Canon Serenar 135mm f/4 II

Canon Serenar 135mm f/4 II

Introduced in June 1948, the Serenar 135mm f/4 II is the rangefinder-coupled successor to Canon’s first 135mm f/4. It retains a four-element, three-group optical design in a chrome Leica thread mount barrel.

Optical qualities

Rendering

The four-element, three-group construction delivers the narrow angle of view and compressed perspective associated with a 135mm rangefinder telephoto. Stopping down generally improves contrast and frame consistency. Internal haze, coating wear and mechanical alignment can have a substantial effect on surviving examples.

Handling

The Type II adds rangefinder coupling, making it more practical than the scale-focus first version on compatible LTM bodies. It accepts 40 mm filters. Canon’s surviving specification sheet does not state minimum focus, dimensions or weight, so those fields are intentionally left unspecified.

History

Development and Launch

Canon marketed the Type II in June 1948, only a few months after the first Serenar 135mm f/4 reached the market.

Production Evolution

The principal documented change from the first version is rangefinder coupling. The optical element and group counts remained four and three respectively.

Special Editions/Variants

Engraving and small exterior differences can occur among surviving lenses, but no separate optical version is established here.

Collector Notes

Rangefinder coupling distinguishes this profile from the uncoupled Type I. A prospective example should be checked for accurate coupling, smooth focusing and clear internal glass.