The renowned Hektor 73mm f1.9. This large-aperture medium telephoto lens from pre-war Leitz was favored by famous photographers such as Ihei Kimura. The Leitz code name is HEKON. This particular item has a black/chrome finish. The serial number is in the 430,000 range, indicating it was manufactured in 1938. The distance scale is marked in meters. It features a rotating helicoid. Both the exterior and glass are exceptionally clean.
The Hektor 73mm often has issues with rangefinder coupling, but this one has perfect rangefinder alignment, providing sharp images from close-up to infinity even at maximum aperture. Wide open, it produces a softly diffused rendering. The optimal aperture for use is around f2.5 to f3.2, where resolution increases and matches beautifully with the softness. Stopping down to around f4.5 significantly improves contrast and color saturation. The bokeh is also impressive, making it ideal for portrait photography.
The very tip of the lens and the edge of the aperture ring show only minimal paint loss, making it very clean for a Hektor 7.3cm. The included hood and hood cap are also free of dents or noticeable scratches, with only slight paint loss.
It underwent a full overhaul in July 2024. The operation of all parts is very smooth. The rangefinder coupling is perfect. This particular unit can focus closer than the minimum distance indicator (1.5m), allowing rangefinder-coupled shooting up to approximately 1.2m.
The front element has slight aging-related discoloration and a few very fine hairline scratches, but for a Hektor 73mm, which often has many cleaning marks, the glass is very clean. There is no haze, and the lens is clear. The results of the actual shooting test were excellent.
The dedicated hood and cap are also in good condition, and the original box is included. It's rare to find one in such condition!
It was sold in-store while preparing for sale. Thank you very much.
