Leica 135 2.8 elmarit use on the monochrome

[ellisson]

I've been looking at one of these older lenses for use on tripod, chiefly for water shots and landscape views where I cannot walk closer.
Has anyone used one of these lenses with the attached viewfinder on the M monochrome or other leica M? I'm curious about the results with this lens.
Thanks - I know this is not the classic rangefinder focal length.

 

[ferider]

I have a v2, and it works like a charm on the 240 - very sharp. Get v2 if you can, slightly smaller, and a little more magnification in the "eyes". You can recognize v2 as it says Elmarit-M on the beauty ring.

 

[raid]

I have recently used my Elmarit handheld in a sports game.

 

[JMQ]

Yes I have. Used it extensively on my MM on a safari to Tanzania. Works very well, but focus is critical unless you are shooting at infinity and/or small apertures.

 

[kermaier]

Yes, I've use it on an M9-P and M-240, and it works very well. Easy to focus, sharp, contrasty. I have a very late-production example, which has fine knurling on the focus ring, takes 55mm filters and is engraved "Elmarit-M" on the beauty ring. Older ones take Series VII filters, and the earliest examples have a scalloped focus ring.

 

[ellisson]

Thanks, everyone!

Ferider, thanks for the v2 recommendation and how to recognize it.

Raid, its nice to know you have used it handheld! Guess I'd stop down for handholding this lens!

JMQ, using this lens on safari with good results must have produced some great images! Another indication that this lens is not only feasible, but yields quality results.

 

[ellisson]

Thanks Kermaier. It appears that you and the others have nice results with the lens. I'm looking at a version 2 of the lens, and the price is really good!

 

[kermaier]

Thanks Kermaier. It appears that you and the others have nice results with the lens. I'm looking at a version 2 of the lens, and the price is really good!

Yes, these lenses are pretty cheap, by Leica standards... 🙂

 

[rfaspen]

If I understand correctly, the goggled magnification really helps with focus accuracy. I don't have this lens -- yet. But it is on the short list.

I'm always interested in seeing how people effectively use this lens. Please post the consequences of your acquisition 🙂

 

[ellisson]

If I understand correctly, the goggled magnification really helps with focus accuracy. I don't have this lens -- yet. But it is on the short list.

I'm always interested in seeing how people effectively use this lens. Please post the consequences of your acquisition 🙂

From what I've seen in various write-ups, the attached goggles give 1.4x magnification and the lens brings up the 90mm frame lines for composing.
I just ordered a v2 copy of the lens and will try to post some images after I try it out.

 

[kermaier]

Here's one, handheld (leaning on a kitchen counter) at 10 feet:

Leica 135/2.8 Elmarit-M, M9-P, ISO 640, f/2.8, 1/60 sec

 

[uhoh7]

Beautiful, Kermaier

This is the most under-rated M lens there is, I think 🙂

Very sharp, fast, gorgeous render. There is no need for a tripod if you can manage a shutter of 400+. Focus is fine on the M9 wide open. Calibration issues can be easily learned with practice. Mine is v3 and cost about 375USD.

I use it also on my A7.mod, it's so nice. (and I also have the APO 3.4)

135/2.8 by unoh7, on Flickr


DSC06809-2 by unoh7, on Flickr

No slower 135 will give you a look like this:

Big Trunks by unoh7, @ f/2.8 on A7.mod


Rear Window by unoh7, on Flickr

Bokeh is outstanding, I have 8 or 10 135mm lenses, none are so nice 🙂 Framing can be tricky as it varies with distance, but with some practice it's fine on the M9. Obviously EVF is easier.

I wonder if DDD ever used this lens.

 

[ellisson]

Wow, I will not have buyers regret on this purchase! At $295 for a v.2 just CLA'd by DAG, and with those images by Kermaier and Uhoh7, this is going to be fun! The IQ looks great.

 

[JMQ]

Ellisson, congrats on your acquisition of the 135/2.8. You can't go wrong with that price...and it's a Mandler design. Enjoy!

 

[ellisson]

Thanks JMQ. I am going to have to read up on the Mandler design. I've seen this mentioned several times on the forum. I assume Mandler designed this and other Leica lenses?