Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2004/03/29
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Greg, I am going to be a contrarian of sorts. If cost is no object and you know that you will use a 135 frequently then the 135 APO is the way to go. Please notice the logical AND in that statement. I have one Leica and two other 135's. The Leica 135 F2.8 is not a great lens unless you want to do a lot of portraiture. I have both the Canon 135 F3.5 and the Nikkor 135 F3.5. Both of the Japanese lenses are essentially stretched 135 F4 Sonnar and do a very commendable job of producing crisp images especially by F4. Like most single coated lenses flare can be a problem. Both lenses set me back about $120 each in excellent plus condition. If you will not use a 135 frequently then the Japanese lenses are a great bargain and are in plentiful supply. My point in recommending them is that 135 is not going to see much use on an M unless you have distance limitations on some shooting you do-theater, rope lines, musical performances and such. Another use might be portraiture. As to actually using the 135, I find focusing a piece of cake with the 1.25 magnifier and an M3. It is quite useable on a 0.72 and the same magnifier. Don dorysrus@mindspring.com -----Original Message----- From: lug-bounces+dorysrus=mindspring.com@leica-users.org [mailto:lug-bounces+dorysrus=mindspring.com@leica-users.org] On Behalf Of Gregory Rubenstein Sent: Monday, March 29, 2004 3:45 PM To: lug@leica-users.org Subject: [Leica] M 135 Opinions/Comments/Anecdotes/Cautions Group: Will soon buy an M 135 mm and would like users' opinions/comments/anecdotes/cautions about the 3.4 APO and old glass (such as the 2.8). Have read Erwin Puts material, but would like some hands-on input closer to the photo world I inhabit. Lean toward a new 3.4 simply 'cuz I've had wretched luck over the years with anything used; must admit, however, that I am tempted by the extra stop and significant price differential of the old glass. On- and off-list user replies welcome. Thanks. Greg Rubenstein gcr910@msn.com _________________________________________________________________ Get rid of annoying pop-up ads with the new MSN Toolbar - FREE! http://toolbar.msn.com/go/onm00200414ave/direct/01/ _______________________________________________ Leica Users Group. See http://leica-users.org/mailman/listinfo/lug for more information