135mm Lens on the M8

[cobbu2]

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Just wondering on everyone's thoughts as to 135mm lens usage on the M8. I know framelines for that don't exist, but I seem to be one of a lucky few who find it quite usable. I have the latest version of the 135/2.8 (version 3, from 1990), with the goggles. The magnifiers are in perfect alignment, and it so happens, the rangefinder in my M8 body is also very accurate.

When mounting the lens, it turns out the visible framelines (normally 90mm with this lens) very closely match the field of view in the viewfinder of the M8. And as I said, with my setup, focusing accuracy happens to be right on the money. Here's an example taken at the lens' minimum focus distance of 4.92 feet (1.5m) at f/5.6:

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Anyone else use a 135mm lens on the M8 on a regular basis and how well does it work?

Cheers, Allan

Edited August 2, 2021 by cobbu2

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[Jeff S]

 The 90 mm frame lines on the M8 will show a field of view roughly equivalent to using a 120mm lens, while the 135mm lens will yield a field of view similar to a 180mm lens.  The M8 frame lines are optimized for a distance of 1m (unless 'upgraded' to 2m); at at other distances the accuracy of the frame lines will lessen.  I preferred using an M8.2, which has frame lines optimized for 2m, although one doesn't typically rely on an M for perfect framing.  Like every other M camera, the focus patch is set at a virtual distance of 2m, so one needs to see well at that distance to focus accurately.  The rangefinder mechanism, however, is tested to the fullest for 135mm lenses, although many love theirs.  I never went beyond 90mm lenses on my M's; just my preference.

Jeff

Edited August 3, 2021 by Jeff S

[cobbu2]

Thanks Jeff. I know the 132/2.8 Elmarit-M normally brings up the 90mm frames lines (which the M8 "interprets" as 120mm) but are now magnified by the "eyes." Does the process of magnification alter the actual field of view as defined by the framelines? I wouldn't think so, but It just seemed that after some experimentation, the FOV in the framelines (90mm) matched the actual results... it could have been just an illusion, (or expectation bias) on my part.

Cheers, Allan

[Jeff S]

The frame lines are cropped to match FOV of lens mounted (1.33x). Nothing more to it AFAIK.  And, as noted, subject distance changes how much is included in or out of frame lines; not fixed.

Jeff

 

[cobbu2]

Thanks Jeff, that makes sense and is pretty much what I thought after mulling it over. What had me puzzled earlier was the effect of the 90/2.8 lens with its frameline and magnifier combination.

Cheers, Allan