Which 135mm on an M6?

[Steve Karr]

Hi everyone,
I have been on reading for days and am confused. I am looking to add a 135mm to my kit. I am looking for an "old school" look. Sharp and new is not the goal but I don't want unsharp & hard too focus either. SO what do you guys like about the 135 & what is not so great? If you have any images to share that is super important, even more than specs. I shoot people/lifestyle/fashion and don't want the Digital / Sharp birthday party look popular in advertising these days.

Thanks in Advance for helping!!
Steve

 

[Al Kaplan]

The Tele-Elmar f/4 is sharper than the Tele Elmarit f/2.8, smaller and lighter also, but the Tele-Elmarit has the "eyes" which makes it very easy to focus and gives you a bigger finder image. Both lenses have removeable heads to fit short focusing mounts for Visoflx use. The older Hektor and Elmar lenses can also be adapted to the Visoflex but neither one is a good as the first two I mentioned. Lenses that'll fit a Visoflex can be adapted to use on an SLR.

The "modern" Tele-Elmar and Tele-Elmarit are both designs from the late 60's and are sharp but don't "look digital". The older Elmar and Hektor have even more of the "classic" look. The ancient uncoated versions might be a bit too flat. Make sure that you use a lens hood with a 135.

Nikon and Canon also made good lenses in the 135mm focal length. The most bang for your buck would be a black Canon.

 

[VinceC]

You'll probably have to get a very old uncoated lens from the 1930s for the look you seem to want. The 1950s and later lenses are all too sharp and modern. 135mm is not a difficult lens to make, optically. They're also quite affordable.

 

[hans voralberg]

The old Hektor 135/4 might fit I think

 

[Gary E]

The old Hektor 135/4 might fit I think

Yup, I think so too. I've used the 135/4.5 Hektor which produced great results. They're not too heavy and can find them for little money as well. I guess 135mm lenses aren't too popular with RF users. They have that old fashion look to their images if that's what you're looking for.

 

[Richard G]

Might as well get the Tele-Elmar and pursue the look you want with post-processing. Meanwhile you will get a lot more out of it with an external finder, SHOOC.

 

[raid]

I have just posted some images taken with an old Zeiss Jena 135mm 4.0 Sonnar. Ialso have the Nikon 135mm 3.5 and a Hektor 135mm 4.5. I sold my Canon 135mm 3.5. They are all good lenses.

 

[peter_n]

I use the f4 Tele-Elmar v.1 which is excellent. Here's a shot from mine that's a bit fuzzy:

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I also use a Jupiter-11 for travel, the J-11 is very light and a pretty good performer. All 135mm lenses are on the inexpensive side, but the FSU lenses are real bargains IMO. The J-11 shot below was handheld. It is also an f4 lens.