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Tele-Elmar 135mm f/4
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PostPosted: Wed Jan 05, 2022 6:06 pm    Post subject: Tele-Elmar 135mm f/4 Reply with quote
I have a bunch of 135mm lenses such as:

- Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 135/ 2.5 (v2) and 135/3.5
- Mamiya SX 135/2.8
- Hexanon 135/3.2
- CZJ Sonnar 135/3.5

The Tele-Elmar is affordable for a Leica, but still quite expensive for an old 135mm. Would it be a worthy addition to my collection? Does it really have exceptional optics for a vintage lens? Curious about your opinions.


PostPosted: Wed Jan 05, 2022 9:05 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Here is a review: https://casualphotophile.com/2020/10/12/leitz-tele-elmar-135mm-f-4-review/ It's a Sonnar type lens. Maybe the CZJ Triotar 135mm F4 would bring more diversity to your collection and it is cheaper.


PostPosted: Thu Jan 06, 2022 8:06 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
That is an excellent review from Sroyon Mukherjee.
I haven't used a Tele-Elmar, but it presents as a wonderful performer.
Have a look at the images from the Komura 135mm f3.5 LTM, which you also might like to consider.
It is a splendid lens and comes along from time to time at a lower cost (usually)
Tom


#1


#2


PostPosted: Thu Jan 06, 2022 9:36 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
Oldhand wrote:
That is an excellent review from Sroyon Mukherjee.
I haven't used a Tele-Elmar, but it presents as a wonderful performer.
Have a look at the images from the Komura 135mm f3.5 LTM, which you also might like to consider.
It is a splendid lens and comes along from time to time at a lower cost (usually)
Tom


#1


#2


Very nice images!


PostPosted: Thu Jan 06, 2022 11:27 am    Post subject: Re: Tele-Elmar 135mm f/4 Reply with quote
caspert79 wrote:
The Tele-Elmar is affordable for a Leica, but still quite expensive for an old 135mm. Would it be a worthy addition to my collection? Does it really have exceptional optics for a vintage lens? Curious about your opinions.


Cannot say anything about the Tele-Elmar.
For me my perfect 135mm lens is the Elmar 135/4 and I have 10+ other lenses in this focal length as well. Some of them are faster but none of them beats the Elmar.


PostPosted: Thu Jan 06, 2022 11:29 am    Post subject: Re: Tele-Elmar 135mm f/4 Reply with quote
tb_a wrote:
caspert79 wrote:
The Tele-Elmar is affordable for a Leica, but still quite expensive for an old 135mm. Would it be a worthy addition to my collection? Does it really have exceptional optics for a vintage lens? Curious about your opinions.


Cannot say anything about the Tele-Elmar.
For me my perfect 135mm lens is the Elmar 135/4 and I have 10+ other lenses in this focal length as well. Some of them are faster but none of them beats the Elmar.


Definitely an option. Is there a difference between the m39 and LM versions?


PostPosted: Thu Jan 06, 2022 12:03 pm    Post subject: Re: Tele-Elmar 135mm f/4 Reply with quote
caspert79 wrote:

Definitely an option. Is there a difference between the m39 and LM versions?


No. However, would recommend the M39 version for better versatility; i.e. macro tubes are very cheap in M39 but quite expensive in Leica-M. RF lenses have a rather long MFD.

I'm using the lens head on the Leitz close focus helicoid for visoflex with the OTSRO adapter and this allows close focus whilst still maintaining infinity.
In this setup you would need either a Visoflex to Sony FE or whatever adapter. I'm using it on the Techart Pro AF adapter. Wink


PostPosted: Thu Jan 06, 2022 12:05 pm    Post subject: Re: Tele-Elmar 135mm f/4 Reply with quote
tb_a wrote:
caspert79 wrote:

Definitely an option. Is there a difference between the m39 and LM versions?


No. However, would recommend the M39 version for better versatility; i.e. macro tubes are very cheap in M39 but quite expensive in Leica-M. RF lenses have a rather long MFD.

I'm using the lens head on the Leitz close focus helicoid for visoflex with the OTSRO adapter and this allows close focus whilst still maintaining infinity.
In this setup you would need either a Visoflex to Sony FE or whatever adapter. I'm using it on the Techart Pro AF adapter. Wink


Thanks, good advice.


PostPosted: Fri Jan 07, 2022 8:56 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
OK, just ordered an Elmar. Will post some images later!
Finally decided to buy LM version, because it was an interesting offer, and I have Sony macro rings anyway.


PostPosted: Fri Jan 07, 2022 9:48 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
caspert79 wrote:
OK, just ordered an Elmar. Will post some images later!
Finally decided to buy LM version, because it was an interesting offer, and I have Sony macro rings anyway.


Congrats

I'm rather sure that you will enjoy this lens.

Here are some test shots from mine with the A7R II:





BTW, there is already a thread about my Elmar on different cameras: http://forum.mflenses.com/leitz-elmar-135mm-f4-m39-ltm-t71382.html


PostPosted: Fri Jan 07, 2022 4:46 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
tb_a wrote:
caspert79 wrote:
OK, just ordered an Elmar. Will post some images later!
Finally decided to buy LM version, because it was an interesting offer, and I have Sony macro rings anyway.


Congrats

I'm rather sure that you will enjoy this lens.

Here are some test shots from mine with the A7R II:

BTW, there is already a thread about my Elmar on different cameras: http://forum.mflenses.com/leitz-elmar-135mm-f4-m39-ltm-t71382.html


Thank you.Yes I already ran into your thread, interesting!


PostPosted: Sat Jan 08, 2022 6:38 pm    Post subject: Re: Tele-Elmar 135mm f/4 Reply with quote
tb_a wrote:
For me my perfect 135mm lens is the Elmar 135/4 and I have 10+ other lenses in this focal length as well. Some of them are faster but none of them beats the Elmar.


We always agree on this. I have many, many old 135s, and the Elmar is the best one. It's small and light with good ergonomics, it looks cool, and the image quality is top notch - excellent sharpness with very little CA. In the end I judge a lens by how much I like the images I shoot with it, and the Elmar wins that contest. There are other good old 135s, but the Elmar is the best from my experience.

It's not that expensive if you hunt for it. You should be able to get one for roughly the same price as a nice old Sonnar 135 3.5.

It's also an easy lens to take apart and work on, should that be necessary. The design is extremely simple.
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