135 - Apo or tele

[phovsho]

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Howdy

 

Having determined the M3 is my new preferred camera body, I have realised that I currently only have one focal length in my lens arsenal which matches the 50/90/135 framelines. I have 50s, but my longest existing lens is a 75. So, I have scored a 90 and am now thinking about which 135 I should go for.

 

I have never used 135 on an M before, but I have seen some folks making some pretty extraordinary images with that focal length. I know there are a lot of folks who swear by the 135/4 tele and think it is pretty close to (better?) than the APO. But, I have also heard folks say the APO is one of Leica's finest.

 

So, has anyone had direct experience with both lens and willing to pass judgement? What should one have to pay for a nice APO or tele second hand and is the APO worth the extra $$$?

 

Thanks

 

M

[k_g_wolf ✝]

I saw a 135 mm Tele- Elmar in the Bay gone for EUR 300 recently.

From the pics it looked phantastic. I didn´t bid because there is one

already in my stock.

 

This is a phantastic piece of gear AND you can detach it to use it

on a VISOFLEX- >>machine<<. The Apo is certainly better, performancewise, but on such a high level that it is only visible to a wizard.

 

I don´t know s/h prices for the Apo- version. But the T-E would be

the one I would go for any time.

 

 

 

 

Best

[lars_bergquist]

In practical work, you will not see any real difference between the Tele-Elmar and the Apo-Telyt. They are both superb (and the Tele-Elmar was designed in 1964!) The most salient advantages of the newer lens is half a stop of speed, and lower weight.

 

Some people are using 135mm lenses on the M8 (and the M2) by turning the lens somewhat further past the lock until the 90mm frame comes up. This will not be detrimental to focusing, and the framelines, through a bit too wide, are a help.

 

The Elmarit (with the 'goggles') is also a very good lens, but heavy.

 

The old man from the Age of the 13.5 cm Hektor

[budrichard]

"The Elmarit (with the 'goggles') is also a very good lens, but heavy."

 

This is the lens you want, built for the M3 and gives you full frame viewing but f2.8 aperture. I have one and its one of the Leitz/Leica lenses i will never get rid of.-Dick

[bill]

I have had a T-E (latest model) and an Elmarit in the past, but my current 135 is a Canon LTM-mount example. It is a tack-sharp performer and offers a 3.5 maximum aperture. It's a more than adequate alternative to the Leica options, particularly if you intend not to use a 135 on a daily basis.

 

Regards,

 

Bill

[Shac]

I have the Tele - and would echo the pothers as to its quality. Given the rather large price difference between this version and the APO (they go for less than US$500 for an EX+) and the not-so great image quality difference - you have nothing to lose by buying a good Tele version.

Have fun

[a.noctilux]

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On 11/22/2008 at 12:02 AM, bill said:

my current 135 is a Canon LTM-mount example

Old thread I know.

I use the Canon LTM 3.5/135 (still have this lens) before the Tele-Elmar 4/135 and Elmarit-M 2.8/135.

In my pictures, the Leitz lenses results are much more pleasing than those taken with Canon lens.