Sankyo-Kohki Komura 135mm f/3.5

Sankyo Kohki Komura 135mm f/3.5 LTM

The Sankyo Kohki Komura 135mm f/3.5 LTM is a Japanese telephoto lens for Leica screw-mount rangefinder cameras. It was produced under the Komura lens brand by Sankyo Kohki, a Japanese optical manufacturer known for supplying lenses across several mounts during the postwar period. A dealer listing documents the lens as “Komura 135mm F/3.5 lens for Leica Screw Mount, made in Japan, with hood and optical finder,” and the front ring on the example is marked “Sankyo Kohki Japan Komura 135mm” [1].

This lens should be kept separate from the Kyoei Super-Acall 135mm f/3.5 LTM. Both are Japanese 135mm f/3.5 Leica screw-mount telephotos, but they come from different makers and should not share the same database entry. Rangefinderforum discussion also distinguishes Komura lenses from Kyoei / Acall lenses and notes Sankyo Kohki markings on Komura examples [2].

This entry covers Leica L39 / LTM / M39 screw-mount examples of the Sankyo Kohki Komura 135mm f/3.5. Because Komura produced many lenses in different mounts, the exact Leica screw mount, rangefinder coupling and infinity focus should be verified from the physical lens. Do not merge it with Kyoei Super-Acall 135mm f/3.5, Canon 135mm f/3.5, Nikkor-Q.C 13.5cm f/3.5, Komura 135mm f/2.8, or later SLR-mount Komura lenses.

Optical qualities

Rendering

The Komura 135mm f/3.5 is a vintage Japanese telephoto with classic rendering and moderate speed. Its collector interest comes from its Leica screw-mount rangefinder use, Sankyo Kohki / Komura branding and relative scarcity compared with Canon or Nikon 135mm LTM lenses. The dealer example shown with hood and optical finder indicates the typical long-lens accessory setup for use on Leica screw-mount cameras [1].

Sharpness

No reliable modern bench test was found for the Leica screw-mount 135mm f/3.5 version. A clean copy may be capable of good practical sharpness, but performance should be judged copy by copy. Condition, haze, cleaning marks, coating wear, internal reflections and focusing accuracy are likely more important than catalogue specifications.

Contrast and color

Contrast is likely moderate and strongly condition-dependent. A hood is useful for this type of vintage 135mm telephoto, especially with older coatings. Complete examples with hood and finder are more attractive for practical use and collecting.

Bokeh and transitions

As a 135mm f/3.5 lens, the Komura can provide noticeable background separation for portraits, details and distant subjects. It is not as fast as f/2.8 or f/2 135mm lenses, but the longer focal length still gives it useful subject isolation.

Handling

The lens is intended for Leica screw-mount rangefinder use and is normally paired with an external 135mm finder for framing. The example shown includes an optical finder and hood [1]. If used on Leica M bodies, an L39-to-M adapter is required. Rangefinder accuracy should be checked carefully because 135mm lenses place greater demands on coupling precision.

Digital use

The lens can be used on Leica M digital bodies with an L39-to-M adapter and on mirrorless cameras with suitable adapters. It is uncoded and has no six-bit identification. Digital use should include careful checking for rangefinder calibration, rear clearance, flare and contrast loss.

History

Development and Launch

Public documentation for the Komura 135mm f/3.5 LTM is limited. It belongs to the period when Japanese third-party makers supplied lenses for Leica screw-mount cameras and Japanese Leica-copy bodies. Sankyo Kohki used the Komura name across many focal lengths and mounts, so the Leica screw-mount version should be identified by mount, rangefinder coupling and front-ring engraving.

Production Evolution

No confirmed production years, serial ranges or production totals were found. Known examples appear in black and chrome / silver finish and are marked Komura or Sankyo Kohki Japan. A marketplace listing describes a Komura 3.5/135mm L39 with a 12-blade diaphragm, which supports using 12 blades for this entry when the exact copy matches this L39 version [3].

Special Editions/Variants

No commemorative factory special edition is documented. Collector-relevant differences include Sankyo Kohki versus Komura front-ring wording, black/chrome finish, serial number, hood, optical finder, caps and case. Later Komura 135mm lenses in SLR mounts or different apertures should be treated as separate entries.

Collector Notes

Collectors should verify the Sankyo Kohki / Komura engraving, 135mm f/3.5 marking, Leica L39 / M39 screw mount, rangefinder coupling, infinity focus, serial number and included finder or hood. Important condition checks include haze, fungus, cleaning marks, coating wear, aperture function, focusing smoothness and damaged screw threads. Do not connect Kyoei Super-Acall listings to this entry unless the front ring clearly says Komura / Sankyo Kohki.

Special editions

No confirmed factory commemorative special edition is currently documented.

Known collector-relevant variants and related versions include:

• Sankyo Kohki Komura 135mm f/3.5 LTM, Leica screw-mount version, this entry.
• Komura 3.5/135mm L39 examples, same likely lens family when Leica screw mount and rangefinder coupling are confirmed.
• Examples sold with optical finder and hood, accessory differences only.
• Sankyo Kohki Komura 135mm f/2.8 LTM, related maker and focal length but different aperture and separate entry.
• Sankyo Kohki Komura 105mm f/3.5 LTM, related maker family but separate focal length.
• Kyoei Super-Acall 135mm f/3.5 LTM, similar Japanese third-party lens but separate maker and entry.

Sources

• [1] Fotohandel Delfshaven / MK Optics. Komura 135mm F/3.5 lens for Leica Screw Mount, made in Japan, with hood and optical finder. https://fotohandeldelfshaven.nl/product/komura-135mm-f-3-5-lens-for-leica-screw-mount-made-in-japan-with-hood-and-optical-finder/
• [2] Rangefinderforum. Komura lenses?. https://rangefinderforum.com/threads/komura-lenses.53445/
• [3] 2ememain. Komura 3.5/135mm, L39 met 12-bladig diafragma. https://www.2ememain.be/v/tv-hi-fi-video/appareils-photo-analogiques/a162196923-komura-3-5-135mm-l39-met-12-bladig-diafragma-telelens
• [4] Rangefinderforum. Komura 135/2.8, LTM discussion mentioning 135 f/3.5. https://rangefinderforum.com/threads/komura-135-2-8-what-did-i-just-buy.89940/