lensjunkie
Established
Hello all, i'm currently eyeing a leica M 135mm f2.8 enviously. It is goggled however. Are these goggles removable from the lens? What are peoples experienced with this lens? I'd be looking to mount it on my M8. Thanks in advance for all info? I apologize for what may be a pedestrian question.
Al Kaplan
Veteran
NO NO NO! The lens won't focus correctly without the goggles. Leave the there. Yes, the view through the finder is darker and a bit distorted but your pictures will be in focus!
http:thepriceofsilver.blogspot.com
http:thepriceofsilver.blogspot.com
Roger Hicks
Veteran
It's GREAT on the M8.
I had one years ago; sold it; borrowed one to try when I got the M8; and persuaded the friend I'd borrowed it from to sell it to me.
The goggles can only be removed with a hacksaw: the lens brings up the 90mm frames and magnifies them so they are bigger and the effective base length is longer.
Cheers,
Roger
I had one years ago; sold it; borrowed one to try when I got the M8; and persuaded the friend I'd borrowed it from to sell it to me.
The goggles can only be removed with a hacksaw: the lens brings up the 90mm frames and magnifies them so they are bigger and the effective base length is longer.
Cheers,
Roger
lensjunkie
Established
Smashing! Thank you all for the help!
Tom Diaz
Well-known
Works fine on the M8 and (I hear) on the M9.
It is heavier and larger (both because of the fast aperture and the goggles) than other 135s, but it is definitely worthy of the Leica name in terms of quality. I have been really, really pleased with pictures taken with it. (I'm referring to my use of it on an M6TTL; I have not gotten around to using it so much on the M8.)
I should add that I think it is the most usable 135 on a Leica rangefinder, because of the magnification provided by the goggles. Focusing is more accurate, and so is framing.
Tom
PS I wish it fit on my G1! That would be awesome, but the protrusions in the front of the camera get in the way. Maybe the GF1...!
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RichardB
Well-known
It also is the only f2.8 135mm Leica M lens ever manufactured and when you need the speed, its a great lens.
You can even use it on a analog M with Motor M if you put it on before you attach the Motor M and don't want to remove the lens until the roll of film is shot.-Dick
You can even use it on a analog M with Motor M if you put it on before you attach the Motor M and don't want to remove the lens until the roll of film is shot.-Dick
Tom Diaz
Well-known
So true, so true. The motor and the 135 are a great combination on the M6 despite the inconvenience of not being able to change lenses within a roll of film. The motor gives you a handgrip, and there you are! I have really enjoyed that.
Maybe Leica should bring it back! They don't even have to change the optical design in my view, although I imagine there is new optical wizardry since the 70s that would make it even better.