I planned to choose 2 lens between Leica 135 f2.8 (Canadian Made) and Leica 50 mm F2 (R only-also Canadian Made). Both Lens came in acceptable condition and resonable price in Thailand. However, I really do want to hera some comment from anyone who experienced these Lens. Thanks in advance.

-- Wittwat Bhatitrummarak (wittwat2704@yahoo.com), November 21, 2001

Answers

I have owned and used both lenses. They are fine performers, with the 50mm lens marginally better.

-- Muhammad Chishty (applemac97@aol.com), November 21, 2001.

Look at Doug Herr's site for lens reviews:

http://www.wildlightphoto.com/leica/

There is nothing to choose between the two lens as they are both completely different. What is it that you want? Think about the photos you would like to produce and use the appropriate lens. Some peolpe have no lenses shorter than a 135 and others have no lenses longer than a 50.

Cheers,

Cheers,

-- John Collier (jbcollier@powersurfr.com), November 21, 2001.

Wittwat: I have both lenses. The 135 f:2.8 has set on the shelf most of the 28 years I have owned it. The lens is heavy and a focal length that I don't use much. I own three 50 Summicrons. A DR, Collapsible and a Tabbed 50, all of which I like. Choose the lens based on what you shoot not on price or where they are made. The Canadian lenses are excellent performers. The only 50 I don't use much is the collapsible, but the DR and the Tabbed 50 are favorites of mine. Good luck on your choice and shoot some film to help you decide. Try renting or borrowing a lens to help you make up your mind.

Mark J.

-- Mark A. Johnson (logic@gci.net), November 21, 2001.

The Canadian 50mm Summicron-R is a best-in-class lens. The Canadian 135 Elmarit-R is better optically than the german version, but heavier. Its optical performance was best-in-class 30 years ago but is bettered by the current Leica APO lenses of similar focal length. Either lens is fairly common, so if you can only buy one, you'll find the other sooner or later at a reasonable price.

-- Douglas Herr (telyt@earthlink.net), November 21, 2001.