Skip to product overview

Schneider 80mm f/2.8 Xenotar Lens

The Schneider-Kreuznach 80mm f/2.8 is a lens from Schneider-Kreuznach. Used copies start from $999 on GearFocus, with buyer protection on every purchase.

Schneider 80mm f/2.8 Xenotar Lens

Schneider 80mm f/2.8 Xenotar Lens

Used Schneider-Kreuznach 80mm f/2.8 Listings on GearFocus

Lens Overview — Schneider-Kreuznach 80mm f/2.8

The Schneider-Kreuznach 80mm f/2.8 Xenotar is a vintage medium format lens manufactured during the 1960s, designed for use with Hasselblad V mount systems and compatible with Mamiya 645 bodies as well. Built for Medium Format (120) film photography, this lens represents a classic era of precision German optical engineering. It features manual focus operation and a built-in leaf shutter, which is a hallmark of medium format lens design from this period — allowing flash sync at all shutter speeds and a quieter, smoother shooting experience compared to focal plane shutter systems.

The lens is compatible with medium format cameras that accept interchangeable lenses, making it a versatile option for photographers working with vintage Hasselblad V bodies or adapting to Mamiya 645 systems. Weighing between 600g and 700g, it carries the expected heft of a well-constructed medium format optic from this decade. For film photographers, portrait shooters, and collectors drawn to the character and craftsmanship of 1960s German glass, the Xenotar 80mm f/2.8 remains a compelling and historically significant lens worth serious consideration.

Key Features — Schneider-Kreuznach 80mm f/2.8

80mm f/2.8 Xenotar Optic: A classic Schneider-Kreuznach optical formula delivering sharp, characterful rendering well-suited to portrait and general medium format photography.

Hasselblad V Mount: Natively fits Hasselblad V series bodies, one of the most widely used medium format systems.

Built-In Leaf Shutter: Enables flash synchronization at all shutter speeds, making this lens particularly practical for studio and location work with flash.

Medium Format 120 Coverage: Image circle designed for 120 film, covering the full medium format frame for maximum detail and tonal depth.

Manual Focus Operation: Fully manual focus ring allows deliberate, precise control typical of medium format shooting workflows.

1960s German Manufacture: Produced in West Germany during the 1960s, reflecting the precision craftsmanship Schneider-Kreuznach was known for during this era.

Lens Specifications — Schneider-Kreuznach 80mm f/2.8

Schneider-Kreuznach 80mm f/2.8 full specifications
SpecDetail
Use CasesPortrait, Studio, Creative Effects
Lens MountMamiya 645, Hasselblad V
Focus TypeManual Focus

Description — Schneider-Kreuznach 80mm f/2.8

The Schneider-Kreuznach 80mm f/2.8 Xenotar is a vintage medium format lens produced during the 1960s, designed primarily for the Hasselblad V mount with additional compatibility for Mamiya 645 systems. It is built to cover the Medium Format (120) film format, making it appropriate for the larger negative dimensions associated with this format. The lens features manual focus operation, offering the deliberate, hands-on shooting experience that medium format film photography demands.

A standout technical characteristic is its leaf shutter mechanism, which resides within the lens body and allows flash synchronization at all shutter speeds — a meaningful advantage for portrait and studio photographers. Weighing between 600g and 700g, the Xenotar is a solidly constructed optic befitting its era of manufacture. For collectors and working film photographers alike, this lens represents a notable piece of 1960s German optical heritage from one of the most respected names in medium format glass, well-suited to Hasselblad V and Mamiya 645 camera systems.

Pros — Schneider-Kreuznach 80mm f/2.8

  • ✓Hasselblad V and Mamiya 645 mount compatibility offers flexibility across two popular medium format systems
  • ✓Leaf shutter design enables full flash sync at all shutter speeds, a significant advantage for studio work
  • ✓Manual focus operation provides precise, deliberate control suited to medium format shooting workflows

Cons — Schneider-Kreuznach 80mm f/2.8

  • ✗Manual focus only — no autofocus capability, which may slow down fast-paced shooting situations
  • ✗Weight of 600–700g is substantial and may add fatigue during extended handheld sessions
  • ✗Vintage manufacture (1960–1969) means individual sample condition can vary significantly on the used market

Videos — Schneider-Kreuznach 80mm f/2.8

Adapting a Schneider 80mm Lens to the Pentax 67 - A Unique Option — Kyle McDougall

Resources & Downloads — Schneider-Kreuznach 80mm f/2.8

Manuals & Guides

Frequently Asked Questions — Schneider-Kreuznach 80mm f/2.8

Which camera systems is this lens compatible with?+
The Schneider 80mm f/2.8 Xenotar is compatible with Hasselblad V mount and Mamiya 645 mount systems. It is designed for medium format cameras that accept interchangeable lenses.
Does this lens have autofocus?+
No. The Xenotar 80mm f/2.8 is a manual focus lens. All focusing must be done by hand, which is typical for vintage medium format lenses from the 1960s.
What film format is this lens designed for?+
This lens is designed for Medium Format (120) film. It provides the image circle coverage required for the larger negative size associated with medium format photography.
What type of shutter does this lens use?+
The lens uses a leaf shutter, which is integrated into the lens itself rather than the camera body. This allows flash synchronization across all shutter speeds, a notable advantage for studio and flash photography.
When was this lens manufactured?+
The Schneider-Kreuznach 80mm f/2.8 Xenotar was manufactured between 1960 and 1969. As a vintage lens, buyers should inspect individual samples carefully for condition, as quality can vary.
How heavy is this lens?+
The lens weighs between 600g and 700g. This is a reasonable weight range for a medium format lens of this era, though it should be considered when planning handheld shooting sessions.

Similar to Schneider-Kreuznach 80mm f/2.8

Loading similar products...