LEICA ELMARIT R 135mm typ-II
Leica R-mount medium telephoto lens with excellent image quality
A review and photo example of the ELMARIT R 135mm typ-II.
Table of contents
Gallery
The photo examples were taken with the LEICA SL typ601 and the ESO 1Ds MKIII.
Review
1．Overview
The Elmarit R 135mm was manufactured as early Type 1 lenses from 1962 to 1967, and as later Type 2 lenses from 1968 to 1991. A total of about 66,000 units were made of Type 1 and Type 2 lenses, and the lens configuration changed when Type 1 was replaced by Type 2.
The difference in lens configuration is that both Type 1 and Type 2 lenses have 5 elements in 4 groups, but the bonding surfaces are different, with Type 1 having a bonded third and fourth lens element, and Type 2 having a bonded second and third lens element.
2．Usability
As you can see from the sample images, the Elmarit R 135mm provides good resolution even at full aperture, and the bokeh is natural.
The fact that the lens was not improved from its release until it was discontinued shows that it is a perfected lens.
The minimum shooting distance is 1.5m, the same as the M-type ELMARIT-M 135mm (with glasses).
In the case of the Summicron 90mm, this is a disappointing specification, as R-mount lenses have the advantage of having a shorter minimum shooting distance than M-mount lenses.
However, since you can see the image in the viewfinder of a single-lens reflex camera as it is, you can use an ELPRO (front screw-in close-up lens) or a macro adapter to cover the handicap of not being able to get close.
As a medium telephoto lens with no protruding rear lens, it can be used without error with the EOS-1DsMKIII.
As a prime lens, the maximum aperture is a dark F2.8, making it a little difficult to see the focus peak in the EOS viewfinder, so it is easier to use when shooting using the EVF on a mirrorless camera, the Leica SL typ601.
The lens I own has the serial number 350xxxx, and is one of 300 made in 1990. For an M-type lens, it would be very valuable, but the market price of this lens is low, so I purchased it for just under 30,000 yen.
3．Summary
In conclusion, to sum up the Elmarit R 135mm, its image quality is impeccable considering its price. However, because it is inexpensive, I own several 135mm lenses, but to be honest, I don’t use them often.
As I’ve written in other articles, 135mm is a focal length where you can expect a reasonable level of quality even with a zoom lens, and if it weren’t for the ability to get close with a macro lens, it would be difficult to find the motivation to take out a 135mm prime lens, so it’s a lens I use very occasionally to change things up.
Specification and Specification
135mm is a focal length that has been swallowed up by large-aperture zoom lenses with F2.8 apertures. The equivalent Leica R-mount lens is the VARIO-APO-ELMARIT-R 70-180mm F2.8, but this 70-180mm is quite large and heavy, so it is not a simple replacement, and the R-type 135mm has value in its portability.
The M-type 135mm has been released in the APO specification with a slightly darker aperture value, the APO TELYT 135mm F3.4, and if the Leica R-mount had had a little more life, an improved version of the R-type 135mm would have been released, so it’s a shame that the Leica R-mount came to an end before that happened.
There are several types of Elmarit-M 135mm, the older type manufactured between 1962 and 1974 has the same lens configuration as the R-mount 135mm Type I, and the new M-mount type manufactured between 1974 and 1995 has the same lens configuration as the Type II introduced here.
The low general evaluation is reflected in the market price, and it is a lens that can be purchased cheaply among LEICA brand lenses. Competitors would be the Elmar-M 90 and Elmar-M 135. I have also seen this lens on sale for around 20,000 yen.
| Item | ELMARIT R typ II | ELMARIT R typ I |
| focal length(mm) | 135 | 135 |
| Maximum aperture | 2.8 | 2.8 |
| Minimum aperture | 22 | 22 |
| Lens configuration | 8 | 8 |
| Leaf blade | 5 elements in 4 groups | 5 elements in 4 groups |
| Minimum distance(m) | 1.5 | 1.5 |
| Lens length(mm) | 93 | 91 |
| Lens max diameter(mm) | 67 | 65 |
| Filter type | 5 | Series VII |
| Weight(g) | 730 | 655 |
| Hood | Build in | Build in |
| Lens mount | LEICA R | LEICA R |
| Release date | 1969-1991 | 1962-1968 |
| Production numbers | 50,800 | 16,250 |
Reference links
- All about the R-type Leica/Author: Shinichi Nakamura/Edited by Asahi Sonorama Ads by Amazon japan
- ELMARIT-R 2.8/135(II) Leica wiki
- ELMARIT-R 2.8/135(I) Leica wiki
- APO TELYT 135mm on Leica wiki
- Elmarit-M 135mm typ-III on Leica wiki
Update history
- 2025.6.25
- 2024.10.09
- 2024.02.17:Update article
- 2022.03.02:First draft
Affiliate links
- Leica Lens・Ads by Amazon
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