Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1998/10/27
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Cing Dao Kan, I use a pair of 135mm Leica lenses extensively. One a 135/2.8 Elmarit-R and the other a 135/4.5 Hektor. Which one I use depends on what camera system I have with me. I participate in rifle shooting competition and attend many matches around the western US. I like to photograph other shooters in position but do not want to intrude on their concentration by getting to close. The 135mm lens is about perfect for this. I get frame filling head & shoulders shots or full body shots without ever bothering the shooter, his/her scorer, or team coach. And it is easy to isolate the shooter I am interested in from the many others shooting beside him/her, not to mention all the attendant paraphernalia shooters bring to the line with them. The 135/2.8 Elmarit R is a fabulous lens and very much under-valued by many. And while the 135/4 Tele-Elmar M is an excellent lens, I cannot see spending the money for one over a good clean 135 Hektor (unless shooting constantly at f/4 is important for some reason). The late model 135/4.5 Hektor (from about 1946 and up) is under appreciated and certainly under valued. In my experience it is an excellent performing lens. The Hektor I use is an older pre WWII model that was subsequently coated by the factory. Its performance must be experienced to be believed (especially considering how little I paid for it). Maybe the 135mm lens is considered something like an workhorse few mention or take the time to praise. Never-the-less it is a very useful focal length and the choices in Leica 135 lenses are many. I consider any of them to be an excellent choice. I also use an old pre 1932 vintage 135/4.5 Elmar that produces beautiful results (a bit soft wide open though). Best, Don - ---Cing-Dao Kan <cdkan@ncac.gwu.edu> wrote: > > Over the years, it seems that the popularity of zoom lens, particularly > in the 70-200 zoom range has taken over the use of the 135mm prime > lenses. I have heard very little discussion regarding 135mm lenses, M > and R, here. Do people on this list still use the 135mm lenses > anymore? > > I enjoy using the 135mm focal length for general landscape shots very > much. I usually take a three-lens combination, 24, 35 and 135, for > general photo outings. I am interested to hear how others use their > 135mm focal lens. I plan to get a 135mm R lens and would like to hear > others' advice on the lens. Thanks in advance! > > Cing-Dao Kan > _________________________________________________________ DO YOU YAHOO!? Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com