[mwilky55]

I'm considering a 135mm lens and leaning toward a manual focus. I don't use this length a lot, but have been impressed with the photos that accompany the reviews here.

Under consideration are:

K135 F2.5 (I have a couple nice K series lenses it would complement - maybe I'll get it anodized)
Zeiss Sonnar MM T*135 F2.5
Vivitar 135 Close Focusing (really like my Series 1 105 mm)

It looks like I can find them for between $175 (Vivitar and K5) and $250-ish (Zeiss), but the Zeiss would need another $100 to convert to K mount. I have had a Zeiss before, and they have a great feel.

I know this is a group that's likely to have some perspectives on this What would you suggest?

Thanks!

[PhilRich]

Depends how you want to use it. In my experience there is a definite advantage with a lens with auto focus. There are situations where the light may be low, or action - for these the manual focus is a liability. I've missed a lot of shots this way with a manual focus lens.

[disconnekt]

You can always check out KEH for lenses (Manual & AF)
https://www.keh.com/shop/catalogsearch/result/?cat=Select+Category&q=K+Mount...11114959=16760


As far as adapters, check out Fotodiox. They have some nicely priced adapters there.
https://www.fotodioxpro.com/

[IgorZ]

Carl zeiss lenses can be found in M42 mount, so the adapter won't cost that much...

[stevebrot]

My thoughts:

• There is a huge selection of compatible examples in M42 and K-mount
• As with 28mm and 50mm most 135s are reliable performers
• I find the focal length a little long for my style of shooting on APS-C

Steve

[stevebrot]

Zeiss Sonnar MM T*135 F2.5

Zeiss MM??? What is that? Found it...allows body-controlled aperture by Contax/Yashica cameras. BTW...Google is unaware of a 135mm f/2.5 Sonnar.


Steve

[Tas]

What would you suggest?

I'm a fan of Zeiss and there is talk of a Leitax conversion kit for the ZF2 version of the 2/135. This is a current lens and therefore costs silly money, but this is what I would suggest (seeing you asked).

The M42 Zeiss glass is probably the S mount, the odd lens will appear on ebay with this mount but probably not the 135. If there is reference to a current Zeiss M42 mount lens please note these are listed under their industrial lenses, are even more expensive than a standard T* Zeiss lens and you may need to send your kit to the factory to get it set up correctly (according to one Zeiss rep I spoke with a couple of years ago). I am hoping someone has tried this option so they can tell us how it went with examples/costs etc.

The Contax/Leitax option is worth sometime researching too if you've not already done this.

I'm not an expert on all the Pentax 135 lenses but between the PF database and the people on this forum I expect you will be well covered for feedback/info on these.

There is a Samyang/Rokinon et al 2/135 which is manual focus and I've seen some good images taken with this lens. Apparently QC can be an issue with these lenses but good ones get really good reports around the forum.

I agree that manual focus can be a hindrance at times, but then so can AF if it hunts or misses. I've missed my fair of both manual and AF shots, you have a preference and MF will work for action and low light if you prepare and set up well and accept that sometimes you're just going to miss. What will help is the AF assist system in your camera and the fitting of a focus screen more suitable for manual focusing than the standard one fitted. I use an S type screen purchased from focusingscreen.com. Works great using my Zeiss 2/100.

If you go down the manual focus path and intend one day on picking up the K-1 be aware that the AF assist and focus peaking in LV are a huge improvement over a K5.

Dang, I worte another bl**dy novel.

Tas

[dms]

(For Pentax) I have a Vivitar 135 mm (f/2.8, Ser.No.28...) which is not close focusing, and likely you can get for about $30. Used it briefly outdoors and it seemed fine--as I recall some CA under high contrast conditions. I would have used it more/likely it is fine, but I almost immediately purchased the Pentax (K) SMC 135mm F2.5, and that is the one I use a lot. But only for theatre work--so outdoors and possible CA is not something I can speak to. I haven't looked in years, but this lens is likely around $200. Both lenses are good handling.

For me (and my sense of what many others say) the FL is rather specialized--much more so than the FL number would suggest. I find it very useful for theatre photography, and not really elsewhere. It was not a FL I used much in film or digital--although I had/have them. I guess for closeup work on extension tube, or close focusing as the Vivitar-Komine you are considering, it may be very good. Possibly informal/candid portraits. If it was me, and I wasn't using it for the theatre, I would go with a good less expensive lens--such as the Vivitar I mention above. The FL is probably similar to 50 mm, in that they can be both inexpensive, reasonably fast, and optically pretty good--although CA on digital is likely to be present.

[bassek]

The M135/3.5 is always a bargain...

Seb

[quant2325]

I just put up a review for the Tokina RMC 135mm f/2.8. It is a huge surprise and a great value for the money.

[freddyisaac]

Have you considered eh Takumar 135mm it does require a M42 adapter but comes as either a F/3.5 or a F/2.8

And the Takumars have a gorgeous smooth focus ring movement. They are quite cheap on ebay and come with very nice old school leather lens cases.

[edmundrt]

The M135/3.5 is also a brilliant lens, especially for the price.

[D1N0]

There are so many 135's you could also consider the Jupiter 11 f4 or the Tair 11 F2.8 or the Meyer optic Orestor 2.8 (aka bokeh monster, but the real bokeh monster is the Tair 11). All m42.

[rbelyell]

heres an off beat suggestion: zeiss biotar 120/2.8 in pentacon 6 mount. reasons:

1) more reasonable FL on apsc, thus its more versatile and easier to focus accurately
2) easily available cheap K mount adapters
3) it is one of the most beautifully rendering portrait lenses that can be had.
4) it is a zeiss
5) it is the lowest priced option of any mentioned

[D1N0]

heres an off beat suggestion: zeiss biotar 120/2.8 in pentacon 6 mount. reasons:

I tried to find that one you probably mean the Zeiss Biometar 120/2.8