The Leica Hektor 135mm f/4.5 is a long, slow M-mount telephoto descended from a 1933 Leitz design, valued by collectors for its classic build and 15-blade iris.</parameter> <parameter name="long_description">## Leica Hektor 135mm f/4.5 Among the longest lenses in the classic Leica rangefinder catalogue, the Hektor 135mm f/4.5 is a modest-aperture telephoto whose lineage reaches back to a Leitz design first offered in 1933, after which the lens went through many revisions before reaching its later screw and bayonet forms [1]. The name Hektor was applied across several Leitz designs of the period, and on the 135mm it covers a comparatively simple optic that prioritized a long reach and a compact diameter over speed. Its slim barrel, 39mm filter thread, and fifteen-blade diaphragm are typical of the careful, conservative engineering that makes these lenses recognizable to collectors. Optically the Hektor 135mm uses four elements in three groups, a straightforward arrangement that suited the long focal length and the relatively dim f/4.5 maximum aperture. The lens is rangefinder coupled and focuses to a minimum distance of 1.5m, with a long focusing throw that aids precision at portrait and short-telephoto distances. The barrel is all metal in a two-tone finish, and at roughly 440g it is light for its 127mm length because the slow aperture keeps the front elements small. On the M mount it couples to the camera rangefinder directly, while the broader 135mm Hektor family was also produced in Leica thread mount and in short-mount form for the Visoflex reflex housing. Identification of a particular Hektor 135mm depends heavily on its production stage, since the design changed repeatedly over its long life. Examples were issued in screw mount and bayonet mount, in chrome and later black-trimmed finishes, and with front fittings that differ between the older A36 clamp-on size and the 39mm screw-in filter standard[2]. Some versions have removable lens heads, and on certain serial ranges these heads cannot be mounted on the Visoflex unless factory modified, so the head, focusing mount, and intended camera must be matched together rather than assumed compatible. Documented model and order codes for the line include HEFAR / 11035, HEFARCHROM, HEFARKUP, and OHEBO / 11040. --- ## Optical qualities **Rendering** Detailed published testing of the Hektor 135mm f/4.5 is limited, and it is best understood as a slow classic telephoto rather than a high-performance optic. Its four-element design and f/4.5 aperture place it among the gentler renderers in the Leica catalogue, and a contemporary review treated it as a usable vintage long lens rather than a modern performer [3]. Buyers should expect character consistent with an early-coated or uncoated design of its era, and individual results vary widely with the specific version and the condition of the glass. Because firm, repeatable data on sharpness, contrast, and flare is not well documented across sources, no detailed performance claims are made here. --- ## History **Development and Launch** The 135mm Hektor was introduced by Leitz in 1933 as a long telephoto for the 35mm rangefinder system, and it remained in the catalogue with numerous design changes into the 1960s. It served as the long end of the system alongside the faster and later 135mm Elmar, giving photographers reach for portraits, sports, and distant subjects within the constraints of rangefinder focusing. **Production Evolution** Over its long run the lens passed through many variations in optics, finish, and fittings, and a distinct silver-finished version was introduced in 1950. Front filter and accessory fittings shifted from the older A36 size to the 39mm screw-in thread, and barrels were produced in both screw and bayonet mounts with chrome and two-tone finishes. Lens-head removability also changed across serial ranges, with early lenses below serial 241000 and those from 245000 to 245800 carrying heads that cannot be used on the Visoflex without factory modification. **Special editions** No major factory special editions of the 135mm Hektor f/4.5 are widely documented beyond the standard mount, finish, and head variations noted above. **Collector Notes** Because so many versions exist, matching is the central concern when buying or assembling a Hektor 135mm: the lens head, focusing mount, and camera should be confirmed to focus correctly together, since heads from different serial ranges and mounts do not always interchange and some require factory work for Visoflex use. Owners on collector forums also note that screw-mount and short-mount heads can be confused with the similar 135mm Elmar, so the engraved focal-length marking near the infinity setting and the aperture markings are worth checking before assuming a head belongs to the lens. Haze inside the optical group is common on surviving examples and should be inspected, and originality of finish and fittings is worth verifying given the many factory variations. --- ## Sources * [1] Kamerastore. *Leica 135mm f4.5 Hektor (Silver, HEFAR)*. https://kamerastore.com/en-us/products/leica-135mm-f4-5-hektor-silver-hefar-ltm-m39-t134974 * [2] Leica Forum (l-camera-forum.com). *Hektor 135mm/f:4,5 LTM*. https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/54291-hektor-135mmf45-ltm/ * [3] Leica Rumors. *Leica's Ernst Leitz Hektor 135mm f/4.5 lens review*. https://leicarumors.com/2011/03/14/leicas-ernst-leitz-hektor-135mm-f4-5-lens-review.aspx/

Leica Hektor 135mm f/4.5

M mount