Hektor 5cm f2.5 with a chrome barrel, serial number in the 160,000 range, manufactured in 1933. Leitz code is HEKTORCHROM. The distance scale is in feet. The lens has a 3-group, 6-element triplet design with cemented elements and is uncoated. It is the first large-aperture Leica lens with a collapsible design, offering f2.5 brightness while being compact and lightweight. The helicoid number is 0.
At wide apertures, it provides a soft, vintage rendering typical of old lenses. Hektors are often found with issues such as improper polishing or focusing problems, making them a challenge to source carefully. However, this lens has been meticulously maintained and offers excellent performance in image quality, rangefinder coupling, and operational feel.
Maintaining its original condition, this Hektor is a rare example that allows you to enjoy its characteristic rendering. It is a scarce item.
This Hektor is in exceptionally clean condition with very minimal signs of use. There are almost no visible areas of exposed brass, and the chrome plating shines beautifully.
It was originally sold after a full overhaul in 2022. For this resale, it underwent additional light maintenance in July 2024, ensuring perfect usability.
The aperture and helicoid operate smoothly and fluidly, and the rangefinder coupling is excellent. During the previous overhaul, the anti-reflective coating on the inside of the barrel was meticulously reapplied, resulting in even sharper image quality.
The lens has some very light cleaning marks on the front element and minor glass hazing, but these should not affect image quality. There is no fogging, and the glass is in excellent condition, matching the lens’s outstanding appearance.
It comes with the original front and rear caps, with the front cap made of Bakelite.
Test shots were very satisfactory. I hope you will take a look at the test shots. All were taken wide open without a hood.
