Nickel Short Hektor 5cm f2.5. No serial number. Uncoated. Helicoid number is 6. Optical formula is 3 groups 6 elements. Distance scale in meters.
This example is believed to be a Leica A with Hektor manufactured around 1930, later officially converted by Leitz to Leica L mount. The helicoid is the half-turn type, convenient to use.
The Short Hektor is extremely scarce in circulation, and most surviving examples are heavily worn, but this one is in comparatively good condition. The rendering was also excellent. Among the Short Hektors, this is a particularly short-barrel version, and during test shooting I repeatedly had to double-check that I had extended the collapsible barrel, LoL.
Rare.

There is plating loss on the nameplate and the edge of the barrel base, along with normal usage wear on the collapsible section, but for a Short Hektor this remains a fairly good external condition. No dents or distortions are present, suggesting it has been carefully handled.
In September 2025 it underwent a full overhaul including focus adjustment. Both the aperture and helicoid now operate with a smooth feel, and rangefinder coupling is precise. The inner matte lacquer for flare prevention has also been carefully reapplied, promising a more solid rendering.
The front and middle elements show some whitening from glass aging, and the front element has many cleaning marks, but these should not significantly affect actual photography. Test shots produced excellent results, which can be viewed in the sample gallery. All images were taken without a hood and mostly at wide apertures.
Under backlight conditions the contrast tends to drop, but when shooting slightly underexposed to catch the light, the colors are vivid and the rendering shows a solid core with impressive character. Please take a look at the sample gallery.
A genuine bakelite front cap is included.