135MM BAYONET MOUNT LENSES
It is important to note that Leica lenses had their focal lengths specified in millimeters from 1925 to 1928, in centimeters from 1928 to 1970, and again in millimeters from 1971 onwards360.
135mm f/4.5 Hektor
135mm f/4.5 Hektor lens was made in screw mount, bayonet mount and as lens head361. Bayonet mount version of this lens, code-named HEFAM361, was introduced in 1954179. It came in chrome finish, with non-rotating head during focusing and E39 filter size361.
Hektor lenses are essentially triplet designs, where the individual elements have been replaced by cemented doublets to enhance properties that were not achievable with the glass used in the single elements361. This specific Hektor design, originating from Wetzlar (Berek), retains the middle element as a cemented construction, while the two outer lenses are single elements, similar to the Hektor 2.5/125 mm model361.
The performance of this lens surpasses that of its predecessor, which is typically the case when a new design is introduced361. While improved image quality can be measured objectively, using this standard makes the Elmar lens the superior choice361. However, subjective opinions may lead to different conclusions361.
The lens performance is satisfactory for most photographers, as indicated by its long production run, with a total of 108,000 units produced361. The Leitz lens brochure from 1938 describes the lens as having "particularly high resolving power, excellent color correction, and extremely sharp reproduction of the finest structural details."361 However, it is worth noting that the lens has low contrast and offers moderate definition of fine details361.
The bayonet version had E39 filter size361. The serial numbers for screw mount, bayonet mount and lens head ranged from 112789 through 1740000361.
135mm f/4 Elmar
135mm f/4 Elmar came in screw mount, bayonet mount and as a lens head361. The original brochure claims that this design is one of the sharpest lenses ever produced361. While this praise may be somewhat overblown, the Elmar represents a significant advancement compared to the Hektor 135 mm lens361. There is a thirty-year gap between the two designs, and after World War II, advancements in materials allowed for the use of new glass types361.
The Elmar features a four-element design arranged in four groups361. This design marks a departure from the traditional Elmar design and showcases the many possibilities that can be achieved with four elements361. In this case, the new lanthanum glass (which is thorium-free) has been used effectively to enhance performance while maintaining a straightforward construction361.
It’s often assumed that lenses with modest specifications evolve slowly, but the Elmar reaches its optimal performance at maximum aperture, outperforming the Hektor by three stops361. Although the size and shape of the Elmar are closely related to the Hektor design, the components are not interchangeable361.
The 135 mm lens gained popularity due to its ease of use for sports photography and landscapes, as evidenced by its production of 28,000 units over four years361.
The lens was in the catalog from 1960 until 1965361. The catalog numbers are 11750 for screw mount, 11850 for bayonet mount, and 11951 for lens head361. The serial numbers for all 3 mounts range from 1733001 through 2008500361. The minimum focusing distance is 150 cm361. The weight is approximately 440 grams. The filter size is E39361.
135mm f/4 Tele-Elmar-M
Version 1
In 1965, a new design was introduced: the 135mm f/4 Tele-Elmar-M (code-named 11851361), created by Walter Mandler301. This lens featured true telephoto construction with five elements arranged in three groups301. The focusing ring was moved two inches closer to the camera body for improved balance, and the rotation of the focus ring from infinity to five feet was decreased to just half a turn for quicker adjustments301.
One of the most significant improvements was the enhanced contrast and full-frame sharpness available even at the wide-open aperture301. From its initial release in 1965 to 1985, it retained a removable lens unit that could be mounted directly onto the OTZFO focusing mount or the standard front adapter ring of the Bellows II301.
Produced between 1965 and 1985, this version included the removable lens head301. At some point during this production period, the design of the knurling on the focus ring changed from an earlier scalloped style to the current style301. The serial numbers for the first version range from 2046001 through 2907800361. The minimum focusing distance is 150cm361.
First version available in black only361. It's identified by large scalloped focusing ring and detachable lens hood361.
Version 2
After 1985, demand for 135mm f/4 Tele-Elmar-M seemed to surge, possibly due to the sudden popularity of the Leica M6361. Consequently, design work began on a new version (code-named 11861361), 135mm f/4 Tele-Elmar-M, manufactured from 1992 to 1998301. While there were no optical changes, this newer model 135mm f/4 Tele-Elmar-M featured a retractable hood, and the aperture ring was positioned closer to the focusing ring for easier access301. However, the lens head was no longer removable301. The serial numbers for the first version range from 3414891 through 3723802361. The minimum focusing distance is 150cm361.
Second version comes with telescopic built-in lens hood and finely knurled focusing ring361.
135mm f/3.4 APO-Telyt-M
The new 135mm f/3.4 APO-Telyt-M (catalog number 11889361) was introduced in 1998, offering even higher performance at full aperture and improved Apochromatic color correction301.
135mm f/3.4 APO-Telyt-M lens replaced not only the 135mm f/2.8 Elmarit lens, which had been in production from 1963 to 1997 in two versions (135mm f/2.8 Elmarit (version 1) and 135mm f/2.8 Elmarit (version 2)), but also the 135mm f/4 Tele-Elmar-M301.
The 135mm f/3.4 APO-Telyt-M, designed by Horst Schröder, is an excellent example of a lens that effectively combines the unique requirements of the M series—such as lightweight construction and compact size—with outstanding optical performance361. With just five lens elements, the designer has crafted a remarkable piece of equipment, supported by the engineers in the production department361.
One of the defining features of the 135mm f/3.4 APO-Telyt-M is its ability to produce high-contrast, flare-free images with exceptional detail definition361. This impressive level of optical performance is highly sensitive to manufacturing tolerances361. Computer simulations illustrate the decline in performance when focusing deviates from the optimal position361. Thus, the meticulous attention to narrow production tolerances is indeed essential361.
The lens has a focal length of 135 mm, which is the maximum that the current rangefinder can accommodate361. It is highly recommended to use a 1.25x or 1.4x magnifier for the best results361. The 135mm f/3.4 APO-Telyt-M performs exceptionally well at all apertures when used with film emulsions361. The silver-halide layer has a thickness of approximately 15 to 20 microns, allowing for some leeway in focusing and mechanical accuracy361.
However, when the lens is used with Leica cameras featuring solid-state sensors, there is no thickness tolerance—only the standard depth of field361. When attached to the M8 or M9 cameras, users may occasionally find that optimal performance isn't achievable361. Therefore, Leica advises using the 135mm f/3.4 APO-Telyt-M at an aperture of f/5.6 to enhance the depth of field361. Overall, the Apo-Telyt-M is truly a superb lens and stands out as one of the best options available in the current rangefinder camera lineup361.
Leica Camera has introduced an improved telephoto lens designed specifically for photographers seeking ultra-crisp images at all apertures with minimal distortion215. The 135mm f/3.4 APO-Telyt-M lens features apochromatic correction and offers a medium-telephoto focal length215.
This lens delivers excellent contrast, resolution, and color rendering across the entire image field215. Its outstanding imaging performance is maintained even at full aperture and close range, while issues like coma, astigmatism, and field curvature are virtually eliminated215.
The completely new design is more compact and offers superior image quality compared to its predecessors—the 135mm f/4 Tele-Elmar-M and the 135mm f/2.8 Elmarit-M215. A specially developed multiple-layer anti-reflex coating allows the lens to resist stray light effectively215. Furthermore, the lens is optimized for handheld use, measuring just 4 inches and weighing 16 ounces, making it easy to handle for steady and straightforward photography215.
Users of the M6 0.85 camera will find this lens particularly well-suited due to the camera's 20 percent higher viewfinder magnification215. The new 135mm f/3.4 APO-Telyt-M is now available at a suggested retail price of 1995 USD215.
The lens weighs approximately 450 grams361. The minimum focusing distance is 150cm361. The filter size is E49361. The lens has a built-in retractable lens hood361.
135mm f/2.8 Elmarit (versions 1 and 2) and 135 f/2.8 Elmarit-M (version 3)
This 135mm f/2.8 Elmarit (version 1) lens (catalog number 11829194), introduced in 1963, features a five-element design and was the fastest 135mm lens available for M series cameras at the time360. Created in Midland, Ontario, its prototype was a 13.5cm f/2.8 Telyt (serial number 12345678) lens360.
The 135mm f/2.8 Elmarit (version 1) was developed to address a major limitation of the viewfinder system in M cameras: the small size of the 135mm frame, which is a characteristic of rangefinder-coupled cameras360. The 135mm f/2.8 Elmarit (version 1) is equipped with an optical correction unit (goggles194) that transforms the 90mm field of the M2 into a 135mm field and also magnifies the 135mm fields of the M3 and M4 models by a factor of 1.4360. Additionally, since the lens head is removable, the Elmarit can also be used with the Visoflex360.
The 135mm f/2.8 Elmarit (version 1) had undergone a few modifications during its production194. Initially, the optical formula was updated194. Additionally, the "goggles," which were originally secured with screws, have been redesigned into a more integrated, heavy-duty casting to help maintain alignment194. This lens features a built-in lens hood and is an excellent performer overall194. Its only drawback is its substantial size and weight194.
135mm f/2.8 Elmarit (version 1) lens is the only one of this focal length that works seamlessly with the M8194. This is because the lens is keyed to the 90mm frame lines, and the goggles magnify them by a factor of 1.5 to display the field of view of a 135mm lens281. Due to its fast aperture and close focusing capabilities, the goggles were considered necessary to ensure accurate focusing281.
In the 1960s, a 135 mm focal length was quite popular as the longest telephoto lens available for rangefinder systems361. This focal length was well-suited for reportage and portrait photography, providing a pleasing depiction of subjects with a natural perspective and sufficient depth of field361 In the Leica system, the Elmar 1:4/135 mm lens was already available, but there wasn’t a competitive high-speed lens on the market at that time361.
The first version of this high-speed lens was introduced in 1963 for the M-system, designed in Midland361. However, critical focusing at maximum aperture was challenging with the standard magnification of the M-rangefinder361. To aid focusing, an additional spectacle-type magnifier was offered for the Elmarit lens361. That said, the size and weight of this setup could restrict handheld use at maximum aperture. As is often the case with camera technology, it was a bit of a trade-off361.
The 135 mm f/2.8 Elmarit (version 1) was exclusively made for the M-series, but a year later, a version for the R-system was released361.
The 135 mm f/2.8 Elmarit (version 2) (catalog number 11829) shared almost the same lens prescription as the version 1; the only differences were that the two separate front lenses had less thickness and different types of glass were used361. In terms of performance, there is hardly any difference between the two versions361.
The 135 mm f/2.8 Elmarit (version 1) features a focusing ring with alternating grooves and knurled sections, along with a built-in telescopic lens hood in two parts361. In contrast, the 135 mm f/2.8 Elmarit (version 2) has a finely knurled focusing ring and a built-in telescopic lens hood made in one piece361.
The design of the 135 mm f/2.8 Elmarit (version 2) has been used for both the M- and R-systems, although it's unclear exactly when this merger took place361.
The 135 mm f/2.8 Elmarit (version 1) uses Series VII or E54 filters361. 135 mm f/2.8 Elmarit (version 2) uses E55 filter size361.
The 135 mm f/2.8 Elmarit (version 1) sold about 10,000 units over ten years, while the 135 mm f/2.8 Elmarit (version 2) also sold approximately 10,000 units but over a span of 25 years361.
All versions include a non-detachable spectacle magnifier finder ("goggles"), which was initially secured with a screw and later manufactured as a one-piece unit361. This finder is used with the M2, offering additional frame lines and a 1.5x enlargement, as well as with the M3, M4, and M5 models, which also provide a 1.5x enlargement361.
Both versions of the 135 mm f/2.8 Elmarit (versions 1 and 2) are good performers, exhibiting the low contrast characteristic typical of high-speed telephoto lenses from the first generations361. When stopped down, contrast and definition improve to a level suitable for use with fine-grained, low-speed film emulsions361.
The next iteration, the 135 mm f/2.8 Elmarit-M (version 3), features improved contrast at full aperture and offers the crisp definition of fine detail that one expects from a Leica lens361.