Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1996/10/24
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]>>As far as other 135's go, they are practically obsolete on SLR's because, I >>think, of the rise a number of years ago of the portable f4 75-200 zooms, >>which are not, these days, too much bigger than the Leica R 135 and lose >>only 1 stop. Nevertheless, I like the extra stop, and find 135 a useful length. Charlie, It's funny how the 135mm focal length seems to come and go in popularity. I grew up in photography in the '60s and the 135 was at that time a cornerstone focal length. Then the 85/90 became popular, especially for portait type shots. I've had the f/4.0 135mm Tele-Elmar for my M6 for several years, but recently sold it. A superb lens, but on an M6 not all that usable because of the small frame. I still love the focal length though, and the 135mm f/2.8 Sonnar on my Contax RTSIII is a joy. I don't find any overlap with the 85/90 focal length, and in fact have the 85mm f/1.4 Planar as well when I need speed and a bit less reach. Now to do a comparison test of the 85mm f/1.4 Planar vs the 90mm Elmar on my M6. :-) Michael