135mm question

[Bob Ross]

Hi JAAP,
Your hobbyhorse statement is an excellent explanation of the sensor/emulsion surface differences. On edit is that a one dimensional circle is a dot. A circle lives in two dimentions...
Bob

 

[Jan Brittenson]

It is the same with the best quality stopped down vs. wide open. If you are going to spoil your shot through motion blur the ideal aperture is not going to help you...

Fortunately, this is rarely an issue even for seascapes. Wind can be a problem with moving grass and branches, but usually it's possible to wait for a quiet moment. If it never quiets down there's probably no shot to be had...

 

[Jan Brittenson]

No. It is simply that on the RD1 you have a short base rangefinder and even the 1:1 or even 1:1.35 magnification won't help much (don't ask me why, it probably has to do with mechanical tolerances). The Leica will be much, much better.

I hope you're right!

 

[jaapv]

Hi JAAP,
Your hobbyhorse statement is an excellent explanation of the sensor/emulsion surface differences. On edit is that a one dimensional circle is a dot. A circle lives in two dimentions...
Bob

Well.if you want to be that precise A disk rather than a dot, and an Airey disk at that, one central lightdot surrounded by concentric circles of varying brightness. If you represent it in a three-dimensional graphic it resembles a cone-shaped rock sticking from the sea with circular waves around it. Thus the Germans call it very poetically a "Lichtberg" (Light Mountain).

 

[MarcoS]

No. It is simply that on the RD1 you have a short base rangefinder and even the 1:1 or even 1:1.35 magnification won't help much (don't ask me why, it probably has to do with mechanical tolerances). The Leica will be much, much better.

I hope you're right!

I hope it too !! Thanks Jaap

Btw, regarding stopping down, the difference between the 135 apo-telyt and the elmar is relatively small wide open but the apo increases at medium apertures, while the Elmar gets worse (just the opposite one would argue following the usual apo vs non-apo trend).
So basically the 135 apo is a better lens for landscape, while if you are going to use the lens mainly at f/4 maybe get the Elmar and save some $$.

 

[lxlim]

There are no new ones. Second hand only. Look for instance on the ffordes website. They have a number of very good ones.
The lens is just as easy to change as any other M-lens....click on, click off...
The only thing is, because of the goggles it is slightly bulkier. And it is not a light lens.
The optical cell is exactly the same as the highly regarded 135/2.8 R
All three versions from 1966 onwards have similar good optical quality with only minor differences. If you want to nit-pick the second version is maybe the best for the M8. The newest one has a slightly better performance in the field and corners,so a bit more even on film, but the second one is very sligthly more contrasty in the center.

Managed to find a 135f2.8 today that is in pretty good condition though very dusty with a couple of black flecks inside lens surfaces. Looks very rugged. My exasperation with Canon Eos lenses rose a couple of notches but its not a fair comparison on my part. AF comes with a price.

Jaap: How do I tell which version it is?

Not that I have a choice. It was the only M lens there. What a coincidence! The one lens I am not likely to get is the only one for sale! I am still leaning toward a 135f3.4 Apo though.

Roland: Grip issue with goggled 135 is very much appreciated. I had intended to use the grip with the M8. Its either a dedicated body with the goggled 135 or work without the grip.

Anyway, thanks both of you and all the rest that chipped in.

Alex

 

[jaapv]

Managed to find a 135f2.8 today that is in pretty good condition though very dusty with a couple of black flecks inside lens surfaces. Looks very rugged. My exasperation with Canon Eos lenses rose a couple of notches but its not a fair comparison on my part. AF comes with a price.

Jaap: How do I tell which version it is?

Not that I have a choice. It was the only M lens there. What a coincidence! The one lens I am not likely to get is the only one for sale! I am still leaning toward a 135f3.4 Apo though.

Roland: Grip issue with goggled 135 is very much appreciated. I had intended to use the grip with the M8. Its either a dedicated body with the goggled 135 or work without the grip.

Anyway, thanks both of you and all the rest that chipped in.

Alex

First version extremely rare
Second version double telescoping lens hood
third version single telescoping lenshood

The differences, in practice, between the versions are unimportant optically. I like the double telescoping lenshood, but again, no big deal.