Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2004/03/29
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Hi Greg, I have 135 2.8 and the late production 135/F4 (E46). If you intend to carry/use 135 for travel such as to use it shoot landscape etc., any version of Tele-elmar 135/F4 would be a good choice. They are very sharp and much easier to carry than 2.8s. I've used the older version of TE 135 (with E39 filter thread) in the past and they are as sharp as the E46 version (but with slightly lower color saturation) and are even better bargain (sometimes you can find one with mint glass for less than $300.) I use 135 2.8 for indoor shoots such as taking pictures at my children's school play etc. They are bulky to carry and even with the eyes, can be difficult to focus. They are priced quite reasonably (the major reason I bought this lens.) The only thing is that "eyes" of 135 2.8 are known to be quite delicate and can be easily mis-aligned or twisted. Those problems are virtually impossible for non-Leica technician to detect such problem when you buy. I agree with Buzz and BD that using 135 on M cameras to get intended results is very difficult. You would eventually find that 135 won't get much usage compare to your other M lenses. I think that is the reason for the relatively lower price of those lenses. I heard 135 APO is quite stunning but given the limted usage I have for 135 lenses for M camera, I can find better ways to use the money. I've read about some professional photographers who shoots plays and music performances in theaters using 135 with M cameras because of the camera's quietness. But in general, I think 135 M are for occasional use when you forsee a need for a longer lens but want to stick to using/carrying M cameras not SLRs. For die hard M users ;-) ! Isaku >From: "B. D. Colen" <bdcolen@earthlink.net> >Reply-To: Leica Users Group <lug@leica-users.org> >To: "'Leica Users Group'" <lug@leica-users.org> >Subject: RE: [Leica] M 135 Opinions/Comments/Anecdotes/Cautions >Date: Mon, 29 Mar 2004 16:14:15 -0500 > >Oh blah, blah blah, Buzz -;-) An APO it ain't, but it also ain't no >pooch. Heavy, yes, but it makes using a 135 on an M practical with those >eyes. And soft? Compared to an APO? Yup. But it's more than good enough >for gummint work. In fact, I'd say it's one of the real bargins in Leica >lensdom, given that it can be picked up for under $500. > >B. D. >A contrarian to the end. :-) > >-----Original Message----- >From: lug-bounces+bdcolen=earthlink.net@leica-users.org >[mailto:lug-bounces+bdcolen=earthlink.net@leica-users.org] On Behalf Of >Buzz Hausner >Sent: Monday, March 29, 2004 4:06 PM >To: 'Leica Users Group' >Subject: RE: [Leica] M 135 Opinions/Comments/Anecdotes/Cautions > > >The 135mm f/2.8 is the ultimate Leica pooch. Even with the eyes it >isn't easy to focus and, when it is in focus, you'll notice the image is >a tad soft and lacks good contrast. The best deal in Leica 135's are >late production 135 f/4.0's. Exceptionally sharp by anybody's >standards, a wee package when compared to the 2.8, and really quite >inexpensive by Leica measures. Caveat emptor; framing with any 135 on >an M camera is an art which must be learned from experience. > > Buzz Hausner > >-----Original Message----- >From: lug-bounces+buzz=bethhardiman.com@leica-users.org >[mailto:lug-bounces+buzz=bethhardiman.com@leica-users.org] On Behalf Of >Gregory Rubenstein >Sent: Monday, March 29, 2004 3:45 PM >To: lug@leica-users.org >Subject: [Leica] M 135 Opinions/Comments/Anecdotes/Cautions > > >Group: > >Will soon buy an M 135 mm and would like users' >opinions/comments/anecdotes/cautions about the 3.4 APO and old glass >(such >as the 2.8). Have read Erwin Puts material, but would like some hands-on > >input closer to the photo world I inhabit. Lean toward a new 3.4 simply >'cuz >I've had wretched luck over the years with anything used; must admit, >however, that I am tempted by the extra stop and significant price >differential of the old glass. > >On- and off-list user replies welcome. > >Thanks. > >Greg Rubenstein >gcr910@msn.com > >_________________________________________________________________ >Get rid of annoying pop-up ads with the new MSN Toolbar - FREE! >http://toolbar.msn.com/go/onm00200414ave/direct/01/ > >_______________________________________________ >Leica Users Group. >See http://leica-users.org/mailman/listinfo/lug for more information > > >_______________________________________________ >Leica Users Group. >See http://leica-users.org/mailman/listinfo/lug for more information > >_______________________________________________ >Leica Users Group. >See http://leica-users.org/mailman/listinfo/lug for more information _________________________________________________________________ All the action. All the drama. Get NCAA hoops coverage at MSN Sports by ESPN. http://msn.espn.go.com/index.html?partnersite=espn