 work.
The Schneider APO Symmar 180mm f/5.6 is Schneider's premium normal/moderate telephoto large format lens for 5x7-inch and 4x5-inch photography. The APO designation indicates apochromatic correction for chromatic aberration, representing an upgrade over the standard Symmar-S formula in colour accuracy and edge sharpness.
The lens provides 180mm at f/5.6 in a Copal 1 shutter with apochromatic optical correction, Schneider's multi-coating, and an image circle large enough for 5x7-inch photography with full camera movements. The six-element plasmat formula delivers even sharpness corner-to-corner at working apertures.
The APO Symmar is among the most highly regarded large format lenses available, used by fine-art and commercial large format photographers who require the highest colour accuracy. The apochromatic correction minimises lateral and longitudinal colour fringing, producing cleaner images than non-APO alternatives particularly when using colour film.
Test Copal 1 shutter timing across all speeds. Inspect APO coating condition — any damage reduces the apochromatic correction. Verify maximum movement coverage on the ground glass. Check shutter blade operation. APO Symmar lenses in excellent condition command premium prices.