p.2 #1 · Got tired of waiting for a small 135mm lens
I'm not trying to talk you into changing lenses, or getting more of them, but there really are plenty of small vintage lenses of excellent image quality. And, usually very cheap too as no one wants them. For example, https://kamerastore.com/ has almost 30 Hexanon 135mm lenses listed for sale, alone.
The Olympus Zuiko 135/2.8 is a beautiful lens with soft bokeh and superb for people pics. Like all Zuiko's, it weighs nothing.
The Konica Hexanon line has several 135mm lenses. I only have the 135/3.2 and am not seeking others. It is very light, excellent MFD, slightly harsh bokeh, but sharp wide open.
I really like Zuiko and Hexanon lenses, mainly for their optical characteristics, but they tend to be very small and light too.
p.2 #2 · Got tired of waiting for a small 135mm lens
Can't wait to see your results, Mike.
I found mine by chance. Its the Minolta MD Rokkor X 135/2.8 with the 4/4 design. It was more common with the MC coatings, but the MD is pretty hard to find. Mine is the MD-II physical design. Such a beauty. Love it.
Mar 26, 2026 at 05:47 AM
AmbientMike Offline • • • • • • [X]
p.2 #3 · Got tired of waiting for a small 135mm lens
freaklikeme wrote:
Eh, the Minolta's good, but it has stronger CA issues than the Nikkor at closer distances. It's not bad, and I'm happily using my MD, but I wouldn't put it ahead of the Nikkor. It's more a tie.
One lens to consider, if 135 never feels long enough, is the SMC Pentax-A 150/3.5. Very well corrected, no bigger or heavier than the average 135 from the time, and nicely inexpensive on the used market.
Good to know, I don't have to buy one then already have 2. 75-150 OM is probably better than nikkor, mine has about the same green reflections as 65-200 so apparently MC and possibly a later serial number than most. 65-200 is excellent but not small, these older lenses tend to need f/8 or at least 5.6-11.
Speaking of pentax they have a k mount 135 , possibly 3.5, that is about equal to 135/2 L.
Actually my vivitar 135/2.8 beat Hektor, nikkor 135/3.5, both Zuiko 135/2.8 & 3.5, needs at least f/4 or so, about the same compared to 4.5 Hektor or 3.5's max aperture though
already have 2. 75-150 OM is probably better than nikkor, mine has about the same green reflections as 65-200 so apparently MC and possibly a later serial number than most. 65-200 is excellent but not small, these older lenses tend to need f/8 or at least 5.6-11.