Re: [Leica] 135/2.8 Tele Elamarit

[Stephen Gandy <cameras@jetlink.net>]

I wrote that info as a quick intro, not as a detailed study.

you can get detailed lens information from any of the reference books cited at
the beginning of the page, among others.   the serial number will tell you the
year of manufacture. a great source is the Leica Pocket Book.

with very few exceptions,  the later the lens, the better the performance in
Leica.

it's a fairly safe bet the new 135 APO outperforms the 135/2.8.  in use the
135/2.8 did not prove to be that popular a lens due to its size and weight --
notice it's discontinued.

the goggles increased the magnification and effective rangefinder base length
of your M  so as to increase its focusing accuracy,

If you have to have the extra speed, the last version 135/2.8 is your best
choice

if you want the sharpest  135,  get the new 135 APO.

Stephen



ckk wrote:

> The wife says get a longer lens. I think that's what she said.
>
> Anyway, I was looking at CameraQuest's Leica site, and was a little
> befuddled regarding the 135/2.8 Tele-Elmarit variations.
>
> The site describes a version with the magnifier attached by screws, and a
> variation with magnifier cast into lens body. Also, a 135 made after 1975
> that is optically like an R lens.  These variations aren't well
> differentiated by date of manufacture.  I also can not tell if there are
> inherent ergonomic or quality differences.
>
> I would like help sorting out these lenses from the LUG technical crowd . I
> could not find any solid info regarding these lenses in the archives.
>
> Pointing me to a useful web site is fine.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Kevin
>