Leica LTM Hektor 5cm 2.5

[raid]

I have been looking at offerings of some Hektor lenses. Some lenses have f=5cm and others have F=5cm. Are both genuine Leica or is one Russian made? Haw can you tell them apart? One seller states there is nor serial number on the lens. Did some very early lenses have no SS?

Also, is this lens really worth the $1000 (average) asking price?
Why not just $200?

 

[Erik van Straten]

Some Hektors 50mm f/2.5 have a "5cm" and others a "50mm" engraving. The Leica I model A with a Hektor instead of an Elmar has the "50mm" engraving. These Leicas are very rare and very expensive. Later the lens was made in screwmount until it was superseded by the Summar 50mm f/2. These Hektors have the "5cm" engraving.
The Hektors 50mm/5cm are relatively rare: about 10.000 pcs were made in the years 1930 - 1933.

Optically they are very interesting. They have six elements in three groups. Six surfaces are cemented. This makes the lens quite contrasty. It is a triplet, but rather complicated.
After the war some of them were coated, but so far I've never seen one.

Erik.

 

[raid]

I have just discovered a RFF thread from 2008 on the same topic, Erik. In it, comparisons were discussed between the Hektor and the Summar.

 

[Erik van Straten]

OK Raid.

Leica II, Hektor 50mm f/2.5, Tmax400.

Erik.

 

[giulio stucchi]

Love the recurrent round lines in this Erik, always impressed with the quality and consistence of your work.

 

[raid]

I love the B&W rendering and glow, Erik.

 

[Erik van Straten]

Thank you, Giulio and Raid!

Erik.

 

[goamules]

If you really want rare, look for the F2 version (see aperture settings engraving) and 11 O'clock infinity lock.

 

[Yan Silis]

True Hektor 50 2.5 with Leica Standard, traveled with in Thailand:

 

[raid]

If you really want rare, look for the F2 version (see aperture settings engraving) and 11 O'clock infinity lock.

Thanks got the tip.

 

[f16sunshine]

OK Raid.

Leica II, Hektor 50mm f/2.5, Tmax400.

Erik.

Beautifully composed portrait Erik. As mentioned, the circular shapes are very pleasing.

 

[Mr_Flibble]

You've already seen some of my results over at Leicaplace, Raid.

Unfortunately my image host is down at the moment. I'll post a few more from that roll later.

 

[Erik van Straten]

Leica II, Hektor 50mm f/2.5, Tmax400.

Erik.

 

[Luddite Frank]

Erik,

Your photographs are always a joy to see, and your comments are very instructive.

Thank you for sharing !

Regards,

Luddite Frank

 

[Erik van Straten]

Thank you, Luditte Frank!

If other members have Hektor 50mm shots, please post them here.

Leica II, Hektor 50mm f/2.5, Tmax400.

Erik.

 

[Mr_Flibble]

Mine's undergoing reconstructive surgery at the moment.

 

[Erik van Straten]

Mine's undergoing reconstructive surgery at the moment.

I hope it will be all right soon.

Leica II, Hektor 50mm f/2.5, Tmax400.

Erik.

 

[Mr_Flibble]

It is in good hands and I should have it back in a few weeks.
The front element will be properly recurved and the formula will be recalibrated. The play in focusing helical will be tightened up as well.

 

[maddoc]

This reminds me of the British photographer James Ravilious. Wonderful work, Erik!!

I hope it will be all right soon.

Leica II, Hektor 50mm f/2.5, Tmax400.

Erik.

 

[Erik van Straten]

It is in good hands and I should have it back in a few weeks.
The front element will be properly recurved and the formula will be recalibrated. The play in focusing helical will be tightened up as well.

I'm very curious were you did send it to!

Erik.