RE: [Leica] A Leica lens question (135mm 2.8 -M)

[Buzz Hausner <Buzz@marianmanor.org>]

Hey Bob!

	The following is just my opinion and I know that others will
disagree.  The f2.8/135 was a pooch.  I found the goggles significantly
dimmed my viewfinder and I still couldn't focus it with confidence at f2.8.
Personally, I found the results a tad soft and the contrast relatively low
for a Leica lens.  Finally, it is...relatively speaking...a big, heavy lens.
After using it for a while, I switched to the f4...now there's a 135 I've
grown to love.  Yes, its a tad heavy (especially compared to a skinny
f2.8/90), but I own the last version in E39 with the clip-on shade.  It is
sharp, contrasty, easy to handle and focus, and f4 has never been a problem
since I rarely use a 135 in-doors.  I have never tried the f3.4, but I hear
its even better than the f4, but the f/4 is plenty good for me.  By the way,
I see a great many f2.8s on the market, my local dealer has five or six and
they're cheap.

	Buzz Hausner

- -----Original Message-----
From: Ruralmopics@aol.com [mailto:Ruralmopics@aol.com]
Sent: Monday, January 03, 2000 7:33 AM
To: leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us
Subject: [Leica] A Leica lens question (135mm 2.8 -M)


I wonder if I could interrupt this film/developer discussion with a question

about Leicas -- specifically, the 135mm f 2.8 Elmarit for the M cameras. I'm

desiring a "true-telephoto" look from the Leica -- something with a little 
more compression than the 90mm. It seems like the 135mm is the limit. I've 
read some of the reviews of the new M-135mm (the F 3.4 I believe) but I
don't 
want to spend that kind of money. 

So . . . what's the deal with the 2.8? What is the general opinion of this 
lens. Is it worthy of the Leica name? (I get the sense that it isn't 
completely up to par with the classics) Is it a performer? Sharp? Contrasty?

Does it produce pleasing images?

What about the way it works -- how it feels and handles? Assuming I'd use it

primarily on an M3 body, is it a practical lens. How about the finder. Is 
that a distraction? 

Also, is there one particular version to get or is my impression correct
that 
all the 2.8 variations are optically about the same? I do think having the 
option of using 55mm filters would be an advantage since I have a 24mm as 
well -- of course, OTOH, the hood for the 35mm takes series VII so maybe 
that's a wash . . .

Share your wisdom and experience, please . . . 

Bob (wants to reach out and touch someone -- photographically, that is) 
McEowen