It's dangerous watching this channel. I end up on auction sites within minutes of the video finishing. Please don't stop.

@itsbeaker6571

Жыл бұрын

Getting a 135 today because of Zeno lol

@MrScottsivertson

Жыл бұрын

I end up pausing the video and pricing out these lenses … takes a while to make it all the way through 😅

Loving your channel m8 👌 Your looking a lot better than you did in some previous videos.

Your reviews are a delight.

It was because of your informative videos that I purchased my first old manual lens - now my collection includes 30+ lenses (including 5 135mms) and several film cameras. You have fueled my love of photography - thank you! 135mm with extension tubes is ideal for macro work, even lenses with lower contrast. With regards to the vivitar, vivitar lenses were made by several different manufacturers with great differences in optical and mechanical quality. I've not checked out this particular focal length, but for the 90mm f2.5 macro there are specific serial number lenses with recognized high optical quality (amazingly good!) while others are not good at all. That may have been a factor with your particular vivitar lens lack of sharpness (though cool bokeh!).

@m.l.jr.8921

2 жыл бұрын

LLP

@bikeandsee1647

2 жыл бұрын

This is one of love characteristics, it spreads.

@justlikeswimming5988

2 жыл бұрын

@@bikeandsee1647 Yes!

I absolutely love Pentacon lenses. This 135 is really sharp wide open even up to 20-24mpx on both FF and cropped sensors! It also has beautiful creamy bokeh and (if it does) pretty yellow and blue (instead of green and magenta) chromatic aberrations. But what I like and recommend even more is its "younger" brother - *Pentacon 100mm f/2.8* . It is around 1/3 smaller and lighter and seems to be even sharper and much more portable and convenient in use. True portrait classic!

@zenography7923

2 жыл бұрын

I'll keep a look out for that one - thanks for the tip!

@TheRoadLessPaved

2 жыл бұрын

I have a 100mm and a 29mm - love both of them. Have been using one or the other almost 90% of the time this summer. The 100mm came apart and when I put it together I super-glued that dang difficult tab. It's set now wide open but still giving great shots.

@Seele2015au

Жыл бұрын

@@zenography7923 Meyer was acquired by Pentacon, so Meyer-branded and named lenses got re-branded as Pentacon; the 135/2.8 and 100/2.8 are both Meyer Orestors, of Sonnar type formulation. The pre-set version of the former nowadays commands higher prices due to its greater number of iris blades, but the latter was made as a fully manual and automatic versions, no pre-set was made. I have both versions, the former tends to be trouble-free, but as many German lenses, the grease can fail, affecting iris mechanism, but for Meyer/Pentacon auto/electric lenses, there is an additional issue: the aperture ring drives another threaded ring at the back throat of the lens mount, and if the grease in this thread fails, the aperture ring can be hard to turn. For auto lenses I routinely unscrew it, clean out the failed yellow grease and put in modern grease, but I still fear messing up the electric system that needs to be totally taken out, one component at a time, before reaching this thread.

@FrankyFeedler

9 ай бұрын

@@Seele2015au All versions have the same double helicoid focussing but on the newer ones the low-pitch thread that rotates the focus ring in place is much shallower, making the effect of gravity the lens has on locking the threads together, greater. On the older Meyer 100/2.8 zebra I could solve it by polishing the threads until smooth and using an NLGI-2 grade grease. On the longer Pentacons, it's rather stiff no matter what's done to it, unless you hold it upright :)

Brilliant information, I’ve been thinking about a Tair 11 to adapt to my Fuji and M4/3 cameras, you’ve sealed it for me, I need one in my life! Thank you 🙂

@zenography7923

2 жыл бұрын

I'm not sure there's anything quite like a Tair 11 - enjoy!

@andrewbaxter9395

2 жыл бұрын

@@zenography7923 I can’t wait to see how it renders colour and contrast on my Olympus EM1 mkii.

Another interesting lineup. I picked up a non-working Pentagon 135mm 2.8 and non-working Pentacon 50mm for basically nothing when they were thrown in with a Practica camera which itself I got for good deal. I was able to fix both lenses and I have been using the 135mm occasionally this summer. I call it my squirrelly lens as I have been using it on 4/3 camera to take pictures of squirrels in the local park.

@zenography7923

2 жыл бұрын

On m43 you have an effective focal length of 270mm - quite some reach, as the squirrels have discovered!

The Vivitar 135 f2.8 was the first lens i tested on my Lumix Gx8. I noticed the softness right away, but as you said, when it comes to blur it’s superb. Great for flowers from a distance, and macro paired with vivitar macro rings!

@philippemartins6208

9 ай бұрын

What is the mount for Vivitar? I’m trying to find an adapter

I love my minolta. It belonged to a former uncle who left it and an old pentax camera in my aunt's attic. I inherited it before I had any interest in photography. For years I had no idea I had such a good lens rolling around in my desk drawer.

@zenography7923

2 жыл бұрын

It's one of the nicest - enjoy!

Great video thanks. How many aperture blades on that version of the Pentacon Nigel?

Very happy with my Minolta MD celtic 135 3.5. That Tair does look interesting!

@zenography7923

2 жыл бұрын

It really is - quite something!

Informative as always. I agree on slower 135mm lens options. I have several including Canon nFD, Pentax Super-Takumar, Minolta MD, most recently (and fondly) the Nikkor-Q 13.5cm F3.5 early Sonnar formula F mount lens that I adore. That one required a slight machining of my Nikon F to Sony A adapter to make it fit (apparently those early Nikon F lenses had a bit more metal on the mounting ring on the lens).

@zenography7923

2 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed the episode, thanks for looking in!

I've got a Rikenon XR 135mm f 2.8, which takes decent photos, although it is quite prone to purple fringing. It has a PK bayonet though. My second 135 is a fifties Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 135mm f4. Unfortunately it doesn't focus to infinity, but its quite good for flower shots etc, as it has 1.2 m minimum focus distance. There's also a Triotar 135mm f4 waiting, that needs cleaning and relubrication. I am quite eager to try it, as it's got 15 aperture blades.

Kinda lost track of this channel. Glad you're still making awesome videos! And that Vivitar 135mm 2.8- yours isn't a bad copy. I have one myself and it's... Disappointing. I disassembled mine a while ago, inverting elements to try and make a Frankenstein out of it but even that didn't produce anything particularly novel.

@zenography7923

2 жыл бұрын

Hey Ava, glad you could drop in again, hope all's well! Interesting that your Vivitar 135 is not great too - I think there must have been many disappointed buyers of this lens!

Nikon nicor 135 f 2.8 AIS is one of two lenses that I've used on all of my documentary photography. I love the 135!

@zenography7923

2 жыл бұрын

I've heard it's very nice - enjoy!

as far as I know Pentacon 135 is a Meyer Optik Design. My favorite 135s are the SMC Pentax 135mm f2.5 and the Carl Zeiss Superdynarex 135mm f4

Great video! I have tested the Minolta and Pentacon and I agree, si prefer the Minolta. Did you test the Super Takumar 135mm 2.4? What do you think?

Would love your opinion on the best Minolta MDs and cine modding vintage still lenses.

I have an Agfa 135mm f/2.8 for PK mount. Works great on Pentax DSLR. Sharp enough for street photography at f/5.6 and very smooth bokeh.

I'm curious what the first two digits are on the serial number are for your Vivitar. There are at least 4 different makers they used over the years that I can see. Thanks

Great overview of the lens, I just have a few questions regarding what the difference is for the Minolta MD Rokkor-X 135mm versus the Minolta MC TELE ROKKOR-QD 135mm f/3.5; does MC versus MD make a big difference? Which of the two came out first and is there a huge different in 2.8 versus 3.5 focus?

@zenography7923

2 жыл бұрын

I'm not sure of the details to be honest - I think MD is the later version and is probably technically better, but the difference in terms of images won't be much. An f2.8 lens will always let in that bit more light, and give a little more background blur (when wide open) than an f3.5 lens.

Thank you for sharing your knowlege and passion for vintage lenses. A wonderfull channel, thank you. Which version of Pancolar do you use? My version of Pancolar (auto MC) gives a soft glow at 1,8. It disappears stopped down to 2,8. Might there be some diffrent types of Pancolar?

@marcelbecker6399

2 жыл бұрын

I have the Pancolar MC Electric Version. It glows a very little, but I love that.

Another lovely video as always! It was your previous 135mm video that prompted me to buy my FIRST vintage lens, the Minolta 135. I wasn't too enamored with it tbh (maybe due to some mold on the lens) but it kickstarted an obsession with vintage glass so thank you for that lol I am surprised you weren't too enamored with the Pentacon, it has a really strong reputation. I love using my copy on occasion even though it is really large. (Personally I prefer the Meyer 100 f/2.8 because of how small and usable it is but not a 135 etc) My personal recommendation for fast 135s is as others mentioned, the Pentax K-mount 135 f/2.5 because it is just a solid all around performer that is pretty inexpensive. That said, I agree with you in that 2.8 is often not the best and there are some fantastic, lighter cheaper 3.5 options (my pick being the FD 135 f/3.5 which is one of the few vintage lenses I use for slightly more serious "i only have so much space and I need to take good photos on this hike/trip" occasions).

@zenography7923

2 жыл бұрын

Very glad to have inspired your interest, thanks for watching!

Hi, I like wary mach a Pentacon 135mm and Vivitar .I put it on my Pentax K-5 and K-1. Thanks Zenography

Is your example of Vivitar a Komine, ie serial number beginning 28...... ? If so you have a duff copy. I have one in Nikon Ai mount and also one in OM mount and both are exceptionally sharp and have great Bokeh.

The CZJ 135f3.5 is my go to. Great lens.

@zenography7923

2 жыл бұрын

It's a very hard one to beat, for sure!

I really do love my FD 3.5 135 especially since i don't do many portraits

As I said previously I have the mk2 shall we call it of the vivitar with an extra element and the Bokeh.is nice.... Doubt if I will ever own a Tair 11......I have the pentacon lens identical to yours with chrome bits very sharp....slight fungus just inside front element... A thought about lens caps... Is it worth drilling a couple of very fine holes in them... (obviously on the work bench) since filters never removed from lenses can cause at least surface fungus?? Nigel....

Have you checked out the Nikkor 135 f2 ais by any chance? I own both the f2 & f2.8 versions.

I thought I was watching Steve Buscemi in a new serial killer movie. But great vid, be sure to scratch my name off your hit list, use whatever shade of lipstick you prefer

@zenography7923

10 ай бұрын

Thanks. My favourite is cherry blush pink :)

@Six.of.one.photography

10 ай бұрын

​@zenography7923 lol, good choice. Oh and I'm buying a radioactive Takumar 50 1.4 because of one of your other videos, so I might just die from radiation poisoning anyway, but that's the power of a good lens review on KZread

Thank you! I'm very fond of the Takumar 135 2.5 six element version which has lovely bokeh and wonderful textures.

@zenography7923

2 жыл бұрын

That sounds like a very nice lens - enjoy!

I have a collection of 135mm lenses, f/2.5, f/2.8, and f/3.5. It seems that this focal lens is so special that even a bad 135mm create great pictures.

@zenography7923

Жыл бұрын

Agreed - it just seems to work!

On the Pentacon did you use the 15 blade ?

I have a slightly different version of the Vivitar 135mm f/2.8 lens. Mine has a minimum focus distance of 1.5m & 6 aperture blades. I can confirm that, even on a cloudy day with plenty of smoke haze, this lens produces beautiful background separation & wonderful bokeh. This lens, along with my Helios 44-M, will be used for portraits. Both offer fantastic separation & seem to produce a 3-dimensional effect that are just magic. I can only imagine what this lens will be able to produce on a sunny day with the right background. Cheers, Chris.

@zenography7923

2 жыл бұрын

That sounds like a very nice lens - enjoy!

@philippemartins6208

9 ай бұрын

What is the Vivitar 128mm mount?

I own the Vivitar lens as well. Mine seems to be the same as you describe. Not a very sharp lens wide open but the bokeh and blur are very cool. Its a solidly built lens and I actually enjoy the controls of it better than some much better 135s I own. But as you said, its an art lens at best. A soft focus, dreamy, creamy lens. I wish you had looked at either or both Konica Hexanon AR 135 f3.2 or the f2.5. Both of those lens are very, very nice. The sharpness of these lenses are crazy. The 3.2 I believe has better bokeh, but only slightly over the 2.5. But the 2.5 is crazy sharp wide open. Both exceptional lenses! Another one that can be had cheaply and is a wonderful 135 is the Mamiya/Sekor f2.8 in M42 mount. Another great lens from Mamiya. So many 135s out there and so little budget and time...

The Topcor RE Auto 135mm F3.5 is a gem. It has an Exakta mount.

I have quite a few 135 mm lenses and my favourite is the Takumar 135mm f2.5

@zenography7923

2 жыл бұрын

That one is a beaut, no doubt about it!

Although not a 135mm, another interesting lens is the Carl Zeiss Jena 120mm f2.8 Biometar. This was normally seen in Pentacon Six fitting, but it was also available in Exakta fitting, and possibly M42, although I cannot be certain of this. The extra stop is useful, and it is an excellent alternative to the superb Carl Zeiss 135mm f3.5 Jena 'S' lens, although it rather larger physically.

@zenography7923

2 жыл бұрын

I'd be interested to try that, thanks for the tip!

Have you already tried the Auto Revuenon multi coated 1 : 2.8 / f = 135 mm lens, or other lenses from Revuenon? I can only recommend it.

I have a few nice legacy 135s. That said, in the last year and a half, since I bought it, I've really fallen in love wit my Samyang 135 2.0 M/F lens. It's sharp wide open and only shows a little improvement when stopping down. It also produces wonderful, smooth out of focus backgrounds. It's really my favorite 135, now.

@zenography7923

2 жыл бұрын

I haven't tried that one, thanks for the tip!

@bassgojoe

2 жыл бұрын

I can confirm it's a fantastic lens. Virtually no aberrations of any kind, and absurdly sharp wide open. It's the closest thing I've seen to a perfect (in the quantitative/clinical sense) lens. It doesn't have the type of vintage character that you're typically into, though.

@photobuzz

2 жыл бұрын

@@bassgojoe I agree with everything you said. It's really a great lens.

One of my favorite vintage combinations is the 135mm f/2.8 Meyer-Optic Goritz Orestor lens on a Sony APSC camera adapted with a Kipon M42-NEX 0.7x Focal Reducer/Adapter. The focal reducer does away with the crop factor and adds a full f/stop. In other words, I am shooting with a 135mm equivalent f/2.0 lens on my APSC Sony A6600 camera.

@zenography7923

Жыл бұрын

Now that sounds like a nice combo!

@FrankyFeedler

9 ай бұрын

How much resolution would you say you're losing, compared to using a regular (no glass) adapter?

Very interesting video as always. I hope you'll get your hands on a Jupiter 37a and know what you think about it, I recently got my copy for about €24 + shipping. XE-1 is very nice, I'm waiting for your next video of it

@zenography7923

2 жыл бұрын

I'd love to try a Jupiter 37a, I'll look out for one!

Question for the group, I currently purchased from a local Goodwill a Hi-Tec Inc. 135mm f2.8. I cannot find any information about this lens online. It is a screw on mount but it is not a M42 thread. Does anyone here know anything about this lens?

I had hoped you would talk about the 15 blade look on the Pentacon and the 20 on the Tair.

I enjoyed the video. That Vivitar is so close, both in appearance and specs to my Lentar 135mm F2.8 that I wonder if both companies outsourced the same manufacture.

@zenography7923

2 жыл бұрын

That's entirely possible!

@kevinroberts1888

2 жыл бұрын

@@zenography7923 It even has that same bokeh look. I wasn't crazy about it when I first got it, but it's really grown on me as a fun lens to play around with.

Have you ever tried the Olympus OM Zuiko 135 f2.8?

Can watch Yr vids over and over..... Nigel...

@zenography7923

Жыл бұрын

Thanks Phil, glad you're enjoying them!

Well I wasn't gonna do it since I have an old Canon 70-210mm wide aperture lens plus the Vivitar wide 70-210 and 28-105 lenses. I don't need the 135mm focal length whatsoever. But you had me at "soap bubbles" and the price was right on just ONE auction listing. It is the Komine version from the serial number so I have high hopes!

My favourite focal length. I've got a few 135s and the one I keep going back to is the very cheap and unheralded Carl Zeiss Super-dynarex f4. I bought my copy for £10.

@zenography7923

2 жыл бұрын

That sounds like quite a bargain - well done!

@perin99

2 жыл бұрын

@@zenography7923 thanks, it's my best bargain to date.

I have a Pentacon 135 f2,8 another model, with 15 blades and a preset aperture - it's an excellent lens, very sharp wide open and with a magnificent bokeh - if the subject is close enough. First test with it I couldn't tell what's behind the subject, even the picture was in my room :-))).

@zenography7923

2 жыл бұрын

Now that sounds like a nice lens!

@andrewwilkin1923

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Timotei, got the same lens but an earlier version labelled Meyer Gorlitz Optik. Agree with your review. There is also a 200 F4 Meyer Gorlitz/Pentacon with 15 blade aperture and preset.

@timoteiafanasie4894

2 жыл бұрын

@@andrewwilkin1923 I do photos since '79 (56 yo). Till '89, in my country (guess which one) there were not many options - Soviet and GDR lenses and cameras. And for our money they were not cheap at all. I was lucky to have a Praktica (still working today ;-), a Zeiss 50 mm 1,8, and 2 Pentacon: 29mm f something and that 135 mm, 2,8. And a 2x converter working with all of them. All 3 lenses in pristine condition today. That was all I could afford. And a Soviet 2 speedlights kit, that one I don't have anymore. Today money are also in short supply, unfortunately, so I have a DSLR and some dreams about a mirrorless. Have a nice day and a lot of good pictures!

Thank you again for this video Nigel ☺️🙏! If you have the time or inspiration.... : I would like to see a direct comparison between the Tair 11 and the Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 3,5 /135. I have the Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 3,5 135 zebra version and I am very happy with it (analogue m42 camera). But I would like to know, if it will be worth to buy a Tair 11. Will it be better than the Zeiss Sonnar? I don't think so, but it would be really nice to hear your opinion. Have a nice evening and greetings from Germany, Berlin! Denis

@zenography7923

2 жыл бұрын

I'm not sure it would be better, necessarily, and of course it really depends on what 'good' is! The Tair makes images with extraordinary colours, the like of which I haven't seen before, and it's inherently very sharp from wide open. The CZJ is very nice indeed - from memory not quite as sharp as the Tair wide open, though not far off, a bit slower at f3.5, and a very different colour pallette - soft and restrained but quite saturated too - very much a Pentax look. In the final analysis the Tair is probably the better lens, at least technically, but you won't go too far wrong with a good Tak 135. Hope that helps!

@denistonti

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much for the information!! I have the older zebra version of the zeiss jena sonnar 3,5 /135 and I have often read that the zebra is a little bit better in terms of sharpness than the later version.... But I don't know if it's true. Well, however.. I think that I will buy a Tair 11a for testing. Thanks again and I am looking forward to see more and more videos in that fantastic channel ☺️🙏 Greetings from Berlin to you and sorry for my bad english 😣 Denis

Great show! I'm very interested in the Tair 11! I sometimes use the Takumar 135mm f/2.5 (6 element) and also like to shoot the Meyer-Optik Gorlitz 135mm f/2.8, which has 15 blades. I'd love to know how they stand up to the Tair 11 ... .. . ...

@zenography7923

2 жыл бұрын

If I can find these two for the right price, I'll review and compare them!

@wombatandoli3222

2 жыл бұрын

@@zenography7923 I'm happy to lend them to you. I'm in London, so could bump into you at some point :)

I like using an Adjustable Focus Helical Adapter for macro focus with the 135mm lenses. They create awesome macro images.

@zenography7923

Жыл бұрын

Sounds like a good way of doing macro!

Would like to see this updated with Canon FD, Nikkor-QC Auto and Tamron 2.8s. Have you had a chance to check out any of those lenses yet?

@zenography7923

2 жыл бұрын

Not yet I'm afraid - give it time though! Thanks for looking in.

i would love some videos only about shooting B/W photos, to me shooting b/w with vintage lenses is something very special, i convinced that the micro contrast , the extra many slightly different shades of gray, e.g. jupiter 9,produced and from takumar out performs modern lenses. the new got to hard contrast coating, ,,deleting,, the sophisticated and soul full micro differences in gray scale.

Be interesting to see your thoughts on the Mamiya/Sekor 50mm f2. It's become one of my go to lenses...

@zenography7923

2 жыл бұрын

I intend to explore Mamiya lenses very soon - stay tuned!

@justlikeswimming5988

2 жыл бұрын

@@zenography7923 Glad to hear you're exploring Mamiya lenses, they are some of my favorites! The 55 f1.8 (m42) I have can produce some amazingly fun bokeh and still be quite sharp, and the 135mm f2.8 is great too.

How funny.... minutes ago I bought my first 135mm f3.5 from ebay for the princely sum of £3.20. Its branded as Petri but seller suggests perhaps its a Cosinon lens. Who knows? Who cares?? For 3 quid I'll have a lot of fun with this on my xt3. 🙂 I'm hoping it produces good black and white street shots. The fun is the waiting and the playing. Love your channel my friend. You've a very therapeutic voice and manner. 🙂👍 Best wishes..... thanks. Steve.

@oetproductions8101

2 жыл бұрын

Totally agree with you. These videos are so chill. Only bad thing about getting into vintage lenses is ever spending more than even 200 on a new lens feels like buying a car.

@stevesvids

2 жыл бұрын

@@oetproductions8101 when a Zenography App appears in my feed I get that comfort feeling. Time to make a brew and get comfy. 😄 I've not even ventured past £19.00 for a vintage lens so far. I cant imagine the pain I'll face buying a new Fuji Lens 😄 Perhaps I never will... who knows. 👍

Some 135s do have 10 blade diaphragm thinking of Optomax f3.5 and another with name like fontesco correct me if I am wrong... pls sir......

I was careful to find a copy identical to the Vivitar you reviewed (same starting digits of the serial number, same focusing ring and same color markings), and I am seeing the same extreme bubbles that you described. My CZJ Triotar 135mm f/4 has some bubbles, but nothing like the Vivitar. My favorite 135 is still my 6-element Super Multi Coated Takumar, but my new Vivitar will take the place of bubble monster. Thanks for sharing your discovery.

@zenography7923

2 жыл бұрын

Glad you're enjoying your new lens!

Yashinon DX 135 2.8, came across one at a good price, it's only short coming is it competes against my 3.5s. The x-e1 is a great little camera

@zenography7923

2 жыл бұрын

I've been shooting with it today - it feels a bit like an old point and shoot, a trip 35 maybe. Lots of fun!

I had the chance just yesterday to buy a tamron 135mm f2.5 on adaptall 2 om mount. For now I only managed to get some pictures of cows but it looks quite alright for the 20 quid I paid for. Also being 2.5 made me curious

@zenography7923

2 жыл бұрын

Some of the older Tamron lenses are very nice indeed - enjoy!

Great video! I own a copy of a Vivitar 135 f/2.5 which is much sharper.

@zenography7923

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the tip, I'll try one if I get the chance!

I'd love to see your take on the Nikkor 135/2.8 since it's decently cheap and has a good reputation.

@zenography7923

2 жыл бұрын

I'll look out for one, thanks for the tip!

@Joelsfilmer

2 жыл бұрын

@@zenography7923 The 105/2.5 is iconic but the 135 is said to not be far behind.

The Vivitar was made by Komine, indicated by the first digits "28" on the serial number

The lens VIVITAR 135MM F2.3 VMC SERIES 1 is amazing!!! You have reviewed it?

This is not a 15bladed version?

What lens are you using to shoot the video? It is very soft or not closely focused. The camera in the foreground cannot not be read.

@zenography7923

2 жыл бұрын

I think (IIRC) this one was shot with an Olympus Zuiko 55mm, at f2.8 - not the deepest depth of field, which is probably why the camera name was blurred.

Try an Vivitar 2,8 135mm Close Focusing. Magnifition up to 1:2 without any accessory. And an stunning image quality. Classic Ernostar lens design.

@zenography7923

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the tip!

Great video! I just picked up a Pentacon Zebra 135 2.8 with 15 aperture blades. Have you tried this lens?

@zenography7923

2 жыл бұрын

I haven't, but it sounds pretty nice!

@FrankyFeedler

2 жыл бұрын

That lens was made by and labeled as a Meyer-Optik Görlitz Orestor 135, and then the brand was assimilated into Pentacon, so a lot of lenses that were still 'on the shelf' were re-labeled before the new design came about. A superior mechanical construction IMO, even though it lacks the slide-out lens hood.

I picked up a Hoya 135 f2.8 M42 on eBay for £8.00 a few weeks ago. A cracking lens....

I have a few, my favourite is the Pentax M series, but only because my Pentacon 15 blade is heavier... having said that, I'll take the Pentacon out tomorrow 🙂

@zenography7923

2 жыл бұрын

Pentacon made some nice glass, no doubt about it!

very cool

@zenography7923

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Max, glad you enjoyed it!

@maxgrau9083

2 жыл бұрын

@@zenography7923 What should I do with Zorki 1, 4K and FED 2 about there slowly curtains ? I'm a little bit desperate because they do not work at the moment ?

Tair is a great lens. The old Pentacon ist also great. I modified the old pentacon with the lenses from the newer pentacon ( MC ). So you have the old version with 15 aperture blades and the multicoated lenses. Tip: look at the old Zeiss Triotar or the old ISCO Isconar 135. Not fast but nice

@zenography7923

2 жыл бұрын

I'll check them out, thanks!

@Seele2015au

Жыл бұрын

@@zenography7923 The 135/4 Triotar for 35mm format is interesting as it was originally meant for the Contax rangefinder as a budget lens, as Bertele-designed Sonnars were scary expensive. As Zeiss already had the 135 Triotar it was optimized for the 9cm X 12cm format, so Robert Richter was given the job of getting it optimized for the smaller format. My example was one from the very last batch ever made, and as expected plagued by the dreaded German grease failure. I took it apart, removed the failed grease and put it together again with modern grease applied, and it is now fully functional.

I have got the Tokina 135 mm. Got it very cheep (30 euro). I love it. It is sharp. I shame that the focal lenght is covered by my Minolta 70-210.

jupiter 37a is a 135mm lens with exceptional sharpness that is worth talking about.

My favourite 135mm lens is the Canon FD 2.0/135mm, very sharp even at open aperture and the colours are the Canon typical ones of that time. However, the lens is quite large.

@zenography7923

2 жыл бұрын

I've heard that one's quite nice, though I've never tried it. Thanks for tuning in!

Bougth the Konica 135 2.8. Very satisfied

@zenography7923

2 жыл бұрын

The Konica lenses are hard to beat, for sure! Enjoy!

@Tbonyandsteak

2 жыл бұрын

@@zenography7923 Especially when you get them cheap. Not all get that you can use adapter to it.

Not yet had my first roll developed with the Pentacon 135mm to say much of the quality, but can say it's as much a delight to use as the 50mm. and hopefully the 29mm will be mine soon enough. Such a little cost for such a huge experience. I think the only thing that might stop me oohing and aahing all over them would be a similar set of Takumars.

@zenography7923

2 жыл бұрын

The pentacons are nice, no doubt about it, but I think you'll like the Takumars if you decide to explore them!

@somegeezer

2 жыл бұрын

I certainly hope to in future. Save a few pennies along the way for them. I'm hoping to at some point sooner than that, to actually grab myself a Fuji X-T1, after seeing the likes of you and a handful others show it off so well. Seems like a great budget intro to some quality, professional digital, with the vibe of the film cameras of old. Spent so long using phone cameras, it'd be nice to have a body with interchangeable lenses, that I can use all these classic M42s on, too. For the moment, exploring film and using the Pentacons is putting plenty of smiles on my face, mind. Cheers for the vids!

Those Vivitar images take my fancy, but good grief is that soft! The bokah's a little like my 28-70mm-macro F/3.5 F.Zuiko, although I don't know which lens it is currently since the front lens ring has long since fallen off. It's on the soft side too, but it's absolutely amazing under the right conditions. I have a feeling you might like it actually. It's funny, I was out with Canon's 18-55mm F/4 (the latest kit) once and for a while was deeply puzzled as to why I couldn't get the lens to flare until I remembered that the lens is designed against that! Haha! Not enough character in quite a few of these lenses coming out today. Too be fair though it does cross as an almost superb budget filmmaking lens.

@zenography7923

2 жыл бұрын

Modern lenses are fantastic, no doubt about it, and that Canon sounds quite something, but the moderns do seem to lack character. I guess what you lose on the swings you gain on the roundabouts, as it were!

@nigelcliff7390

2 жыл бұрын

There are a number of versions of the Vivitar 135mm lenses, if you have one with the metal ribbed focus ring like mine it is much sharper

I have a review of *Super Marexar 135mm f/2.8* : kzread.info/dash/bejne/aKx7uM2HpK3IdMo.html The lens I have never seen anywhere (that's why I reviewed it).

I don't have much of a comparison, but my Petri 135mm f2.8 is razor sharp. If you see one somewhere I highly recomend grabbing it

@zenography7923

2 жыл бұрын

I'll certainly look out for one, thanks for the tip!

I love to hate you! After this review I bought an Tair 11-2 silver body Last night on eBay.... it was listed as 350 Euros.... I won the bid and I got it for a very nice price!!! I hate you, for you letting me spend another bag of euros for a vintage lens. I love you for making these videos and being honest about all tested Lenses. And I love you for convincing me to have a look on eBay at the right moment. If you wonder the price I paid give me a notice. Looking forward for your new videos. I use the Fuji XT20 body. Very nice camera. Oops, I bought the Tair 11-A too!!

@Tamirkaas

2 жыл бұрын

@Mike Zielinski I use a standard m42 lens adapter from Fusnid.

The vivitar lens is 4 element lens.. a later one with a rubber grip is a 5 element one if that makes sense...

@zenography7923

2 жыл бұрын

It does indeed, and I guess anything that improves the optical performance of this one can only be a good thing!

Spookily enough... Came accross a lens in my collection that is bit of mystery to me.. It is a Sunagor 135mm f2.8 with 10 diaphragm very nice condition with an MD to PK adaptor.....just don't know how I came by it..... 😮

Since Nikon has stopped making AF-D and AF-S G lenses, will Canon also making their L and EF lenses? How will only a mirrorless cameras market changed things? Hopefully, any vintage or used lenses will have no bugs in them.

Vivitar 135mm 2.8 and fujifilm xt5 are a really good pair

My cheap option of 135 mm is юпитер 37А. But my favorit is Canon 135 f/2 L. Magic lens from film era. is not cheap but it is wonderful

@zenography7923

2 жыл бұрын

That Canon sounds lovely, I'll try one if I get the chance. That Jupiter sounds interesting too though!

I feel kind of sorry for the little Zuiko 135mm 2.8 sitting there being ignored stage left... haha

What is the mount for Vivitar 135mm 2.8?

@zenography7923

9 ай бұрын

If I recall correctly, this one was in K-mount, although being a third party lens they were most likely made in other popular mounts too. There should usually be an identifying mark on the back.

@philippemartins6208

9 ай бұрын

@@zenography7923 I already tried M42, MD, K-mount.. none of these worked

What about the Tamron 135 f2.8 ?

@zenography7923

2 жыл бұрын

I'll certainly give it a try, if one comes along at the right price! Thanks for the tip.

I didn’t know Steve Buscemi was into vintage primes

I'm sorry to bother you with this my friend. But I'm a new film maker, with an interest in making action movies. The group of people I spoke to in regards to cine lenses said that my budget isn't going to be able to cover the type of lenses that are in use, but they said that vintage lenses would be a smart investment for me to get started. I've rather enjoyed watching your videos, and I do a lot of filming in my 3D software using a 16:9 digital camera, and my preferred lenses in there have been typically 12mm for landscape and huge epic scenes, 50mm for standard shots and 85mm for a bit closer. Then recently the 120mm for much closer (as in face shots). But I need to pick up some ACTUAL lenses now. I currently own the Helios 44-2 58mm which I got off ebay recently. Could you please recommend to me what lenses you would suggest to a person who's interested in making movies, but that's on a budget? I'm ideally looking for something that I can pair up with the Helios 44-2 58mm that I currently have (so my movie doesn't have a drastically different look from shot to shot). I'd ideally like an 85mm as well as whatever else you could suggest. Hope you can help. Best regards.

Push the boat out a few more quid and get a Carl Zeiss Contax Sonnar T*2.8/135. Got a mint one for £129 a few months ago.

This might sound crazy, but I prefer the Pentacon 135 'electric' over the 13 bladed version... I will do a video on it soon

@zenography7923

2 жыл бұрын

I'd be interested to see the results!

@ohjajohh

2 жыл бұрын

@@zenography7923 there is now a video on my channel with the results

In case anyone is interested, I have a video on adapters (e.g. M42-EOS). No chip, non-programmable chip, programmable chip, I tell about all kinds. It's in my "Vintage lenses" playlist. Hope it helps.

@zenography7923

2 жыл бұрын

THanks Paul, I'll check it out!

There must have been as mant 135mm lenses produced as there were 50mm ones. Back in the day the very next lens you bought was a 135 - some really cheap and horrible ones too - Hanimex, Opteka, some Tamrons etc. These lenses go on Ebay for coppers and are great to experiment on - element reversal, internal filters etc for whacky effects. Great episode George

@zenography7923

2 жыл бұрын

Many thanks George, glad you enjoyed it!

@monteestowes1245

2 жыл бұрын

My CZJena 135mm isn't particularly fast at 3.5, but I totally understand why people shoot with this lens. Especially on M43. It's such a fun lens to shoot with. It was my favorite before I got my 35mm camera and started shooting with a fast 50

if you want something good and cheap , try an old Leitz Hektor 135 4.5 - I use one adapted on my Fuji X-E3 , and it´s great and sharp and a really small lens

@zenography7923

2 жыл бұрын

I've heard those are quite something - thanks for the tip!

I have a Rexatar 135mm f/2.8 which I recently discovered is pretty much a re-branded Vivitar. T2 mount (similar to m42), and it has exactly the same rendering and characteristics of the one you showed here. It is such trash wide open, but it’s trash with character. The Nikkor 105mm f/2.5 is a much better lens in every way, but triple the price.

Great vid! I have the Olympus Zuiko 135 3.5 and the Fujinon 135 3.5 Great value lenses. What portraits l have taken from girlfriends. There is no ugly woman (or man) with this lense (used with Fujifilm XT-1)

@zenography7923

2 жыл бұрын

It sounds like you're working some magic there - well done!

@i.alegre9401

2 жыл бұрын

@@zenography7923 colors, bokeh, ...lol

Vivitar Series 1 are so incredible lenses. Vivitar Series 1 were 100% designed by Vivitar. They were rebranded and produced by many companies like for example Tokina. People use Tokina and even don't know that this is in fact Vivitar. Moreover companies like Tokina based his many lenses on Vivitar Series 1. Other companies too.