Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1997/08/25
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]In a message dated 97-08-24 14:14:08 EDT, you write: << Subj: Hektor 135mm 4.5 Date: 97-08-24 14:14:08 EDT From: damian@europa.com (Damian Dlugolecki) To: Leikon35@aol.com Dear Marvin: I have followed the earlier discussion and genereal praise for the Hektor. Unfortuneately I haven't received any viewfinder copies yet and so have not read the article about the Hektor. What sort of application would this lens have? Would it require a tripod to use reliably? How close would you get to a subject i.e., bird, animal or person to fill the frame? I might be interested in acquiring the lens from you if I think I can use it. Hope you don't mind my novice questions. regards DD\\ >> Damian - The 135/4.5 Hektor was an excellent long focus lens manufactured from 1933 to 1960 when it was superceded by the improved 135/4 Elmar, which had much better color correction. 135mm is the longest lens that can be used with a rangefinder camera. It is ideal for sports since it can be hand held & it will focus to 5 feet. The "Viewfinder" article only awakened an interest in a lens that wasnt popular for many years. It is a true 135mm lens, as compared to shorter telephoto lenses and therefore not popular because of its length. Dont be mislead by all the attention that is being given to it all of a sudden, because Dick Gilcreast was really saying that it was a "sleeper" lens that was a good lens for its low price, not a top performing "state of the art" lens which it isnt. The 135/4 Elmar that replaced it has much better contrast & color correction. The 135 Tele-Elmar is even better, being shorter & compact but costs about 5 times what Hektor sells for. All seven of the LTM & M mount lenses that I had have been sold, but there are many of them around for sale at bargain prices. Cheers ************************* Marvin Moss