Overview

The Leica Elmarit-M 135mm f/2.8 (II) is a Mandler-designed Canadian lens known for excellent build quality and a compact, dense metal construction with a built-in hood. Optically, it offers good sharpness for portraits but is not pin-sharp, with a glowy bokeh and flare that some find appealing. Its main weakness is the very long 1.5m minimum focus distance. The goggle version aids focusing on rangefinders, though handling is challenging due to the 135mm focal length. It suits photographers seeking an affordable Leica telephoto for portraits, especially on film M cameras with high-magnification viewfinders.