Leica 135/2.8

M

merciful

Guest
What's the word on this lens, guys? I've started to develop the feeling I need one. I should probably suppress it, but I suppose I could dump my Hexanon 50mm, since I've got my two fast 50s and access to a Nokton if I want to use a modern lens.
 
Don't think too many people have 135's here. I believe Rich Silfver bought one recently, but he doesn't seem to visit any more, and he may have gotten an f4 anyway.

I'm getting a 135, and I looked at Leica lenses and they are pretty inexpensive. But I'm getting a Russian lens to try, they are even cheaper and the feedback about the 135mm Jupiter-11 is that it's very competitive.

The J-11 is an f4 lens so it may be too slow for you. If you don't get many responses here try the Leica forum.
 
Thanks, Peter.

I'm an available-darkness speed-freak, but let's face it: a 135 just isn't a proper tool for that sort of thing; it'd be for reasonable-light portraiture. And at f4, from say, 6 ft., the DOF would be... limited.

I'll think about the 11 or a Leica f4.
 
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from gandy's site

from gandy's site

135/3.5 Nikkor: in chrome or black versions. One of the best 135 LTMs

135/3.5 Canon: in chrome or black versions. One of the best 135 LTMs.

135/4 Russian: a copy of the pre-war Zeiss Sonnar, usually chrome. Low priced but spotty quality control.

135/4.5 Leitz Hektor(1933-1960): Leica's best LTM 135. Uncoated Black pre-war or Coated post-war chrome. Lens head removable for Visoflex reflex housing. Watch out for fogging and cleaning scratches.

135/4.5 Leitz Elmar(1931-1936): an early uncoated black lens. Not great in the sharpness department, but it can give interesting effects. Watch for fogging. Lens head removable for Visoflex reflex housing.
 
The word on that Leica glass is that Francisco would like one very much and you should send it to him. 🙂

I'd actually stick to the 50s and go for shorter focal lengths. A lens that long with a Leica... unless it's a relatively new one, can be a pain to hand-hold.
 
peter_n said:
No idea of the reputation of that Nikkor but it sure is a nice looking lens! Hmmm... time to do some research. 😉
Click to expand...

I once owned a Nikkor 135 in LTM. "Made in Occupied Japan". Solid brass construction and very heavy. Also very sharp and contrasty.... an excellent lens. I sold it some years ago but presently I own a Canon 135 in LTM which is also heavy so I don't really use it.

Additionally I have two 135 Hektors in LTM - a chrome model and a black model - and a Jupiter-11 which I haven't had time to wring out.

Below is a picture I took at f/4.5 with the black model Hektor for which I paid the outrageous sum of $9.99 plus $10 shipping. If I recall correctly, the black Hektor was made in 1946. It's coated.

Walker
 
FrankS said:
Walker, I'd say that was $20 well spent!
Click to expand...

Thanks, Frank. The Hektor is often overlooked and underrated...... perhaps it's maximum aperature of f/4.5 doesn't impress people but the lens is capable. The nice thing about it is that examples can be found at very reasonable prices, especially when compared to other Leitz lenses.

I just took a quick snap shot of the three lenses I spoke of above. The black Hektor doesn't have a proper cap so I keep a skylight filter on it to protect the front element. I also have an M-mount adapter on it at the moment. I've had the chrome Hektor and the Canon 135 for many years.

Walker
 
I found that the lens cap from my Nikkor 75mm f4 (or was it the 50mm f4) enlarging lens fits my 135mm Hektor lens. I don't have any shots from the Hektor yet. During the Christmas holidays I'll try some portraits with it.
 
Walker, my black Hektor looks exactly the same - paint peeling and all. Well, maybe a bit worse than yours 😀
The same type of filter - only mine is yellow.
 
And another Hektor example

And another Hektor example

And here's what the lowly Hektor can do...

(PS: HekTor, not Hekor...)
 
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Brian Sweeney said:
I have a telephoto Gallery with shots from the 85 through 135 lenses.
Click to expand...

Brian, those are all very nice shots and if that's your daughter, she's a beautiful subject. It seems like she's completely unaware that a camera is focused on her. I'm anxious for Christmas to arrive so I can get some new pictures of my granddaughter who is similarly a lovely subject. Below is a shot I took last March but with a Fuji 602S digital camera.

Walker
 
"And here's what the lowly Hektor can do.."

Denis, there's nothing "lowly" about that picture. A great shot of a cat with obvious character and personality.

If we keep showing what the Hektor can do, prices are gonna go up, up, up.... 😉

Walker
 
Walker, psssst....
Not a word any more....
What, a Hektor? Naaaah, it's a dog 🙂
A paperweight at best.
Really....
 
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