How Good/Bad Is The 13.5cm Lens?

[wjlapier]

I have a Nikkor I use on my M3 with Amedeo's adapter, but I have to use the preview knob to bring up the 135 framelines. I'm considering either a Leica, Canon or a LTM Nikkor so I can have the framelines by using an adapter. So, how good or bad is the Leica version and how does it compare to the Canon and Nikkors?

I'm using it to shoot sports in B+W. Something different for me getting away for the D700/80-200AFS combo. I did shoot my daughter's softball game this weekend and it was liberating and fun. Should have the film developed later today.

I just realized I'm asking this question in the M forum, so if mods think it needs to go elsewhere, move it.

 

[furcafe]

You may need to be more specific. I don't have any Leica/Leitz 135s, but I do know they've made several different ones over the years. Are you just interested in those from the 1950s-60s (like the LTM Nikkors & Canon RF 135s)?

I have a Nikkor I use on my M3 with Amedeo's adapter, but I have to use the preview knob to bring up the 135 framelines. I'm considering either a Leica, Canon or a LTM Nikkor so I can have the framelines by using an adapter. So, how good or bad is the Leica version and how does it compare to the Canon and Nikkors?

I'm using it to shoot sports in B+W. Something different for me getting away for the D700/80-200AFS combo. I did shoot my daughter's softball game this weekend and it was liberating and fun. Should have the film developed later today.

I just realized I'm asking this question in the M forum, so if mods think it needs to go elsewhere, move it.

 

[wjlapier]

I don't know much about Leica/Leitz lenses, especially in the 135 FL. I did look around and typically they are slow, which is fine. In fact, all the Canon, Nikkor, and Leicas I saw are slow. I just want the FL and would like the better one that isn't too expensive. I want to see the 135 framelines so I'm not messing with the preview lever. The Nikkor is nice though--good sharp little lens.

 

[ferider]

There is basically no bad 135mm lens. In terms of older lenses you have the choice, among others, of

.) You can just file your adapter down to bring up 135mm framelines.
.) you can get the same Nikkor 135/3.5 in LTM. Shouldn't cost more than US 100 or so in excellent condiftion. Exists in heavy chrome or (lighter) black and chrome. See Dante's website for a write-up. 43mm filters.
.) the Canon 135/3.5 is a good lens. Also in heavy chrome or lighter black. 48mm filters. Around US 100, too.
.) the "classic" Elmar 135/4 (around US 150?) or more modern Tele Elmar 135/4 (around US 300). (I use the latter). 39mm filters.
.) the 135/2.8 googl'ed Elmarit. Brings up 90mm framelines due to googles, which is a main advantage. Fast, beautiful signature, but a big and heavy lens. Series VII, or for a newer copy, 55mm filters. US 300-500 depending on version and condition.
.) the non-plus-ultra in IQ is the Apo Telyt f3.4. See Puts for a performance report. This one is expensive (around US 1k ?).

There are others, like the Jupiter 11, Komura, etc. I have yet to see a bad 135mm lens report.

Cheers,

Roland.

 

[raid]

They' re all excellent lenses optically, as Roland has mentioned above. I sold my Canon 135mm lens but kept the Nikon lens.

 

[Larry Manuel]

HeKtor 135 mm f/4.5

HeKtor 135 mm f/4.5

I have the Hektor 135mm f/4.5 in M-mount, built in the mid-fifties. It is in good condition and works well. The coatings are single-layer. I find it lower-contrast than my modern Leica lenses, but not objectionably so. The collapsible rubber hood for the Tele Elmarit-M 90mm f/2.8 works great on it. The Hektor has 39mm threads for this. A good feature - the tripod mount under the lens is at the right place to balance the lens/body assembly. It might work well with a monopod for sports.

I find it tough to hand-hold it steady enough to make photos as sharp as the lens is capable of delivering, but I tend to use slow film [ EI 50 - 100 ]. You seem to have mastered the steadiness aspect.

 

[Austerby]

I picked up an excellent 135/4 tele-elmar for less than £80 on an internet auction site a couple of months back and have been having a lot of fun with it. It's spectacular value for money.