Pro 135mm f/2.8 Automatic. If you’re looking to purchase this lens I always check Adorama and Ebay for good deals. It helps me if you purchase it through one of these links here in this review. When you purchase through these links it financially enables me to devote time to develop this site further. Thanks for the help! -Todd

Barrel
Metal

Weight
14.5 oz (411g)

Focus Type
Manual Focus.

Focus Ring
Metal.

Close Focus
6 feet (1.8 meters).

Filter Threads
55mm, Metal

Genuine Leather Case

Aperture Ring
Metal.

Diaphragm
8 blades stopping down to f/22.

Mount
My copy came in M42 Metal Mount.

Made in
Japan

 

 

Sharpness
f/2.8: It’s a little soft with a little chromatic and spherical aberration lowering contrast.
f/3.5: Sharpens up right away with less chromatic aberration and better contrast.
f/4: Sharpens up nicely with better contrast and only a little chromatic aberration left.
f/8: Nicely sharp all over with good contrast.

Vignetting

A fair bit of vignette at f/2.8 and starts to leave by f/3.5 and almost all gone at f/4.

Bokeh
Pretty nice blur, but just a little distracting.

Distortion

Very low amount of pincushion distortion.

Recommendations

On MF Camera
Optics:          ★ ★ ★
Mechanics:   ★ ★ ★ ★
Ergonomics: ★ ★ ★ ★
Usefulness:  ★ ★ ★
Availability:   ★
Overall:         ★ ★ ★

On AF Camera
Ergonomics:  ★ ★
Overall:          ★ ★
Out of 5

Most 3rd Party lenses are not very good but this is an impressive little lens. It’s not the sharpest lens at f/2.8 and there is a fair amount of chromatic aberration. Fortunately it quickly cleans up once stopped down. This is a very heavy, well built, all-metal lens that works pretty well.

I would have preferred if the focus ring was rubber which would prevent paint loss. Also the M to A switch on my M42 version is placed between the aperture ring and focus ring which is not usual. It’s not necessarily a bad thing but just not normal for most M42 lenses.

Optically this lens is a pretty great lens with very low distortion and decent contrast. For portrait work this lens has some nice bokeh. These lenses can be bought at a bargain now a days.

Did this review help?
My hopes are to take the time to continue developing this website with more test photo based reviews. If you are ever interested in purchasing this lens or other photography equipment please do so through these links here in this review. I always check Adorama and Ebay for good deals. This helps support my family and allows me to take more time for the site. The best part is this site is free for you and I link good deals I find!

Sometimes these links will actually give you better deals then typical retail prices! I personally buy from the links I have listed whether looking for new gear or fun old stuff. I can personally attest to their good & safe service from years of experience. Thanks again to you, our readers, for supporting us! -Todd