Re: [Leica] 135MM F3.4 Question

[Nathan Wajsman <nathan.wajsman@euronet.be>]

Jerry,

In some way your question is irrelevant, because once hooked on Leica, you will
end up buying both lenses anyway ;-)

I have both the 135mm Apo Telyt and the new 90mm Apo Summicron. Both are great
lenses. I thought of selling the 135mm when I was buying the 90mm to trim my bag
and fatten my wallet a bit, but after looking at some slides shot with the 135mm
on a recent holiday in Israel, I just could not sell it. The quality of this lens
is astounding.

I have only had the 90mm for a couple of weeks, but so far it lives up to
everything that has been written about it. If I was buying only one long lens for
Leica M, this one would be it, since I think that the 90mm focal length is more
universally useful than 135mm.

In summary, quality-wise both lenses are excellent; it is more a choice between
the focal lengths. One other possibility to explore whether you like 135mm or not
is to buy an old 4.5/135mm Hektor. This is one of the best values in the entire
Leica lens world, can usually be found for under $200. Obviously the quality is
not the same as the Apo Telyt, but it is very very good nonetheless.

Nathan

Jerald Rosenfeld wrote:

> Here is the rest of the story. I have just purchased my 1st LEica a M6
> TTL. .72.. with a 35MM ASph F1.4. I am looking for a 2nd lens. I am
> considering the 90 F2 ASph or the 135MM 3.4. AS for the third lens it
> would be the 21 or the 24.. Since I have been away from 35MM For a
> number of years. MOSt of my shooting has been LF LAndscapes and a little
> portrait  MF. I was thinking on using the 90  or the 135 portrait.
> <Realizing that the 90 is probably a better portrait  but not as long as
> the 135.. [ Does that mean I have to buy both {Ouch]..
>
> Jerry

- --
Nathan Wajsman
Overijse, Belgium

General photo site: http://members.tripod.com/belgiangator/
Belgium photo site: http://members.xoom.com/wajsman/
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