Leica 135mm f/2.8 Elmarit-M Lens
The Leica 135mm f/2.8 is a 135mm f/2.8 lens designed for Leica M mount cameras. Used copies start from $404.94 on GearFocus, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Leica 135mm f/2.8 Elmarit-M Lens
Used Leica 135mm f/2.8 Listings on GearFocus
Lens Overview — Leica 135mm f/2.8
Key Features — Leica 135mm f/2.8
135mm Prime Telephoto: Fixed 135mm focal length provides a dedicated telephoto perspective suited to portraiture, sports, and distant subjects.
f/2.8 Maximum Aperture: Moderately fast aperture for a telephoto prime, allowing usable shooting in lower light and some background separation.
Leica M Mount: Directly compatible with the full ecosystem of M-mount rangefinder cameras, including both Leica film bodies and digital M-series cameras.
Full-Frame Coverage: Designed for full-frame sensors and film, so there is no crop factor to account for on M-mount full-frame bodies.
Manual Focus Only: All focus is controlled by the photographer, consistent with the deliberate, hands-on rangefinder shooting workflow.
46mm Filter Thread: Standard filter thread size makes it straightforward to attach screw-in filters for protection or creative effects.
Lens Specifications — Leica 135mm f/2.8
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Portrait, Landscape, Street, Creative Effects |
| Lens Type | Telephoto |
| Format | Full Frame |
| Zoom/Prime | Prime |
| Focal Length | 135mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 |
| Camera System | Rangefinder |
| Lens Mount | Leica M |
| Autofocus | No |
| Focus Type | Manual Focus |
| Image Stabilization | None |
| Filter Thread | 46mm |
Description — Leica 135mm f/2.8
The Leica 135mm f/2.8 Elmarit-M is a prime telephoto lens designed specifically for Leica M-mount rangefinder cameras, with full-frame sensor coverage. It offers a fixed 135mm focal length and a maximum aperture of f/2.8, giving photographers a dedicated telephoto option within the M-mount system. Focusing is entirely manual, which aligns with the traditional rangefinder shooting experience and suits photographers who value precise, intentional control over their focus.
The lens weighs 640 grams and accepts 46mm screw-in filters, making standard filter use straightforward. There is no image stabilization, so a steady hand or appropriate shutter speed management is important when shooting at this focal length. As a vintage lens in Leica's Elmarit-M lineage, it is a compelling choice for M-mount shooters seeking a classic telephoto prime with the build and optical pedigree associated with the Leica M system.
Pros — Leica 135mm f/2.8
- ✓Fixed 135mm focal length on a prime design delivers a dedicated telephoto perspective
- ✓Maximum aperture of f/2.8 provides reasonable light-gathering capability for a telephoto prime
- ✓Leica M mount ensures compatibility with full-frame rangefinder camera systems
Cons — Leica 135mm f/2.8
- ✗No autofocus — manual focus only, which may be challenging at 135mm on a rangefinder
- ✗No image stabilization, requiring steady technique or faster shutter speeds to avoid camera shake
- ✗640g weight is on the heavier side for an M-mount lens
Videos — Leica 135mm f/2.8
Street Photography - With the Leica 135mm and Leica M6 — Jamie & The Jam
Frequently Asked Questions — Leica 135mm f/2.8
What camera mount does this lens use?+
The Leica 135mm f/2.8 Elmarit-M uses the Leica M mount. It is designed for Leica M-mount rangefinder cameras and covers a full-frame image circle.
Does this lens have autofocus?+
No, this lens is manual focus only. There is no autofocus mechanism, which is consistent with the rangefinder camera system it is designed for.
What filter size does this lens accept?+
The Leica 135mm f/2.8 Elmarit-M has a 46mm filter thread, so you will need 46mm screw-in filters for use with this lens.
Does this lens have image stabilization?+
No, this lens does not include image stabilization. Photographers should account for this when shooting at 135mm, particularly in lower light conditions.
What is the maximum aperture of this lens?+
The maximum aperture is f/2.8, giving it moderate light-gathering performance for a telephoto prime lens in the Leica M system.
How heavy is this lens?+
The lens weighs 640 grams, which is a notable consideration if you are looking for a compact, lightweight rangefinder setup.