Cheap 135mm f2.8 Portrait Lens??? Yeah RIGHT!!

Is there a cheap, under £20, good, 135mm f2.8 portrait lens???
In this video I'm checking out a vintage, 135mm lens to see if it could be used in a real world and deliver good enough results in comparison to a modern, expensive equivalent.
#135mmlens #cheapportraitlens #howtobecreative
M42 Sunagor 135mm f2.8
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Gear used to make this video:
Sony a7sII: amzn.to/2XHAgvC
Atomos Ninja V Monitor/Recorder: amzn.to/2D9p1D5
SanDisk Ultra 3D SSD 500GB: amzn.to/37uVDVD
SanDisk Extreme PRO 128 GB SDXC Memory Card: amzn.to/2OgwhDn
Sony 24-105mm f4 Lens: amzn.to/2OeH94Q
Rode VideoMicPro: amzn.to/35lA48a
SMALLRIG A7SII Cage: amzn.to/35wMBpw
Manfrotto Pro Video Head: amzn.to/2sdPWeN
Manfrotto 190XPRO Tripod: amzn.to/37w8o2j
Tascam DR-70D - 4-channel audio recorder: amzn.to/2XHipVZ
I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.co.uk and affiliated sites.
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Twitter: / tvpav

[@PavSZ]

What vintage lens do you use and why?

I use Helios 44m-7 58mm, F/2 on my Sony A6000, very very sharp vintage lens.

[@PavSZ]

@ I didn't even know that there is 44-7!! I need to check it out. I have 44-2 and I love it

@@PavSZ I read somewhere that 7 is the most sharp of all 44 lens. Fortunatelly I got it very cheap.

[@Ansonandco]

I have a vivitar 135 f2! I don’t use it as much as i want, but it’s great. Have you looked into a rokinon 135? A modern 135 for a couple hundred dollars. Also thanks for the shout out! We actually need to work together soon. It needs to happen! Those bloopers 😂😂😂

[@PavSZ]

@@Ansonandco I didn't actually know that there were cheap modern options! I didn't do enough research!!!! We do need to make a video together SOOON!

[@Katy809RD]

I found someone selling this one and a 35mm lens (for $40), I was going going to buy it but your video is making me love it! You are so passionate about photography!! love it

[@mudgie069]

I've owned the Minolta MC 135mm f2.8 for years from my film days and still love using it today. Nice video.

[@normanswindon518]

I buy vintage lenses for my Sony Nex 6. it is why I bought the camera. I couldn't figure out what it was that I liked about this manual shooting process until watching this video. Now I get it, it is the jeopardy of it, you are never sure until you get it into lightroom if it is sharp or not and when you nail the shot it is so rewarding.

[@PavSZ]

this feeling is priceless - I love shooting with vintage lenses

[@kamishimoproductions8587]

A great review on the 135mm. Thanks, Pav, your creativity about the 135mm lenses inspires me to go and try out my Sears 135mm f2.8 and the DeJur Auto 135mm f2.8(this one needs an adapter) on the BMPCC 4K. I love the TV game show look alike.

[@akbunny5221]

Brilliant.....! I've just bought Carl Zeiss Jena 135mm f2.8, I can't wait to try it out on my A6000.....!!!

[@LE672AJ]

These classic M42 lenses are terrific. Easy to adapt (just screw it in, no crazy tabs or pokey things!), compatible with many cameras, they don’t cost much, and can provide some interesting photo/video looks. I love them :)

[@danienelphoto]

I often choose m42s over FDs ...

[@ajthealchemist]

What an awesome, quick little video!

[@PavSZ]

Glad you liked it! Thank you so much!

[@rosenkoev6988]

Great video and beautiful examples! Best cheap vintage 135mm I've used is hands down the yashica 135 2.8 ML. As good as the contax zeiss 135 2.8 (made in the same factory) but a lot cheaper (30 euros in my case in mint condition). Reasonably sharp wide open and great bokeh. And great for video!

[@atkinsoncorno]

Fun video @PavSZ! I love shooting with vintage lenses with all the character and satisfaction that each shot gives (if you nail focus and framing). And the history behind each lens...what stories they could tell! I've got a wide arsenal of vintage glass including: Nikon pre-Ai 35mm f1.4, 35mm f2, 105mm f2.5, 180mm f2.8, SMC Takumar 50mm f1.4, 85mm f1.8, Zeiss Jena 35mm f2.8 and 2.4. New cameras and lenses with stellar autofocus are all great, but it takes away a huge part of the art of photography. Kudos to everyone else who gives vintage lenses a second life in the digital age!

[@alltagsvlog]

Very well made review of what seems to be an absolute must have considered the price... Just ordered me one off ebay for 30€uros. Thanks mate! Going to enjoy this piece of glass on my A7II spare cam ...

[@scrptwic]

I have the Chinar 135mm 2.8 ,the Pentax 135mm,3.5 and the Takumar 135 mm, m42 3.5 all manuel focus as well as the Pentax 150mm 3.5 I love how these lens can separate the subject and awesome they are

[@alanaed4571]

Good video. I have a Kenlock 135mm f1.8 mount F Nikon which meets your description "hard to focus but when you nail it, it is very rewarding"

[@PavSZ]

Nice!!! Love vintage glass

[@robinj.9329]

WOW! I recently had to pay $160. plus shipping for a 135mm f/2.8 Nikkor lens. But it looks and works like it's brand new! Great focal length for street/candid shots. Your not right up in someone's face, so folks tend to appear very "Natural" and relaxed.

[@MckayGeoff]

Great video! I have a sony zeiss A mount 135mm 1.8 which I love using on my sony a7r4 manual focus with LA-EA3 adapter. Great fun! Keep the good videos coming!

[@PavSZ]

thank you very much for watching. I am reviewing the Pentacon 50mm f1.8 vintage lens in couple of weeks.

[@Qibilii]

I have a 70s Saligor 70-200 with variable aperture. It makes my a7II very front heavy but the image aesthetics are kinda sleek and vintage. Most applicable in non-serious work. Love it!

[@PavSZ]

Nice!

[@smitbow1]

I have a Nikkor 50mm f/2 lens that I bought with the Nikkormat body for $10 USD. The body doesn't work, but I used the lens on my old Nikon DSLR, and I have adapted it to use on my Fuji mirrorless. It is fun to shoot with, and, like you, I enjoy the challenge of manual focus.

[@stevemarino5745]

We discussed 135mm lenses on APUG/Photorio endlessly, and the consensus was that you can't find a bad 135mm lens, they're all good, and some are gooder. The Canon FD 135 2.5 gets my vote for the best one, it gives a real Leica look at times, and the bokeh is really smooth. Great portrait or walk around lens.

[@PavSZ]

Cool!

[@jonnyem.8859]

Just bought a pristine vintage 42mm thread mount Pentax 135 3.5 with 2 aperture rings, one with clicks, one free spinning. Clean glass and body like new. It is just beautiful to look at and heft, so solid and silky focusing. Can't wait to try it out. ($25 at antique shop.)

[@PavSZ]

Very nice!

[@yurypisar347]

Nice shots!

[@PavSZ]

Thanks!

[@knagarjun]

Lovely review. Just found an adapter for an old Raynox 135mm/f2.8 to use on my Sony A7iii. Cannot wait to do some portraits.

[@PavSZ]

These old lenses are really good - especially 135s as they were top of the range lenses back in the day

[@TreParker2016]

I have a older version of the the same lens and yes I have used it on pro gigs. I do it all the time, I just tell my client beforehand so they understand the difference and the reward. I have used many vintage lenses on commercial gigs with amazing results. I have used the 37mm f2.8 Mir, Jupiter 11-135mm f4; Helios 44m; Olympus 100mm f2.8; Tokina atx om mount 24-40mm f2.8 during oscars red carpet for video. Voigtlander 40mm f1.2 many commercial street photography shoots. Takumar 150mm f4.

[@PavSZ]

Thanks for watching. it's funny that so many people presume that the old lens is just going to give horrible and non professional results. My next video is about Pentacon 50mm f1.8 which I absolutely LOVE.

[@Visible-soul]

Have three m42 lenses , 52mm x2 and 1 135mm can’t wait for my adapter to come and trying it out!!!!

[@cheteu7968]

Love this lens. I have Nikon d7000 so it doesn’t focus to infinity but still it gives gr8 results.

[@musicsur7918]

Maravillosas tus fotos !!!

[@PavSZ]

thanks!

[@umbrellawitch504]

Yes, I will buy this for sure. This guy in my local marketplace has this lens listing!!!

[@PavSZ]

You should! Great lens

[@ChrisMahtal]

After watching this video I picked up a mint condition copy of this lens for less than £10 on ebay. I'm very glad I did. It's so much fun to play with and it's a lot sharper than I expected. Now, I just need to get used to using manual focus again. :)

[@PavSZ]

Nice one! Great price. I love shooting with old vintage lenses, so much more rewarding

[@perryvalton4245]

Really beautiful pictures

[@PavSZ]

thank you very much!

[@IffyEdem]

Shot with a film camera for 5 months; I lived every bit of it. From metering, to focusing, to shooting to developing

[@PavSZ]

it certainly makes you think about every shot before you press that shutter button - I love it too

[@louontube]

One could make a video to totally trash this lens but include your photos taken with this lens and accomplish the exact opposite. Why? because the photos you exhibited in this video are amazing. They are fabulous and prove indeed that this inexpensive lens is worth many times over it's bargain shop prices. Thanks for sharing. Great video and fantastic photographs.

[@PavSZ]

Thank you sooo much!

[@user-mj7ph1hl6e]

Today I scored the precursor to that lens, Sunagor 135 f2.8 pre-seton an intercangeable T mount, it came free with a £25 all manual stop down metering SLR... Looking forward to having some fun with it. This is very similar to the kit I started out on in 1980.

[@PavSZ]

Nice one! Good find!

[@KetansaCreatesArt]

Very nice channel ☺️ Wish you more views and subscribers 😊

[@PavSZ]

thank you very much!

[@richardpcrowe]

I have several 135mm f/2.8 lenses and all of them produce very good results. especially for portraits... I like my Sears Auto 135mm f/2.8 ($11 USD from Goodwill) but, my favorite is the Meyer Gorlitz Orestor 135mm f/2.8 which was originally supplied for the East German made Pentacon camera. Not the absolute sharpest lens in my bag but, it provides beautiful renditions - probably due to its 15 bladed aperture. I also use the Orestor on my Sony APSC cameras adapted with a focal reducer which provides an equivalent 141mm f/2.0 focal length...

[@PavSZ]

NICE!

[@michellopes9750]

How do you guys finds adaptors to cameras like Sony A7?

[@richardpcrowe]

@@michellopes9750 I purchased all my adapters from eBay.

[@SayfHussain]

I have makinon 135mc f2.8 its awesome

[@wayneclayton5426]

I picked up a Tamron Twin-Tele 135mm f2.8 lens (which comes with a converter which makes it a prime f5.5 225mm lens) for £10. Now one of my favourite lens.

[@PavSZ]

awesome!

[@baldeagle242]

I just picked up a KAMERO * AUTO 1:28 f=135 55* No.52558 LENS for $5 US dollars, and it looks very similar to the one you have, but it has a different mount. I've been playing around with it and trying to teach my daughter about manual photography. It's an interesting lens, but I have found that my copy has a minimal focal length, somewhere around 8-10 feet. Mine is definitely not a macro lens by any stretch of the imagination.

[@PavSZ]

for that price, it is a steal, even if it is not a macro

[@baldeagle242]

@@PavSZ No doubt. We have played around with it quite a bit taking pictures of all the different birds that show up in our backyard. Its surprisingly sharp and provides great pictures.

[@nightcoder5k]

Nice lens. If you use the TechArt Pro adapter or the Fotodiox Pronto adapter you'll get autofocus. Manual focus with that focal length at f/2.8 can be a challenge.

[@steven1811]

Best invention every.

[@wh0tube]

I have a Sun 135mm f2.5 and a Carl Zeiss 135mm f3.5. Can I take a half-decent photo to save my life? No! 😁 Maybe one day! Thanks for the review, I’m inspired 🙏

[@PavSZ]

Nice!! It's a little bit more challenging to get good photos with those old manual lenses but when you do, it's 1000x more rewarding. Keep trying!!

[@sahilbrar7330]

great sir

[@user-ii6vz9lx2i]

I have a set of pentax screw mount primes that were gifted to me and they are fantastic for this type of creative shooting adapted to sony mirrorless. Too slow to focus for a professional shoot, but very useful for personal stuff.

[@PavSZ]

nice!! Vintage lenses are not too slow for a professional shoots, it all depends on what you shoot and what are the client's expectations

[@snappychappy]

I have a Chinon 135mm f2,8 in K mount. 205mm on my K70 and 270mm adapted to my Panasonic MFT bodies. Great pics and £7.

[@PavSZ]

I love cheap vintage lens

[@nigelcliff7390]

Recently I bought a mint Vivitar 135mm f2.8for all of £14 still with it's case and it's a real belter

[@PavSZ]

nice one!

[@Katy809RD]

How can I find adapters for kamero vintage lenses?

[@barbarybar]

Regarding converter mounts Pav. Are there some you prefer and some we should steer clear of? Where do you get yours from?

[@PavSZ]

I love K&F Concept. No frills, all manual and they work great

[@GJSsongsmith]

Cool video Pav just bought a Carl Zeiss 50mm f2.8 M42 mount , when I nail it the pics are great … it’s good to work at it sometimes to hone focussing skills ! Cost me £28 quid ! …. Love the channel , many thanks Gary … ps I was a maths teacher and your lens is 66.6 recurring times cheaper ! … I’ll let you off with 67 🙏📸😂

[@PavSZ]

Nice! I'd love to find Carl Zeiss 50mm f2.8 lens for £28 - I'd happily give you £30 for it 😉 Thanks Gary

[@GJSsongsmith]

@@PavSZ Hi Pav , I was so lucky with that one ! The bokeh is brilliant £31 and it’s yours ! 😉

[@_H_2023]

I find the reason why it's sometimes difficult to nail the sharpness of an image in manual is not because the quality of the lens although many manual lenses are soft compared to digital but it's the digital view finders EVF they are just not good enough for manual setting, I think when the cameras EVF improves I think you will see a surge towards Vintage glass. So the secret is buy it now because one day that view finder technology will improve.

[@PavSZ]

it is an issue but it is easy to overcome - I simply zoom on the image and use focus peaking to nail it right.

[@KEHA14]

How fun!

[@PavSZ]

it totally is

I own a Vivitar FD 135mm f/2.8. Very underrated lens, and the price is absolutely low, it is a steal.

[@PavSZ]

Nice!

[@petemulhearn7787]

I recently bought a Yashica DSB 135mm f2.8 for £20 to use with my Sony a6000 camera just out of curiosity. I already have a Sony 70-200 f4 G lens which is pretty dammed good but wanted a small long focus lens just to carry about when I'm not doing serious photography. (With the a6000 APS-C sensor with 135mm the effective focal length is around 200mm for both lenses) The difference between the G lens set at 135mm and the Yashica is only noticeable with a really close crop. The Yashica is a little bit softer around the edges and the colour is perhaps a little richer. The Yashica come into its own for outdoor portraits with the f2.8 aperture. A Sony to Yashica adapter costs around £20 so a bit of a bargain!

[@PavSZ]

Nice!!! Good find Those vintage lenses will always be softer. That's what gives them more character.

[@amermeleitor]

Seems like the same as my Albinar 135mm f2.8 for Pentax. Maybe were made in the same place with different brands and mounts. I bought ir for 30usd with a 2x teleconverter, caps, and faux leather pouch, all in very good condition . I use it with adapters with Sony Nex 5r and Canon M100

[@PavSZ]

It could be that they are all the same - just different name

[@lightleaked]

Siemanko Pav, I was thinking of the helios 135mm 2,8 for videography , this seems very similar. Thank for the image examples

[@PavSZ]

Dzieki! Great lenses that are full of character

[@lightleaked]

@@PavSZ vintage lenses are defo a vibe , im using the tokina 70 - 210 SD i have samples on my channel. keep up the great work !

[@TokenWeb]

I found a Canon 135 mm 2.5 Soft Focus and I kiss this lens each time I shot :D It's not MF but it is 40 yo lens, the sharpest one I have ever used for street photography.

[@PavSZ]

It's a great lens

[@winheiMR]

Wie ist die genaue Beschreibung der Objektives? konnte es nicht in DE finden, danke.

[@edwardwest5035]

I use an Unitor Gold Seal f2.8 that has a Nikon mount. I bought it new for £29 in about 1976 because I couldn't afford a Nikkor lens then. I use it adapted on Fujifilm mirror less cameras mostly but sometimes with a film Nikon F2. It's fine.

[@PavSZ]

Nice!!!

[@DonleyStrong]

I have a JC Penneys 135mm f2.8 ($7.50usd) and recently purchased a Olympus 135mm f3.5 ($31.00usd), both used on two Samsung NX1000 cameras

[@isaacreyes1181]

I found one in my local antique store for $6 US. The glass is in perfect condition, it's only missing the rubber grip

[@PavSZ]

$6!!!!!! thats's awesome! lack of rubber grip shouldn't affect the performance at all

[@thickrebel6493]

i have a few zeiss vintage lenses - 135mm f3.5, 50mm f2.8, 35mm distagon f2.8. recently bought an autofocus zeiss for my sony a7rii. 35mm f2.8. i quite like it, but my fav is the cheap 135mm. i just could`t believe that lens can handle a 42mp image. stellar lens that is for ~50£.

[@PavSZ]

nothing beats cheap lens that can really deliver!

[@CarmineTavernaPhotography]

I truly like your content..cheers

[@PavSZ]

Thank you!

[@barbarybar]

Give a more flattering softness to portraits. Lovely bokeh.

[@richardpcrowe]

I like the Meyer Optik Gorlitz line of lenses especially the 50mm Oreston f/1.8 on a crop camera or the 135mm f/2.8 Pentacon; which I believe is also a Meyer Optik Gorlitz product. Of course the old 135mm Carl Zeiss Jena Triotar f/4 produces some dandy renditions! I don't look for perfecto in these lenses just remarkable images...

[@PavSZ]

I never used Meyer Optik Gorlitz lenses .... yet

[@nonamninom9344]

My first vintage lens is Pentacon. I love it!

[@MrChrissk]

I have a Tamaron 135mm F2.8 adaptall, would cost £25but was bought as a present so cost me nothing, tbf it performs pretty well with my minolta md to Sony E adapter. Gives some good images for a vintage lens on a modern mirrorless body.

[@PavSZ]

Can't beat that vintage vibe of old lenses.

[@richardpcrowe]

How about a 135mm f/2.0 lens? I have a Sears Auto 135mm M-42 mount f/2.8 lens adapted to my Sony A6600 using a Kiron M-42 to e-mount focal reducer. This gives me the 135mm effective focal length and f/2.0 effective aperture. I paid $12.00 USD for the lens and about fifty bucks for the focal reducer... This gives very reasonable quality imagery... I also have several other 135mm M-42 lount lenses which give great character in their renditions... I don't use these because of their low cost but, rather for the specific renditions of which they are capable....

[@neilpiper9889]

I have a Helios 135 mm f2. 8 in M42. Made in Japan..£5 excellent.

[@bensonstein3993]

Are you sure it is Made in Japan? Helios are made in Russia.

[@sergeantcrow]

@@bensonstein3993 Yes made in Japan.. I don't know the full story on why some Helios are made in Japan. I am reluctant to add temptatio.... by pointing you to a good channel you may like to explore... 'Zenography' Thank you for all you are sharing...

[@DangLeProject92]

Which adapter are you recommended to adapt to E Mount & L Mount ?

[@PavSZ]

I adapt M42 lenses to Sony-E and Nikon Z mounts with K&F Concept adapters

[@neuroniuans]

Hi, thank you for this video. I use mainly Helios 44-2, Pentacon 50mm, Jupiter 135mm, Vivitar 200mm and few others less often. Can I ask you what is this devide that you use around 5.01 min of the video to operate the lens? I saw sometihng like that a while ago in some other video, but as I don't know the name for it wasn't able to find it.

[@PavSZ]

these are rubber, clip on gears to use the lens with follow focus. SmallRig makes the elastic ones in different sizes that just go over the lens and there is no clip to get in the way

[@neuroniuans]

@@PavSZ Thank you very much for your reply. I've just discovered an entirely new world of camera equipment I didn't know existed!

[@crisrocchi2722]

Hi Pav. If you know, this lens have a thorium/radioactive elements? Thanks

[@PavSZ]

no idea!

[@StephaanBOSS56]

Thanks man, great video. I found two in a box of lenses I bought on a flee market and I never looked at since. I have a Sony and some vintage 50mm glas, but never used these 135mm lenses. One is AUTO MIRANDA 1:2.8 f=135mm 5438722 and the other one is a Vivitar 135mm 1:2.8 AUTO TELEPHOTO CLOSE FOCUSING N° 28803109. Any idea what adapter I need to put those on my Sony?

[@PavSZ]

you need to check what mount these are. If it is a screw type than it is M42 - the most common type. If that's the case - this one would do: amzn.to/2KklYeU If it is not a screw mount I don't really know how to check it. Sorry. I'd take a photos of them and ask on Vintage Lens Facebook groups. Someone will know

[@StephaanBOSS56]

@@PavSZ it's not M42, I have the M42 adapter here. One seems to be a Canon FD. That adapter I had on an old Canon. The 135 mm works very well.

[@richardpcrowe]

Vivitar never manufactured any glass. That company simply re-branded lenses made by other manufacturers and these were sold in a myriad of lens mounts. I have an M-42 mount Vivitar 135mm f/2.8 lens that I purchased for $12 USD from the Goodwill resale website. I don't know who made it (I suspect Tokina) but, I bought it to see what kind of quality I could get from a twelve dollar lens. It is really pretty good and I use it on my Sony A73 and on my crop format A6xxx cameras with a focal reducer which gives me an equivalent 141mm f/2.0 lens - nice for head and shoulders portraiture.

[@jannuijten]

Another very good lens is the Auto Chinon 135mm F 1: 2.8. A very decent lens, very sharp. I found mine on a flee market en it cost me € 5,- .

[@PavSZ]

nice one! I'll keep an eye for it - you just can't beat those prices for quality lenses like these

[@michaelbruchas6663]

Soligor used to have some tie-in with Miranda - in the US long ago…

[@PavSZ]

I'm sure I've heard something about it

[@mountys_photoadventure]

I have the same Lens and i Love it. Use it on a Canon 650d and 200d with Adapter.

[@PavSZ]

Nice! It's a little gem!

[@billmcfadden4791]

Canon also made 135mm 2.8 soft focus back in early 1990s. EOS lens but auto focus is not fast for sports. I traded one in about 2000 but brought another one, It is great for landscape

[@PavSZ]

thanks for sharing this

[@Smooth1productions]

I have the albinar 135 f2.8 but I need the adapter m or e mount

[@PavSZ]

adapters are really cheap

[@Trendsetic]

I bought one of these cluelessly. Thanks for talking about the mount and I'm wondering what adapter I can get to use to get to EF? Can that be done? Thank you.

[@PavSZ]

most likely you need m42 to EF adapter

[@Trendsetic]

@@PavSZ Thank you!

[@mabdinur85]

Could the focus issue be because the aperture pin doesn't go inwards when placed on camera thus locking the aperture to F2.8? The critical aperture for best depth of field sharpness I would believe is F4 to F5.6. I actually came to this video in search of how to safely remove that pin for a similar Opticam 135mm F2.8.

[@PavSZ]

There is no locking pin on this lens and aperture can be changed.

[@jocknarn3225]

I just gotta Tamron CT-135/f2.8 circa 1976-79 with 1st-gen Adaptall mount. Must shoot asap. AUD $70 incl post, clean glass, nice quality feel. Will report on results after shooting.

[@PavSZ]

NICE one

[@crispinalanrobinson4515]

Hi could someone give me some advice please. I have purchased a OPTOMAX TELEPHOTO LENS 1:28 . I want to put it on my Samsung nx1000 I was wondering what lens adaptor I would need. Thank you and happy Christmas everyone

[@PavSZ]

you look for adapter from specific mount to mount. I'm not sure what mount is your optomax lens and what mount is NX1000 so I can't advise specifically - google it 😉

[@imadachache4537]

2:35 it's definitely PURRfect

[@PavSZ]

thanks! That's Sheldon

[@samsen3965]

2:01 This alone, sold it fully to me.

[@PavSZ]

these old lenses are really cool!

[@RedHell2884]

can i use with nikon F mount, for example (D300s Apsc/D750 FX)?

[@PavSZ]

kind of. Nikon's flange distance is smaller than with other cameras. There are adapters for m42 to Nikon F but very often you can't get infinity focus with these lenses as the distance between the lens and the sensor is not right

[@philhodgkinson1460]

I have at last got an adaptor for mine which was a Minolta MC...it works fine on a Minolta camera I have but wanted it to fit Chinon CE 5...pk fitting.... So got adaptor for £15 off e bay... need to get somme film now..... HOOO HAAAA

[@PavSZ]

Nice!

[@DethronerX]

But ideal for Film for portrait shots. I know I'd use it What about using Focus Peaking? That should nail it every time, right?

[@PavSZ]

theoretically yes. not so simple in real life

[@neilpiper9889]

Yes its got Helios on it and made in Japan. It was supplied by Technical and Optical Equipment in London, serial number starts 81...,so following Russian numbering system it was made in 1981.

[@PavSZ]

Helios are definitely Russian lenses. 'made in Japan' just doesn't sound right. Have you got a link to show us some photos of it somewhere?

[@neilpiper9889]

@@PavSZ these lenses had the Helios name printed on them by Technical and Optical Equipment company with made in Japan printed as well. They did this because this lens filled a gap in the Soviet made lenses. It has a built in slide up lenshood if that helps with identification. It is very sharp with no flare fyi.

[@musicsur7918]

👏👏👏👏👏

[@sarimiranda8617]

Hey I have a Tokina 135mm f2.8 my grandfather gave me but I have a Nikom d5300 and Can't use it on my camera. Can you tell me if is there any adaptador so I can use it normally?

[@bryanescalante2871]

What kinda mount is it? Also keep in mind that nikon dslr cameras have a 45mm flange distance meaning no matter what adapter you use you can't focus to infinity

[@dagr8ape]

Very nice still samples, great deal, great video. I'll be keeping my eyes open for it. Thanks.

[@nicktropiano5246]

Lenses like this are why I'll always be a Nikon DSLR F-mount shooter. Cheap, fun, old-school glass! My $30 eBay 135/2.8 "Imado" branded mystery lens (Tokina? Sigma? Tamaron? Who knows?) from the 70's? 80's? (Who knows?) Awesome for portraits. Natural glamour glow, soft wide open -- which is something you WANT in portraits! F4 sweet spot. Good sharpness, backgrounds melt into a swirl of color when focused close due to the long focal length. Hardly anything on the internet at all about this lens. There are scads of cheap old school manual 135/2.8s around. Sears, Penney's, Spiratone, brands you never heard of... One should be in every shooter's bag. Perfect for portraits or just having some photographic fun.

[@PavSZ]

Yes but unfortunately you don't get infinity focus with these lenses on Nikon F-mount DSLRs

[@nicktropiano5246]

@@PavSZ Really? Why wouldn't you? They're f-mount lenses designed for Nikon cameras with (I'm sure) the exact same flange distance. You don't get infinity when using adapters on Nikon cameras -- I don't use adapters for that reason. Am I missing something? Please educate me if I am. I rarely shoot this focal length at infinity. They're for portraiture.

[@PavSZ]

@@nicktropiano5246 only Nikon vintage lenses come with f-mount. All others you've mentioned before will mostly be M42 mount and those will require an adapter

[@nicktropiano5246]

@@PavSZ --- that's not true at all. Plenty of vintage manual f-mount lenses are non-Nikon. The lens on my camera right now is an f-mount "Imado" 135/2.8 that requires no adapter, is NOT M42. Plenty of manual f-mount (not M42) lenses in a variety of focal lengths made by 3rd party manufactures and rebadgers like Vivitar, Sears, and Spiratone. Here's is but ONE example of countless: Imado 135mm f2.8 35mm SLR Prime lens Manual Focus (MF) Nikon Fallphotolenses.com/lenses/item/c_3879.html

[@sclogse1]

Try the Minolta Celtic 135mm 2.8 Find the right ebay seller and the right copy. You won't believe it. I use it on my Fuji X system, and I have the Fuji 90mm 2.0 to compare it to. It's incredible. 30 bucks.

[@PavSZ]

Nice one!!

[@lilomopon7804]

Hi , can we use it on Nikon d 3400 dx without adapter

[@PavSZ]

no - it might not work on Nikon DSLR with adapter either

[@iCthe4]

Can this be used for Night Photography?, even the Moon?

[@PavSZ]

night photography, yes but bear in mind that it is a manual lens, you have to be able to see what you are focusing on. 135mm will be too short focal length for pictures of the moon, unless you crop in a lot.

[@philhodgkinson1460]

Hi I bought an Identical lens for 12quid imagine that not got it yet will be good to test it out....like you did...you didn't mention that copies of the same lens can be good and bad like all other lenses... I suspect that this one probably got 5 elements in 4 groups and 7 or 8 Iris blades....more expensive lens would have 10 elements maybe faster lens Who knows... Anyways liked your video keep em coming......

[@PavSZ]

it's true, you can get really bad copies. This on is in new condition and everything works really well. Thank you for watching!

[@musayevjamil]

My standard triple lens set: Sony 2,8/16mm Yashinon 1,7/50mm Tair 11a 2,8/135mm

[@musayevjamil]

Besides I have next wonderful lenses: FED 3,5/50 mm (lens from 1952) Helios 44-2 2/58mm Helios 44M-7 2/58mm (sharpest version) Yupiter 37A 3,5/135mm Yupiter 8-M 2/50mm

[@musayevjamil]

For all of them I paid around 80-100$ in total)

[@PavSZ]

NICE!!!!

[@clarkkennmorgana]

can i use one for moon shooting?

[@PavSZ]

yes, but I think that vintage lenses might be to imperfect for really good results

[@hasanspondon3955]

Can i use it with a Sony a6000

[@PavSZ]

of course! All you need is M42 to Nex adapter - this one: amzn.to/2RZErlf

[@GalZiv]

What kind of adapter I need for this for sony e mount?

[@PavSZ]

m42 to sony-E or whatever vintage mount you have to Sony-E. Check out K&F Concept, they do them all

[@GalZiv]

@@PavSZ thanks 👍

[@lightninginabottleuk]

I bought this from a charity shop, but the M42 adapter doesn't fit - do you know why this could be? Serial number is 42182 if that helps? It's a screw mount but seems a bit smaller than M42. Could it be M39? Would be good to try it out!

[@PavSZ]

yeah, it could be m39. Adapters are fairly cheap on Amazon and you can return it easily if it doesn't fit

[@lightninginabottleuk]

@@PavSZ It seems to fit (M39) but I can’t get it to focus on anything, focus appears to almost fixed…

[@MichaelRusso]

A little internal cleaning might increase it's contrast and sharpness.

[@PavSZ]

true

[@samsen3965]

There are too many manufacturers that build 135mm FL at F/2.8 or 3.5 The great surprise is that most of them are exceptionally good lenses and even more surprise, they all (Almost all) come in dirt cheap price. I'm not sure why people don't take the advantage, when we can.

[@PavSZ]

yep - a lot of people have to have the latest and super expensive lenses and even then they don't know how to use them. These 135mm lenses were expensive and top of the range back in the day. I haven't seen a bad quality one yet

[@samsen3965]

@@PavSZ To me, there is no FL better than 135 on FF or Cropped sensor for Portrait (The ultimate FL for the task), but very useful for astrophotography (Small size, low weight, a tad of magnification but a great and accurate reliability on sky tracker due to low weight load and size), even at times general photography and macro! I consider Manual focus as a "Bonus", in fact, the single reason these lenses can live long after the life of original Owner!!! (Sorry to say but a well established and proven fact!). And though I not only in this FL range, but all together, my SHARPEST lens in my bag that always travels with me is my beloved Samyang 135, F/2 but every vintage 135 I have (And I have a large collection of names and products) are the very top of the class and highly capable to rendering great images with the best IQ, unique compression and excellent bokeh. Your clip here is the proof of what I say and though you mentioned, it's not the lens for wedding (Need for fast AFing) I have no slight doubt these old lenses can do anything they are put to work, at best. The funny thing is that learning curve to work at best, with a manual focus lens, in conjunction to a good camera body (That can provide more that one way to confirmation of good focusing (Color peaking/Zebra, etc to replace olden days micro-prisms/split image) and on top of all, a high magnification on Live View(10x or better) (Thus the advantage of those cameras that have EVF vs mere optical) makes this process rather very easy and accurate. Only if we have a will to learn and try new things instead of good with stupidity of market and what is told to us :-) Any way, nice talking to you my pal and have a great day.

[@danienelphoto]

You might want to try a Hanimex 135mm F2.8 .... it is even cheaper, and has its own vibe. Also not very sharp, but pretty bokeh. I just made a video about it on my channel. I also enjoyed the Canon FL F3.5 135mm.

[@PavSZ]

Nice one! I'll try it out if I see it somewhere

[@craigericanderson]

A few years ago I bought a Canon FD 135mm f/2.8 in perfect condition for about $25.

[@PavSZ]

NICE! FD lenses are very good

[@philhodgkinson1460]

Erm my Sunagor 135mm f2. 8 arrived in the mail today.. Its not got "Macro" like yours...it says Series 1 on it... which is a branding Sunagor used for their binoculars...also different is 2 aperture rings on the lens barrel.. think one is meant to lock against the other.. also frustrating it was sold to me as a PK mount which would have suited my Chinon film camera...but its not its a smaller bayonet fitting and I don't know what it is if I did could convert to M42 with an adaptor very frustrating!!!

[@PavSZ]

oh no. I hate when this happen, when you get something like that and it is not what you expected. Have you managed to make it work?

[@aracelig354]

Oshiro 135mm f2. Any thoughts??

[@PavSZ]

Sorry, never heard of it

[@LinoCrafts]

I paid 3 or 4e for this one with the case. Wondering where i can find mounting systems for Minolta

[@PavSZ]

Nice! Amazon - search for M42 to Minolta adapter

[@LinoCrafts]

Doe minoltas use same mountings i do have one 35mm film minolta x370 if be more specific.That mount adapter u suggested is good for me right? Just started film photography he he.

[@PavSZ]

@@LinoCrafts sorry, i don't know. you need to find out what type is your lens mount on your Minolta