Meyer-Optik Görlitz Primotar 3.5 135

by bollywoodmovie · Published May 31, 2014 · Updated July 8, 2019

The Meyer-Optik Görlitz Primotar 3.5 135 is a light and slim 135mm telephoto lens that was manufactured in East Germany. Although not very fast, the lens offers decent image quality and smooth handling. It is among the lighter and smaller 135mm prime lenses (if you compare it to the Meyer-Optik Görlitz Orestor 135mm 2.8 for example).

Meyer-Optik Görlitz Primotar 3.5 135 Recommendation

PROs:

- - good build quality
  - light tele lens
  - good ergonomics

The main advantage of the Meyer-Optik Görlitz Primotar 3.5 135 is its’ size and weight. Weighing less than 500 grams, it is really compact and lightweight compared to other 135mm tele lenses. The Meyer-Optik Görlitz Primotar 3.5 135 is a very nice travelling companion that will not feel like carrying a brike around. As a back-up tele alternative lens, the Meyer-Optik Görlitz Primotar 3.5 135 is ideal for travel photographers.

The Meyer-Optik Görlitz Primotar 3.5 135 is also very well manufactured and designed. The sunshade is very compact and fits nicely to the lens without ever being cumbersome. The all mteal construction of the lens feels solid. Additionally, the focusing is very precise and ergonomically well placed in the middle of the lens barrel. The aperture setting itself is smooth and click free. This is also an advantage for videographers who which to change the aperture settings while shooting.

CONs:

- - slow
  - bokeh is not overwhelming
  - soft when shot wide open
  - rare and hard to find

The Meyer-Optik Görlitz Primotar 3.5 135 is not very fast compared to most other lenses in its’ range. At f3.5 it is slower than its’ bigger brother, the 135mm 2.8 Orestor and the Pentacon 135mm 2.8. Most images turn out pretty dark due to the f-stop settings. Along its’ slowness, its bokeh is also not amazing. I was expecting much more from a Meyer lens with 15 aperture blades but the bokeh turns out rather harsh and lacks a bit of complexity compared to the bokeh of other tele lenses.

Another major drawback is the lack of sharpness and contrast when shot wide open. You need to close the aperture to obtain decent image quality. This is especially true for the early silver versions of the Meyer-Optik Görlitz Primotar 3.5 135.

The Meyer-Optik Görlitz Primotar 3.5 135 was also not manufactured that often and can be hard to find in good condition. Personally, I would recommend getting the Meyer-Optik Görlitz Orestor 135mm 2.8 instead.

Meyer-Optik Görlitz Primotar 3.5 135 Versions

The Meyer-Optik Görlitz Primotar 3.5 135 lens is available both with the EXA / Exakta mount as well as with the M42 / Pentax mount.

Different versions of the Meyer-Optik Görlitz Primotar 3.5 135 exist. The first version has an all silver finish, later models have the typical Zebra stripes while the latest models have an all black finish.