Zeiss 135mm f/4 Sonnar - Exakta Mount

The Carl Zeiss Jena 135mm f/4 Sonnar is a classic telephoto lens for the Exakta system, featuring a four-element optical design. It is recognised for its distinct rendering and natural contrast, making it a capable choice for portraiture and general telephoto work on vintage 35mm SLRs. The lens typically features a preset or semi-automatic diaphragm mechanism depending on the specific production era. When assessing used examples, the external barrel often shows finish wear due to the age of the aluminium or black paint. Internal optics should be checked for haze and fungal growth, which are common in lenses of this vintage. We ensure the aperture leaves are free from oil and that the focusing helicoid operates smoothly without excessive resistance or dry spots.