Meet the Pentor 135mm f/2.8 M42
The Pentor 135mm f/2.8 M42 is a fully manual telephoto lens built with the popular M42 screw mount. Its design offers a solid metal barrel, an aperture ring that clicks down to around f/22, and a focus helicoid that brings subjects close, with a minimum focusing distance of about 1.5 meters.
Wide open at f/2.8, it delivers a gentle softness and lower contrast compared to modern lenses. This “vintage rendering” produces flattering portraits with a dreamy glow when backlit, while retaining enough sharpness to hold subject detail.
The first time I noticed the Pentor’s dreamy backlit glow at f/2.8, it changed how I approached portraits. Instead of chasing clinical sharpness, I welcomed softness as an expressive tool.
Mounting and Setup (Digital and Film)
Mounting the Pentor 135mm f/2.8 is simple. With an M42 adapter, it attaches to most digital and film systems. Mirrorless cameras are especially straightforward for adaptation because of their short flange distance.
Exposure and Focusing
There are no electronic contacts—everything is manual. You select the aperture on the ring and adjust shutter speed or ISO in-camera. Focus peaking and magnified view are useful tools to lock precise focus, especially critical at 135mm.
Accessories for Better Use
To control flare and boost contrast, add a lens hood. Step-up rings also make it easy to use modern filters, such as ND filters for video work in daylight.
What the Pentor 135mm Does Well
Portraits
At f/2.8, faces are rendered with flattering softness and separation. The lens smooths skin slightly, giving a natural look.
Video
For filmmakers, highlights roll off more gently than with modern glass. It adds a cinematic, less clinical character to footage.
Nature and Detail
The 135mm focal length compresses scenes, isolating details in nature or architecture. Even ordinary details gain presence.
Experimental Shooting
Lower contrast and classic bokeh lend themselves to creative experiments. Shooting directly into light embraces vintage flare as a painterly effect.
Practical Shooting Techniques
- Use focus magnification to place the focus plane precisely on the eyes.
- Stabilize at 135mm; in-body stabilization or a monopod helps limit motion blur.
- Intentionally backlight for glow and add a lens hood when you want clarity instead.
- Stop down to f/4–f/5.6 to balance sharpness with character.
- On film, color negative stocks pair beautifully with the lens’s lower contrast.
Second‑Hand Buying Guide
The Pentor 135mm is still widely available and an accessible entry point into manual telephoto photography. Clean copies are affordable, but second‑hand inspection is crucial because servicing costs can exceed the lens’s value.
Common issues include stiff focusing due to aged greases and oily aperture blades that may stick or slow down.
Checklist Before Buying
- Aperture blades clean and snapping quickly (without oil or stickiness)
- Focus ring turning smoothly across the range (not overly stiff)
- Glass clear: no fungus, haze, or significant scratches
- M42 threads clean and undamaged; secure fit with adapter
- Includes caps and hood where possible for protection and contrast
Care and Maintenance Essentials
Longevity comes from good habits. Always store the Pentor 135mm in a dry environment with lens caps on. Damp storage invites fungus. When shooting outside, a hood and a clean filter help reduce flare and keep the front element free of dust.
If the focus ring stiffens over time, a professional re-lubrication may be worthwhile. Avoid oiling the aperture blades yourself, as it can ruin their function. Keeping an adapter attached can reduce repeated wear on the screw threads during frequent swaps.
Why This Lens Still Belongs in Your Kit
The Pentor 135mm f/2.8 M42 belongs to a family of lenses that reward patient, deliberate photography. Its distinct rendering sets it apart from modern clinical optics, while the all-metal build ensures it can remain usable for decades.
For those exploring analog cameras or adapting character glass to digital mirrorless systems, it is a perfect gateway into the charm of vintage telephoto work. Affordable, solid, and full of personality, it is a worthy companion for your creative kit.
FAQs
Will the Pentor 135mm f/2.8 M42 work on my digital camera?
Yes. With an M42 adapter, this lens can mount to many digital bodies. It will operate fully manually, so expect to set aperture and focus by hand. Mirrorless bodies are the easiest to adapt thanks to their short flange distance.
Does this lens have autofocus or electronic control?
No. There is no electronic coupling. Aperture is set on the lens ring, and focus is entirely manual. Many modern cameras meter correctly in manual or aperture-priority modes.
Is it a good choice for portraits and video?
Yes. Wide open at f/2.8, it offers flattering softness for portraits and a smooth, vintage quality for video. Stopping down sharpens the image, while a hood helps maintain contrast.
What should I pay and what issues should I avoid?
A clean copy is reasonably affordable. Avoid lenses with oily aperture blades, internal haze, fungus, or damaged threads that prevent secure mounting.
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