Leitz's fast telephoto for M-mount — the Elmarit 135mm f/2.8 from the classic era.
The Leitz Elmarit-M 135mm f/2.8 is a fast telephoto prime for the Leica M mount from the classic film era. The Elmarit designation indicates f/2.8 speed — the standard Leica aperture tier for telephoto lenses. At 135mm, it provides useful telephoto reach on M-mount cameras. Requires rangefinder focusing or Visoflex at this focal length.
Optical performance is good — Leica quality at 135mm f/2.8. Sharpness is very good from f/2.8. The f/2.8 is significantly faster than the Hektor f/4.5 alternative. The 135mm on a rangefinder requires careful focusing technique — the rangefinder base length limits accuracy at this distance. On digital M bodies, live view helps.
Leica M mount. Filter thread is 39mm (E39) or varies by version. Weight varies. Build quality is classic Leica precision. The Elmarit 135mm is one of the most practical M-mount telephoto options — fast enough for useful DOF control and sharp enough for quality results. Multiple versions exist.
Available at moderate Leica prices. Check rangefinder coupling and clean optics. A genuine fast Leica M telephoto. Better than the Hektor 135mm f/4.5. Rangefinder focusing at 135mm requires care — live view on digital M helps. The Tele-Elmarit 90mm f/2.8 is the more practical M-mount telephoto option.