Jerzyw
Member
Hektor 50mm/5cm was produced between 1932-1934, approx 10.000 lenses were produced. Still there are few variants around.
I am working now on a database of these lenses which will allow me to do classification and describe all variants with all details.
Until now I collected info about more than 500 lenses and I believe that this is still not enough to have representative sample.
I would appreciate information about Hektor lenses which you have. Each person who will contribute with own lens(es) will receive from me the list of identified lenses and a document describing all variants.
Please send the info about lenses which you or your friends have, I have collected information from literature, from various auction houses and dealers, from internet selling platforms.
The best would be to receive a photo with following details:
- SN of camera (if Model IA)
- front ring of Hektor showing SN and focal length engraving (5cm or 50mm)
for interachangeable lenses:
- front ring with SN and 5cm/50mm
- focusing knob, distance scale (meter or feet)
- DOF (if R mark engraved)
- nickel or chrome plating
I am fully aware that I am asking you for partly sensitive information therefore, if you wish pls respond directly to jerzy.w@gmx.net.
The final list which will be shared among contributors (upon notification, if interested) will be of course anonymized.
And finaly few information about myself. I am based in Vienna, Austria. I am collecting LTMs for more than 20 years focusing on Leica conversions. I am not very much active on RF, being more active on Leica Forum.
Some of you might have seen my articles published in Viewfinder (and Vidom - German publication), I am writing my articles on non-commercial basis sharing my experience among Leica fans.
thank you very much in advance!
Jerzy Wasowicz
I am working now on a database of these lenses which will allow me to do classification and describe all variants with all details.
Until now I collected info about more than 500 lenses and I believe that this is still not enough to have representative sample.
I would appreciate information about Hektor lenses which you have. Each person who will contribute with own lens(es) will receive from me the list of identified lenses and a document describing all variants.
Please send the info about lenses which you or your friends have, I have collected information from literature, from various auction houses and dealers, from internet selling platforms.
The best would be to receive a photo with following details:
- SN of camera (if Model IA)
- front ring of Hektor showing SN and focal length engraving (5cm or 50mm)
for interachangeable lenses:
- front ring with SN and 5cm/50mm
- focusing knob, distance scale (meter or feet)
- DOF (if R mark engraved)
- nickel or chrome plating
I am fully aware that I am asking you for partly sensitive information therefore, if you wish pls respond directly to jerzy.w@gmx.net.
The final list which will be shared among contributors (upon notification, if interested) will be of course anonymized.
And finaly few information about myself. I am based in Vienna, Austria. I am collecting LTMs for more than 20 years focusing on Leica conversions. I am not very much active on RF, being more active on Leica Forum.
Some of you might have seen my articles published in Viewfinder (and Vidom - German publication), I am writing my articles on non-commercial basis sharing my experience among Leica fans.
thank you very much in advance!
Jerzy Wasowicz
Jerzyw
Member
.....40 Hektor SNs have been assigned to Hektor in Compur mount. Some Mentor Dreivier (3x4) have had it. I was able to identfy two of them, it is not sure if all 40 have been really produced.....
Mr_Flibble
In Tabulas Argenteas Refero

SN: 156109 - 1933
Distance scale: Meters
DOF scale : f/2.5, - , f/4.5, R f/6.3, f/9, f/12.5, f/18
Chrome
My sample was repaired by Malcolm Taylor in 2015, including polishing/recurving the front element, tightening up the helical and the lens tube locking cams.
Jerzyw
Member
thank you very much Rick. Very interesting sample with infrared mark, I found only 14 including yours.
Couzld you confirm distance scale markings being 1 1,25 1,5 1,75 etc?
Or is it rather 1 1,1 1,2 1,3 etc?
thank you!
Couzld you confirm distance scale markings being 1 1,25 1,5 1,75 etc?
Or is it rather 1 1,1 1,2 1,3 etc?
thank you!
Mr_Flibble
In Tabulas Argenteas Refero
The scale does indeed read:
1 (hidden under the focus tab when at infinity)
1,25
1,5
1,75
etc
1 (hidden under the focus tab when at infinity)
1,25
1,5
1,75
etc
Arthur
Established
SN 96222 (1931) on a Leica III (1933)
Distance scale in FEET
DOF scale 2.5, mark, 4.5, mark, 9, 12.5, 18
Distance scale in FEET
DOF scale 2.5, mark, 4.5, mark, 9, 12.5, 18
Jerzyw
Member
thank you Rick!
@Arthur - would you mind sending me a photo of front ring, DOF and distance scale? the last two may be combined on one photo.
In general, to be able to do classification I would need following info:
1. for IA with fix mounted Hektor:
- engraving on the front ring ("1:2,5 F=5cm" or "1:2,5 F=50mm" or" f=5cm 1:2,5") - best would be a photo
- SN of the camera (to avoid duplicate entries in the database
2. for interchangeable
- SN, for lenses without SN the SN of the camera (if lens attached to the camera)
- nickel or chrome plated
- type of engraving on front ring (see above)
- with or without infinity lock (for 11 oclock) - see attached photos

- for 7 oclock type of infinity button - flat or rounded - see attached photos
- does DOF have R mark engraved (see photo)
- meter or feet
- for lenses with meter distance scale is distance scale has engravings: "1 1,25 1,5 1,75..." etc or "1 1,1 1,2 1,3..." etc and "mtr" or "m" (photo of extended distance scale attached)
@Arthur - would you mind sending me a photo of front ring, DOF and distance scale? the last two may be combined on one photo.
In general, to be able to do classification I would need following info:
1. for IA with fix mounted Hektor:
- engraving on the front ring ("1:2,5 F=5cm" or "1:2,5 F=50mm" or" f=5cm 1:2,5") - best would be a photo
- SN of the camera (to avoid duplicate entries in the database
2. for interchangeable
- SN, for lenses without SN the SN of the camera (if lens attached to the camera)
- nickel or chrome plated
- type of engraving on front ring (see above)
- with or without infinity lock (for 11 oclock) - see attached photos


- for 7 oclock type of infinity button - flat or rounded - see attached photos
- does DOF have R mark engraved (see photo)
- meter or feet
- for lenses with meter distance scale is distance scale has engravings: "1 1,25 1,5 1,75..." etc or "1 1,1 1,2 1,3..." etc and "mtr" or "m" (photo of extended distance scale attached)

Jerzyw
Member
Jerzyw
Member
Arthur
Established
Arthur
Established
@ Mr. Flibble... How did you manage to upload such large photos?
Mr_Flibble
In Tabulas Argenteas Refero
I hotlink them from my own website.
Jerzyw
Member
If these photos are insufficient, I can submit more...
thank you Arthur, I can see all details I need. I have taken you on the distribution list for the final document, however it will take several weeks until ready
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