Leica Elmarit-M 135mm f2.8 on a M3.. Thoughts?
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I have one and use it regularly. The spectacles can go out of alignment, but the repair is not expensive. I use mine on an M8 and various film Ms. It's a lens I would keep long after I sold off an asph lens. It renders beautifully in B&W film. They are heavy by Leica standards, a bit bulky, and have a very long focus throw. All that aside, it's a wonderful lens.
A reasonably priced Leica lens is usually a Leica lens that is not very popular. In the case of the 2.8/135 because of the un-M-ly bulk and weight in combination with the rather unsual FL. If you can live with f4, the 1965 Tele-Elmarit 135 is an outstanding and similarily priced lens. The absence of a price gap in comparison to the fast Elmar indicates that most people that want a 135 prefer the slower and lighter Tele-Elmarit. The classic 1960 Elmarit 135 is also a very good performer and even more affordable and still lighter (but longer) than the TE.
I have a LTM Nikkor-Q 135/3.5 I use with an M adapter on my M3 and MP. SLR easier to use for this length but by no means hard with the Leicas and a darn good performer. Likely similar lens formulas too. Too lazy right now to check that. 
I have a LTM Nikkor-Q 135/3.5 I use with an M adapter on my M3 and MP. SLR easier to use for this length but by no means hard with the Leicas and a darn good performer. Likely similar lens formulas too. Too lazy right now to check that.
Never mind. I'm way off. Very different lenses from different eras. That said I really like my Nikkor-Q!
No you can't buy an adapter for the 2.8 bayonet mount that allows you to focus it on a film M, but you can buy an adapter, although zone focusing a 135mm lens is a mad idea. The adapter does allow the use of this lens on an M240 with Live View (for focusing), and it is a very, very good lens. In fact it is about equal to a 135mm 135mm f/4 Elmar which is the one I would recommend to the OP for a film body. The Elmar is well balanced and about as cheap, or cheaper, than the f/2.8 Elmarit.
Steve
Yes and no you can get an LTM /4 Nikkor from 50s.
I've only seen the Leica 135/2.8 so can't compare but I had an all black Canon 135/3.5, balanced nicely on a 7 or M3. The earlier all chrome Serenar 135/4 is not as pleasantly balanced due to its weight tipping the camera forward.
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If you want a good 135mm lens for the M3, go with the black Canon lens Fixcinater describes. I have one and it is really good.
FWIW the Tele-Elmarit is always a 90mm/f2.8 lens. The 135/4 was a Tele-Elmar.
It's a pretty hefty lens and used either Series Vll(early) or later lenses E55 filters.
It's a pretty hefty lens and used either Series Vll(early) or later lenses E55 filters.
I have a 4/135 Elmar and I love it!
Yeah, as I mentioned above my 135 Nikkor-Q is a LTM (Leica Thread Mount) which can adapt easily to Leica M-mount.
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