ELMARIT-R 2.8/135(II)

This is a record of using the SUMMARIT-L 50mm F1.5 (LEICA) with a LEICA M digital camera.

Table of contents

Gallery
Impression
Lens specification
Reference links

Gallery

＜ギャラリー・ESO1DsMKIIIによる実写＞

Impression
Although this lens has been in production for a long time, it has not been improved in that time and the minimum focusing distance is 1.5m, making it impossible to get close to the subject.
The M-type ELMARIT-M 135mm (with glasses) also has a minimum focusing distance of 1.5m, and unlike the 90mm, the R-type lens does not have this advantage, which is unfortunate.
However, SLR cameras can use the ELPRO (front screw-in close-up lens) or macro adapter to compensate for the disadvantage of not being able to get closer.

The fact that the lens has no changes in lens construction since its release is a sign that the lens has been perfected. The focal length of F2.8 is often said to be the focal length swallowed by large aperture zoom lenses, and the VARIO-APO-ELMARIT-R 70-180mm F2.8 is the equivalent for the R-type Leica. The R-type 135mm has value in its portability.

The M-type 135mm has a slightly darker maximum aperture of f/3.4, but APO specifications were released, so if the R Leica had a longer life span, an improved R-type 135mm might have been released. However, considering the fact that KYOCERA CONTAX released the Planar 135mm F2, which was not so popular, it is thought that the market does not demand a 135mm single focal length lens.

In many ways, this lens is a disappointment, and its low reputation in the general public is reflected in its market price, making it one of the cheaper LEICA-branded lenses available for purchase. The Elmar-M 90/135 is a good competitor. I have seen this lens at around 20,000 yen when it is sold at a discount.

The lens I own is one of the 300 lenses made in 1990 with serial number 350xxxx.
It is a medium telephoto lens and can be used with the EOS-1DsMKIII without any errors because the back of the lens does not protrude.
Since it is a dark f/2.8 lens for a single focal length, the EOS viewfinder is a little difficult to see the focus peak, so it is easier to use the EVF on the SL mirrorless camera.

Specification
The ELMARIT-R 135mm was released in 1962 as an early model (Type 1), and later models (Type 2) were made from 1968 to 1991. A total of approximately 66,000 were made.

Item	Value	note
focal length(mm)	135
Maximum aperture	2.8
Minimum aperture	22
Lens configuration	4groups 5elements
Leaf blade	8
Minimum distance(m)	1.5
Lens length(mm)	93	Distance from mount flange
Lens max diameter(mm)	67
Filter diameter(mm)	E55
Weight(g)	730
Release date	1968
List price(Yen)	–