Leica Hektor 135mm f/4.5 "Fat"

Leica Hektor 135mm f/4.5 "Fat"

Among the longest-serving lenses Leitz ever offered, the Hektor 135mm f/4.5 was sold in screw mount for nearly three decades and remains one of the most accessible vintage Leica lenses for collectors and users [1][2]. The "Fat" name is a collector nickname for the early, heavier-bodied screw-mount version, distinguishing it from the slimmer, lighter Hektor that Leitz introduced later in the run. It followed Leica's first 135mm lens, the f/4.5 Elmar of 1931, and the Hektor itself was eventually replaced by the Elmar 135mm f/4 in 1960 [1][2].

Optically the lens uses a conventional four-element, three-group long-focus design rather than a true telephoto layout, so the barrel is long and the diaphragm sits roughly one focal length from the film plane [1]. The aperture is a 15-blade unit that keeps the opening nearly circular through the range to f/32, an unusual feature even for Leitz [1]. It focuses to 1.5 m and takes 39mm screw-in filters in its later form [1][2]. The lens is rangefinder coupled and works in the M39 / Leica Thread Mount, so on an M body it requires an LTM-to-M adapter; on modern mirrorless cameras the same adapter, plus focus peaking or magnification, makes manual focusing practical [3][4]. The focusing helicoid has a long throw of roughly 340 degrees, which aids precision but slows handling, and the lens carries its own tripod foot for balance [2].

Several running changes help with identification. Lenses made before 1946 were uncoated, with single coating introduced after the war [1][2]. Filter threads also changed across the production span; collector references note an earlier 36mm filter thread giving way to the 39mm thread on later examples [2]. Cosmetic variations are common across the long run, and the lens exists in both screw-mount and later M-bayonet forms [1]. Documented Leitz catalogue codes include the screw-mount HEFAR (later catalogue number 11035) and the M-bayonet OHEBO (11040), along with chrome and other listed variants.

Optical qualities

Rendering The Hektor is a moderate-aperture classic that is valued more for character than for clinical performance. It is generally described as soft wide open, sharpening as it is stopped down [1][3][4].

Sharpness The lens is not especially sharp except in the center wide open, with sharpness improving on stopping down; one reviewer found peak results around f/5.6 to f/8, holding through about f/16 [1][2]. Stopped down a couple of stops it noticeably sharpens while keeping its gentle look [4].

Contrast and color Contrast and color saturation are modest compared with modern multi-coated lenses, an expected trait of the design and era, and uncoated early examples are even lower in contrast [1][2][4].

Bokeh and transitions The combination of the 15-blade circular diaphragm and the long focal length yields smooth, rounded out-of-focus rendering, and the lens can throw backgrounds out of focus even at its modest f/4.5 maximum aperture [1][2].

Flare resistance Flare can be pronounced when light strikes the front element directly, which is more acute on uncoated pre-war examples; using the hood and avoiding direct light helps [2][4].

Distortion and vignetting The lens shows essentially no distortion and very even illumination across the frame [1].

Digital use The lens adapts readily to digital bodies. On a Leica M9 there is no dedicated lens profile, so the closest available 135mm f/4 setting is used, and with an LTM adapter it can also be fitted to mirrorless systems for manual-focus use [3][4].

History

Development and Launch Leitz brought out the Hektor 135mm f/4.5 in 1933, after the 135mm f/4.5 Elmar that had been the company's first lens of this focal length from 1931 [1]. It remained in the catalogue through 1960, a span that crossed both the screw-mount era and the introduction of the M system [1].

Production Evolution Over its long life the lens passed through several changes. Coating was added after 1946, with earlier lenses left uncoated [1][2]. The filter thread changed from an earlier 36mm to 39mm on later examples, and the lens was offered in screw mount and later M-bayonet versions with numerous cosmetic differences [1][2].

Special editions No major factory special editions of the Hektor 135mm f/4.5 are widely documented; the notable variations are the running production changes in coating, filter thread, finish, and mount rather than distinct limited models [1][2]. Black-paint examples are sought after by collectors as a more affordable route to a black-finish Leitz lens [3].

Collector Notes This is among the least expensive Leica rangefinder lenses on the used market, which makes it an easy entry point, but condition matters [1][2]. Haze and fungus in the glass are the most common faults, so the elements should be inspected and a service or cleaning factored in; aperture blades and the focus helicoid should be checked for free movement [3][4]. Buyers should verify the filter thread (36mm versus 39mm) and whether a given copy is coated, since both vary by production period, and should confirm screw-mount versus M-bayonet form before purchase [1][2]. Worthwhile accessories to look for include the reversible lens hood and matching cap [2].

Sources

• [1] Ken Rockwell. Leica 135mm f/4.5, 13.5cm Hektor (1933-1960). https://www.kenrockwell.com/leica/135mm-f45.htm
• [2] 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/
• [3] ErickPHOTO. Leica Leitz Hektor 135mm LTM Lenses Compared by ErickPHOTO. https://erickoke.wordpress.com/2024/10/02/vintage-leica-ltm-135mm-lenses-compared-by-erickphoto/
• [4] Dutch|Thrift. Leitz Hektor 13.5cm f/4.5 Review: Classic Leica Telephoto Magic. https://dutchthrift.com/blogs/gear/leitz-hektor-13-5cm-f-4-5-review-classic-leica-telephoto-magic