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Leica 135mm f/4 Elmar Wetzlar M-Mount Lens, Germany, Chrome {39}

Model #229695
  • $222.00

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New in box complete with manufacturer's USA warranty. Not previously owned or used.
Essentially new with no signs of use. “Open box.” In manufacturer's packaging with original accessories and instructions. 180-day warranty.
Barely used with virtually no traces of wear. Only the closest inspections will reveal slight use. Lens glass could contain light dust or debris. Excellent picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Lightly used with limited signs of wear. Exceptionally nice but may have slight wear on finish visible. Lens glass could contain light dust or debris. Excellent picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Noticeably used with average signs of wear. Shows moderate wear for the age of the item, with the possibility of blemishes and/or minimal dings. Lens glass may have average dust and zoom/focus ring tension may have slight looseness or tightness overall, but will not affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Frequently used with above-average wear. May have dents, dings, or finish loss. Lens glass may have small scratches, dust, and blemishes, and zoom/focus ring tension may have moderate looseness or tightness overall, but should not affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Heavily used with extensive visible wear. Equipment is rough, with multiple impressions in the finish, excessive finish loss and brassing. Glass will have marks, fungus and/or heavy/cloudy haze which could affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. Not covered under KEH warranty.
Non-functional or damaged. Equipment will not work. Usable for parts. Not covered under KEH warranty and non-returnable.
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Leica 135mm f/4 Elmar: German-made telephoto in chrome M-mount.

The 135mm f/4 Elmar is a German-manufactured telephoto prime in Leica M-mount, finished in chrome with a 39mm filter thread. At f/4, the maximum aperture keeps the optical formula compact while delivering the subject separation that makes this focal length a go-to for isolating subjects at distance. The chrome finish and Wetzlar provenance place it firmly in the lineage of classic Leica glass, built to standards that have kept these lenses in working rotation for decades.

The 135mm focal length asks for deliberate, considered shooting. That constraint suits photographers who slow down and work a scene than spray frames. Paired with a M-body, this lens rewards patience and rewards it in kind with the rendering character that Leica's Wetzlar-era optics are known for. For anyone building or extending a M-mount kit, a German-made Elmar at this focal length represents a piece of optical history at a fraction of what equivalent Leica glass fetches new.

Who It's For

Street and documentary photographers who want reach beyond the 90mm range without leaving the M-mount system will find the 135mm focal length a natural step up. Portrait shooters drawn to the compression and subject separation this length provides can work it at f/4 with the careful focus discipline M-mount shooting encourages. Film photographers shooting M-body rangefinder systems who want a period-correct chrome lens to match classic bodies will appreciate the Wetzlar German manufacture and filter thread compatibility with 39mm accessories.

Key Features

  • Leica M-mount for standard M-body compatibility
  • 135mm focal length for subject isolation at distance
  • f/4 maximum aperture balances speed and compact optical design
  • 39mm filter thread for standard accessory compatibility
  • Chrome finish and German-made Wetzlar construction
  • Classic Elmar optical formula with proven rendering character

FAQ

What mount does this Elmar use?
Leica M-mount. It fits any M-body in your kit.
What's the filter thread size?
39mm. Standard size for most common filter brands.
Why choose 135mm for rangefinder shooting?
The focal length compresses perspective and isolates subjects without requiring you to move closer. On an M-body, it forces deliberate framing-you frame in the viewfinder, lock focus, and shoot rather than chimping and adjusting.
Is this lens fast enough for low light?
f/4 is moderate. Pair it with fast film or a digital M and higher ISO if you're shooting indoors or at dusk. The trade-off keeps the optical design compact and the price reasonable compared to faster 135mm lenses.
What does "German-made" and "Wetzlar" mean for this lens?
Wetzlar is where Leica's main factory operated. German manufacture indicates it was built to Leica's precision standards during the era when all their glass was made in-house-a hallmark of build quality that collectors and users still trust.
How does the chrome finish affect durability?
Chrome is durable and develops a patina over decades of use. It's not a cosmetic choice-it's the original finish, and it holds up to regular handling and modest wear.
SpecificationValue
Focal Length135mm
Max Aperturef/4
MountLeica M
Filter Thread39mm
FinishChrome
Country Of ManufactureGermany

This description was generated using AI based on KEH's internal product standards, product expertise, and knowing what customers care about most. While we strive for accuracy, details may vary by individual item.

Brand Name Leica
Filter Size 39mm
Focus Type Manual focus (only)
Lens Mount Leica M
Lens Type Telephoto / Long
Max Focal Length 135mm
Min Focal Length 135mm