Elmarit-M 135mm f2.8 for Leica M mount. Leica product code 11829. Serial number in the 3.64 million range, manufactured in 1993 in Canada. Equipped with the dedicated x1.4 magnifying goggles that make focusing a 135mm lens on Leica M bodies much easier.

This is the second-generation Elmarit 135mm f2.8 introduced in 1973. Minimum focusing distance is 1.5m. Built-in hood. Filter size is E55. The lens alone weighs approximately 786g. Despite being made in the 1990s, it has the dense, beautifully crafted feel of a truly high-quality classic lens.

The optical design consists of 5 elements in 3 groups, revised from the first-generation model. Around maximum aperture, it delivers a pleasing balance of crisp sharpness on the focus plane and smooth, natural out-of-focus rendering.

Only very slight paint loss can be seen on the aperture ring and focusing helicoid ring, but overall the lens shows almost no signs of use and remains in beautiful cosmetic condition. The crinkle finish on the goggles section is also in excellent shape.

All functions operate properly. The helicoid feels slightly on the heavy side, though it presents no issue in practical use. Paid servicing is available upon request. One of the common concerns with this lens is the rangefinder coupling, but this example couples perfectly from the minimum focusing distance all the way to infinity.

Matching its beautiful exterior, the glass is wonderfully clear with no haze, allowing you to fully enjoy the lens’s original rendering characteristics. The glass in the goggles section shows only extremely faint cleaning marks, with no haze present. Finder visibility is also very good. The rangefinder patch shows an ever-so-slight vertical misalignment between approximately 5m and infinity, though it should not interfere with focusing in actual use.

Seeing a bold 135mm frame suddenly appear in the familiar Leica finder is quite a unique experience. A very enjoyable lens to use.

Comes with genuine front and rear caps.