The Rokkor-PF MC Tele 135mm f/2.8 is a classic Minolta portrait telephoto: all-metal, smooth to focus, and capable of attractive compression and bokeh for a crazy affordable price. It is heavier than it looks, but that mass is part of the charm. I got mine for dirt cheap back in 2014.

It is good for portraits, details, and compressed landscape fragments, but it still keeps the classic Rokkor rendering and flare character that makes these lenses interesting.

The built-in hood is practical, especially if you want to control flare, but with my setup, there is one catch: you need 55mm filters to use it properly. In my case, I rarely use it because I tend to adapt 58mm filters instead.

The Good:

• 135mm is excellent for portraits, details, and subject isolation.

• f/2.8 gives useful separation without huge size.

• Classic Rokkor rendering and flares.

• Built-in hood is practical.

• Solid all-metal handling fits the SRT-101 era well.

• Very affordable compared with many other vintage telephotos.

The Bad:

• Heavy compared with smaller modern lenses.

• Minimum focus is not close by modern standards.

• Older coatings need a hood and thoughtful light control if flares need to be avoided (though I tend to embrace them).

• You need a 55mm filter to use the built-in hood properly; in my case I rarely use it because I adapt 58mm filters.

• Get it if you want a classic Minolta portrait telephoto, it’s not that much expensive than the more common and less interesting f/3.5.

• Get it for slower portraits, details, and compressed landscapes.

• Get it if tactile all-metal lenses are part of the appeal.

• Pass if you are more used to 85mm, 135 can feel very tight for some.