The Leitz code name is HEKON. This is the pre-war Leitz medium-telephoto lens, the Hektor 73mm f1.9, with a serial number in the 430,000 range, manufactured in 1938. It features meter markings and a rotating helicoid design. This model has a black paint and chrome finish, making it easy to match with various Leica cameras, from Barnack to M-series.

At or near wide-open apertures, it produces a soft, glowing image characteristic of vintage lenses, offering a truly classic look. When stopped down, the resolution increases significantly, rendering subjects with enhanced clarity. While aperture settings between 3.2 and 6.3 are ideal, this lens is one to be enjoyed primarily at wide apertures, where its vintage, soft rendering shines. It comes with the original hood and hood cap, as well as a rear cap.

There is some brass exposure on the helicoid, but apart from minor paint loss on the edges, the overall appearance suggests it has been well cared for, considering the nearly 90 years since its manufacture. The chrome parts, including the mount surface, are also in quite good condition. The previous owner had it overhauled by Kanto Camera this year, and all operations feel smooth.

The rangefinder coupling is spot-on. While the minimum focusing distance is marked at 1.5m, it can focus as close as approximately 1m, though with a slight front focus of about 5cm. It's a pleasure to use such a close-focusing Hektor!

There is a small, faint mark about 2mm in length on the edge of an inner element, but otherwise, the glass is free of cleaning marks or haze and is beautifully clear. For a Hektor 73mm, the glass is in remarkably good condition.

Test shots have yielded excellent results. I’ve uploaded examples to the test gallery, all shot wide open at f1.9. I hope you find them helpful.