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Thought + Experience on Leica 135mm f/3.4


ShawnK

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I'm leaning toward acquiring this long Tele > APO-Telyt-M-135mm f3.4. This will be in addition to my new 75mm. Any thoughts & guidance for this 135mm lens? I never held one, so a total going from the hype. Worth @ $4000.+ as I might need EVF2 or other focusing aid.

Thnx in advance for the replies.

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Hi,

 

I bought the 135mm this summer and I'm happy with it. I'm using it for B+W pictures on the Monochrom but it is also very good at night on my M9-P. But of course, it is not the lens that I carry with me all the time.

 

Here are some sample pictures:

 

14774686927_29bb45c650_b.jpgZürich by DirkR1977, on Flickr

 

14825117219_8c447be548_b.jpgZürich by DirkR1977, on Flickr

 

15223540535_6415def7e6_b.jpgSingapore by DirkR1977, on Flickr

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The pre-APO 135/4 is only a tad slower and marginally less sharp, but a good used copy can be had for much less. Unless you need maximum sharpness and will be using a tripod, you may want to consider getting one of these.

 

Thank you, I didn't think of it. I better check the used inventory. Tho' never bought anything used, so I get apprehensive but Leica lenses r so reputable, so exception is doable. :)

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I have also used the Leitz 135/4 lens head and short focus mount with adapter on Nikon cameras with good success.

http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/nature-wildlife/272579-hairy-woodpecker-female.html

 

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Edited by k-hawinkler
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Well, FWIIW, I posted the APO Telyt / M240 one yesterday and the Elmar / M8 one years ago. I never use a focus aid for an 135.

 

 

Elmar 135/ 4.0 M8

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APO Telyt 135 3.4, M240

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I don't have the 135/3.4 APO, but have a collection of vintage 135's going back to the 1930s. It is a focal length that many RF photographers do not end up using much. You might try a less expensive lens in that focal length to see if it suits you. If so- the 135/3.4 is the best available. I ended up with a 135/2.8 Tele-Elmarit in a trade, that the former owner used once in 20 years. In the first outing, I used it more than he ever did.

 

135/2.8 Tele-elmarit 2nd version, wide-open on the Leica M8.

 

15127180986_3ebbc027aa_b.jpg135/2.8 Tele-Elmarit on the Leica M8

 

14963532930_17b04ded7a_b.jpg135/2.8 Tele-Elmarit on the Leica M8

Edited by Lenshacker
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I've been using this lens with a 1.35x magnifier, and love what this lens delivers.

 

I own 24, 35, 75 and 135 lenses, and 135 (as is 24) is the lens that stays at home when I go out with a single lens, but there are many situations when one really appreciate it's presence in the bag.

 

When the subject is between 1.5m and 20m my focus hit rate is I'd say 99%. From 20m on, it becomes really tricky for me. I really have to concentrate, and never 100% sure I hit the focus.

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It is a fantastic lens but wide-open requires a magnifier... for my eyes. It is a pleasure to handle, too.

 

Btw, there is one at Igor's Camera (Ohio USA) for much less than $4000. That's where I got my copy, and have purchased many items from him over the years.

 

Regards,

Dean

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Bought one new if February. Focussing either with the rangefinder or EVF proved to be much easier to use than I had (half) expected. It tends to be firmly attached to my M240 for long periods of time! A selection of images with the combination on my Flickr page.

 

Thank u Keith. I do like your images w/135mm.

Thank you Dean, Igor does have nice inventory along with Leica S.F Store. This does help me decide on the 135 APO.:)

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