Leitz code name HEGRA. The Hektor 73mm f1.9 is a classic prewar medium-telephoto lens from Leitz and the first fast medium-telephoto lens for Leica. This particular example features a black paint and chrome finish with a straight helicoid design.
Its serial number falls in the 140,000 range. While the Leitz serial number chart indicates a production year of 1932, similar straight helicoid all-black models from the same number block suggest that it may have been manufactured in 1933 or 1934. Distance scale is in feet. Uncoated. Rangefinder-coupled.
The evolution of the Hektor 73mm began with a non-coupled version, followed by a rotating helicoid type with rangefinder coupling. It later transitioned into both an all-black version and this black/chrome version with a straight helicoid, which was likely introduced to accommodate Agfacolor accessories. Eventually, the design reverted to a rotating helicoid. As a fast medium-telephoto lens, achieving high-precision rangefinder coupling must have been a significant challenge.
This particular lens exhibits excellent rangefinder accuracy, making it a pleasure to shoot with. Wide open, it renders with a soft glow and rich vintage character. When stopped down, resolution improves noticeably, and subjects are rendered with clarity and presence. While the optimal performance is around f3.2 to f4.5, the combination of excellent rangefinder coupling and soft rendering wide open makes it a lens worth enjoying across its aperture range.
There are small scratches on the chrome-plated section of the helicoid. Some paint loss can also be seen on the edges of the black-painted barrel, but considering nearly 90 years have passed since its production, the exterior shows that it has been carefully handled over the years.
Fully overhauled in July 2025. Both aperture and helicoid offer an excellent, smooth operating feel. Rangefinder coupling is accurate from the minimum marked distance of 5 feet to infinity.
The front element shows some age-related discoloration, and a very slight balsam separation is visible around the edge of the middle element. However, there are no visible cleaning marks or fungus, and the optics are in very clean condition for a Hektor 73mm.
Test shots yielded excellent results. Sample images have been uploaded to our test gallery — we hope you will take a look.
Comes with a clean original hood, hood cap, and rear cap.
