Leica 135mm on an M8

[Timmyjoe]

Really confused and not finding the information I seek.

The 135mm focal length equivalent on an M8 is about 180mm and that is just what I need for a few upcoming projects. I have read many places that the 135mm lens is difficult to focus on a Leica M, especially the Leica M8.

I've also seen these magnifier "goggles" that come with some 135mm Leica lenses. Will these work with an M8?

Is anyone here using a Leica 135mm lens on their M8, and if so, can you share how you've done it? Are you focusing with the standard viewfinder, or using some kind of "goggles" or auxiliary viewfinder? Are you able to focus the lens sharply?

Thanks for any and all info.

Best,
-Tim

 

[Artorius]

135mm

135mm

The 180 eqv is a good FL for me. I use the Elmar 135mm f/4 all the time. I don't do anything special, and use the focus patch as a guide. Sometimes I will use an aux finder, but not often enough to carry it along with me.

 

[Roger Hicks]

I had a 135/2.8 (the only one with the 'goggles') years ago, and sold it because I used it so little.

Then I borrowed one to try on the M8 and was so impressed that I persuaded the owner to sell it to me. It's great. Brings up the 90mm frame, magnified, and sharp enough for all purposes I've tried, even at minimum focus and full aperture.

Cheers,

R.

 

[LCT]

...Is anyone here using a Leica 135mm lens on their M8, and if so, can you share how you've done it? Are you focusing with the standard viewfinder, or using some kind of "goggles" or auxiliary viewfinder? Are you able to focus the lens sharply?...

The "goggles" are part of the Elmarit 135. They add 1.5x magnification to the 0.68x viewfinder so focussing is not a problem up to f/4 - f/3.5. Hit rates are lower at f/2.8 but sharp results are not out of reach with a bit of habit and steady hands (or a tripod). Bulky lens though.
M8.2, 135/2.8, f/2.8, handheld (6 MB file)
http://tinyurl.com/3gxppwy

 

[presspass]

As Roger says, the 135 2.8 works well with the M8. I've used mine that way for several years and it worked even before DAG realigned the goggles. Now it's close to perfect. A heavy lens, but it produces fine results and, since it brings up the 90 frame with the 1.5 magnification, you don't need either an auxiliary finder or guesswork with the M8.

 

[AncientCityPhoto]

Is using a 1.4x on the viewfinder even more effective when using the goggled version?

 

[presspass]

I don't know; I've never tried it. Although I have a magnifier, I've never been able to get used to it. Just me, I know. I have gotten close focus wide open shots with the Elmarit/M8 combo and the average is no better or worse than the same lens on a M3.

 

[presspass]

Is using a 1.4x on the viewfinder even more effective when using the goggled version?

I don't know; I've never tried it. Although I have a magnifier, I've never been able to get used to it. Just me, I know. I have gotten close focus wide open shots with the Elmarit/M8 combo and the average is no better or worse than the same lens on a M3.

 

[BillCB]

I often use the 135 Apo Telyt on the M9. I do use a 1.4 magnifier and generally stop down 1 stop. It's an extraordinary lens.
Bill

 

[Patman]

I have the 135 f2.8 w/goggles and it works great with the M8. These were the first shots I took with it.

 

[deirdre]

I have a Hektor older than I am, but it's nicely sharp on an M8. I generally only use it at infinity, so I don't have to worry about focus.