[severalsnakes]

I got my M135/3.5 many months ago and I will never part with it. The focal length is amazing and focusing is a joy. (I also have a K30.) Keep in mind that the minimum focusing distance is about 4-5 feet (~1.5m), so you're not going to be on top of your subject. I am currently using this lens for the Single In March challenge on this forum, so I am using it a lot lately!

Here's my Flickr set with shots taken with this lens. It is plenty sharp, just watch your shutter speed.

Hope this helps, and preemptive congratulations! ;-)

~Sara

[TaoMaas]

The M135 is the one lens I regret selling. Sold it to a buddy who had a K1000...tried to buy it back a couple of years later and he wouldn't sell.

[Joel B]

I think the M series lenses give you the best bang for the money! Top notch optics, but built in such quantities that prices really good still!

[everydaylife]

This lens was the first manual lens I bought and I was surprised how easy it was to get accurate focus. My lens has a few cleaning marks but still is sharp enough from wide open with good contrast and color. As has already been pointed out it gives best result in gentle light.

You should also try the catch in focus setting.
1. Custom Menu 5 option 35 set to 2 (this for the K7 I am not sure which menu for the k30)
2. Camera set for AF-S
3. Manual lens (M,K, A) on the camera.
4. Point camera towards object, press the shutter release completely, and turn the focus ring. When the camera detects focus, it will take the picture.

Read more at: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/58-pentax-beginners-corner-q/107864-how-u...#ixzz2v3FERoNR

[timo]

Mine was stolen. The guy got a bargain. I hope he appreciates it. The perfect first tele manual lens.

[beslocum]

I agree with other posts, price may be a touch high. but I have seen ranges of 25-100 U.S. so reasonable I suppose.

I just got this lens last week and have been enjoying it. My first Pentax lens actually. So far: Great sharpness and color. Using it on an APS-C sensor so it is cropped, but you cant escape physics. I think its going to be a great across-the-street lens.

I like manual focus shooting, I find it very rewarding when you get a good capture...its all you. I find myself using manual mode on my auto-focus lenses a lot.

Joel B's got a good point, I bought this one last week....and a "k" 135mm f3.5.......and I'm expecting a 28mm f2.8 in the mail/post maybe tomorrow.....and.....

Go for it.

[jwc77]

I love my M135...great feel of the M series...smooth focussing and easy for manual focus. The size is so small for a good telephoto and the built in hood is a nice touch. Great colors and good sharpness. Great little lens.

[AquaDome]

The M 135/3.5 was the first lens I actually bought. (The 50mm came with the camera back then.) It was like a treasure to me back then.
I still really love the way the world looks through this lens, but on APS-C, it's not quite wide enough for a walking-around lens.
It's great for cat pictures around the house because you can stand five feet away and use the flash.

[yusuf]

Hello all, quick question for you.

I've been offered a Pentax M 135mm prime for £40. No scratches or fungus. Does this sound reasonable? And will I have trouble learning manual focus as a newbie with a lens like this? The reviews look OK, but welcome specific advice.

Thanks

Good compact lens. However, a bit slow so sometime I prefer Tak 135mm Bayonet over this if I don't wont to carry heavier 135mm lenses like k135/50-135 and I need the speed or shallow DoF.

[bassek]

I paid £35 or so for my copy so if your copy is clean and in excellent shape go for it.
I have a K30 and a K-x. I have many manual focus lenses (35, 50, 85, 100, 135 and 500mm) and I enjoy them all.

Here is a sample of the colours of the M135/3.5:

Seb

[kh1234567890]

Oh I almost forgot, once you get your hands on a nice manual lens, your LBA will explode and you will be doomed!

Too true. The other M tele I like is the M75-150 f4 zoom. A bit bigger than the M135 f3.5 but of a comparable quality.

[TaoMaas]

I think the M series lenses give you the best bang for the money! Top notch optics, but built in such quantities that prices really good still!

I think so, too! The only reason I sold my M135 was because I bought an M200 f4 and thought the two were redundant. I still like my 200 f4, but there was something special about the M135.

[kentishrev]

Thanks for all your help on this thread. I've learned about the lens, the m series, how to use the Green button. And more! I've bought the lens. Should be with me by Friday.

[Joel B]

Ok it's been a month, how is the lens working for you?

[kentishrev]

Ok it's been a month, how is the lens working for you?

I am really enjoying this lens. My first manual tele, and the tip about the green button has made life so easy. Here's one from today: