Vintage French SOM Bertieau telephoto lens, the Tele-Objectif 145mm f4.5, believed to have been manufactured in the early 1940s. It features a genuine Leica L mount with rangefinder coupling, and the distance markings are in meters. The minimum focusing distance is 3 meters, and it weighs 349g.
The lens construction consists of a combination of convex and concave elements arranged in two groups of four elements. It tends to be somewhat susceptible to flare, displaying a softer rendition with a gentle lightness, resulting in moderate contrast in images.
The lens barrel is produced by A. Garneau in Paris, as indicated by the engraving on its base. Like other Bertieau L-mount lenses, this one exhibits a significant variety in its design, as evidenced by the inclusion of models like the Kino-Plasmat 75mm in contemporary Bertieau catalogs.
Originally, the lens likely boasted a shiny finish, but it now presents a more subdued patina with an all-aluminum construction that reflects typical French lens design. The internal components are made of brass, which offers a sturdier build compared to some models that might have taken risks with a total aluminum structure, including the helicoid.
This SOM Berthiot Tele-Objectif 145mm f4.5 lens shows minor signs of wear from use, including light scuff marks, small scratches, and some corrosion on the aluminum body. However, it remains in considerably good condition for a French-made lens of this type.
In October 2024, a full overhaul was performed, ensuring that both the aperture and helicoid operate with a pleasing torque feel. The rangefinder coupling functions well from the minimum focusing distance to infinity.
There are very light cleaning marks on the front element and slight fogging on the rear element's inner surface. Overall, there are no prominent scratches or haze, placing this lens in the upper tier for glass condition among Bertieau products.
Additionally, it comes with a matching original aluminum lens hood that complements its aesthetic. The lens has delivered satisfactory results in real-world shooting, and sample images are available in the testing gallery for your review.
