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Leitz 135mm f/4 Elmar

The Leitz 135mm f/4 Elmar is a medium telephoto prime built for Leica rangefinder use, sitting in the long-focal-length end of the classic Leitz lineup. As an Elmar-series lens it follows the brand's traditional compact, modest-aperture telephoto formula and was intended for portraiture, distant subjects and reportage work where reach mattered more than speed. Buyers researching what a 135mm Elmar is worth tend to compare it against the faster Tele-Elmarit and Hektor alternatives in the same focal length.

At recent UK auction the 135mm f/4 Elmar has been a low-cost entry into Leitz glass, with 2025 hammer results of £88 and £138 — wholesale saleroom prices before buyer's premium. Earlier records show £120 in 2005 and 2006, £157 in 2003 and £235 back in 2000, so today the lens typically sells for around £90–£140 with a median in the low three figures. Condition, not vintage, drives the price: clean glass and smooth focus push toward the upper end, while hazy or stiff examples sit at the bottom of the range.

Variants

Variant Years Edition Sales Price Range
BM — — 4 £40 – £81
LTM — — 2 £100 – £200
M — — 6 £60 – £211
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Sales History

Prices shown are UK auction hammer results — the wholesale level achieved in the saleroom. Neither buyer’s nor seller’s commission is included. Dealer and retail asking prices are typically higher.

Date Price Source Variant
Nov 2025 £50 Special Auction Services BM
Sep 2025 £56 Flints Auctions —
May 2025 £94 Flints Auctions —
Apr 2025 £88 Flints Auctions —
Apr 2025 £138 Flints Auctions —
Mar 2025 £75 Flints Auctions —
Apr 2024 £100 Special Auction Services M
Apr 2024 £60 Special Auction Services M
Aug 2023 £100 Special Auction Services LTM
Apr 2023 £70 Special Auction Services M
Mar 2023 £81 Flints Auctions BM
May 2011 EUR 1,100 Leitz Auction —
Nov 2008 EUR 200 Leitz Auction LTM
Nov 2007 EUR 100 Leitz Auction M
May 2006 EUR 120 Leitz Auction —
May 2005 EUR 120 Leitz Auction —
May 2005 EUR 200 Leitz Auction M
May 2003 EUR 469 Leitz Auction —
May 2003 EUR 157 Leitz Auction —
Jun 2002 £211 Christie's M
Jun 2000 £235 Christie's —
Nov -0001 £94 Flints Auctions —

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