Hektor 5cm, chrome barrel. Serial number in the 170,000 range, manufactured in 1933. The Leitz product code is HEKTORCHROM. The distance scale is in meters. The optical design consists of 6 elements in 3 groups, a modified triplet type with all elements cemented. Uncoated. Despite its relatively fast f2.5 aperture, it is compact and lightweight, and was Leica’s first collapsible high-speed lens. The helicoid number is 2.
At or near full aperture, it produces a beautifully soft rendering rich in classic lens character. Many Hektors found overseas have been carelessly polished or suffer from inaccurate focusing, so this is a lens we inspect particularly carefully when purchasing. This example, however, benefits from thorough servicing, with excellent rendering, rangefinder coupling, and operating feel.
A rather rare example that retains its original condition and allows you to enjoy the true character of the Hektor. Our FB-10 hood and FB-19 UV filter, both specially made for the Hektor, are also compatible.
Rare item.
Originally sold by our shop and carefully used by its previous owner, this lens remains in the same condition as when it was last sold. The collapsible barrel shows some fine rubbing and a trace of plating corrosion, but there are no noticeable scratches or dents. It is a remarkably clean example for a Hektor.
Fully overhauled in 2025. The aperture ring and helicoid operate with a smooth, well-damped feel, and the rangefinder coupling is accurate. During servicing, the matte anti-reflection lacquer inside the barrel was also carefully reapplied. Even with the flare-prone Hektor design, this should help produce a slightly crisper, more contrasty image.
There are a few extremely light cleaning marks on the front element, balsam separation along the edge of an inner element, and slight discoloration to the glass surfaces, but no haze is present.
This is an excellent performer in both front-lit and backlit conditions. Sample images from our previous sale are available in our Test Shoot Gallery. They were taken wide open with an FB-10 hood attached. The lens delivers an impressively solid image, combining plenty of vintage character with a well-defined core.
Original front and rear caps are included.
