Leica's vintage telephoto — the Hektor-M 135mm f/4.5 from the classic M-mount era.
The Leica Hektor-M 135mm f/4.5 is a vintage telephoto prime for the Leica M mount. The Hektor designation indicates one of Leica's earlier lens designs. At 135mm f/4.5, it provides modest telephoto reach with a slow aperture. One of the more affordable Leica M-mount telephoto options from the film era. The Hektor design predates the sharper Elmarit.
Optical performance is basic by modern standards but acceptable for the era. Sharpness improves when stopped down. The f/4.5 is slow — limiting low-light and DOF control. The Hektor design was Leica's early telephoto formula before the superior Elmarit and Tele-Elmarit designs. Adequate for casual telephoto work on M-mount film cameras.
Leica M mount. Filter thread varies. Weight is compact. Build quality is classic Leica precision. The Hektor is one of the earliest M-mount telephoto designs. The slow f/4.5 limits practical utility. The more common Tele-Elmarit 90mm f/2.8 and Elmarit 135mm f/2.8 are preferred for telephoto work on M cameras.
Available at lower Leica prices — the slow aperture and dated design reduce demand. Check rangefinder coupling and clean optics. A budget Leica M telephoto. The Elmarit 135mm f/2.8 is dramatically better. Only of interest for Leica collectors wanting a complete M-mount telephoto set at minimum cost.