Good deal on an E46 135mm f/4

[pgk]

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Noticed this: https://www.ffordes.com/p/SOR-18-027624/leica-m/135mm-f4-m-black I have one and its a great performer, so I don't need another but the price is very good indeed given that there is a cosmetic issue. I'd buy this if I didn't already own a copy (I have no affiliation with the seller other than having used them many times and always found them to be excellent to deal with).

{Mods. Please delete if inappropriate - but its a good lens for someone!].

Edited February 17, 2020 by pgk

[luigi bertolotti]

This lens is imho in a sort of "uncomfortable position" in the stream of classic M lenses :

- In optical terms is identical to the E39 version , so in user terms is the same, (at same conditions) : the built-in hood is the only real plus.

- It is rather scarce, compared to the common E39

- But not a real rarity... around 2700 made according to Wiki

- And its look is the same of the Apo Telyt, which has a deserved aura of "the best 135 for M" 

So... how is a CORRECT evaluation for it ? as a user item, in theory no much more than a good E39... as a collectible.. is not a "legend" (like the lux 35 "aspherical", or the Hologon 15... just to quote 2 items of about the same era) ... and some naysayer could even regard it as a "poor brother of the Apo Telyt" 😆. 

Anyway... I agree it can be a good buy for a lover of 135 (*)  , disposed to spend some more to have a not common and well usable and satisfactory lens.

(*) I am one... 😉 but as a collector hasn't yet felt the desire to have Tele Elmar E39 AND E46.. whilst liked the idea to have two T-Elmarits of different shape... 😎 

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Edited February 19, 2020 by luigi bertolotti

[adan]

9 hours ago, luigi bertolotti said:

So... how is a CORRECT evaluation for it ?

Less flare-prone than either the APO-Telyt (much less) or the E39 Tele-Elmar (a bit less). Mostly better baffling behind the rear element, that blocks image reflections off the inside of the barrel or camera chamber. With or without use of lens hoods.

Resolves almost as well as the APO, but with slightly lower global contrast (which can be a plus or a minus) and a bit of red fringing at f/4 (not APO performance, but close) - a bit higher contrast than E39 versions (1990s coatings instead of 1960s-80s coatings).

Long focus throw (180°±) which makes it a bit easier to align the RF images carefully. Compare to APO with a throw of about 145°.

Downside: heaviest of all non-f/2.8 versions - 550g±. Built-in hood plus extra barrel thickness to conform to E46 diameter. And thus also larger than the E39, which skinnies down towards the tip (a rather phallic shape ).

I'd rate the three (APO, E46TE, E39TE) as effectively equal - just depends on which weaknesses one will be happier to put up with. I had the E46TE a couple of times - the extra bulk as much as the extra weight always drove me back to an E39 (although some of those are starting to develop some haze, now).

[pgk]

In my experience the E39 version had problems with accuracy on the RF cam - there was a thread here on the LUF about this - and could be difficult to correct as it was not a simple matter of shimming the lens head itself. I've owned several E39 versions and not one was consistent in its focus accuracy. My E46 version is spot on. I suspect that the revision was mechanical to address issues with focus and also to align the design to that of other current lenses. I would advocate buying the E46 version over an E39 any day. IMO a better constructed, more accurate focusing lens with the bonus of E46 filters if you have other lenses using them.