135MM BAYONET MOUNT LENSES
13.5cm f/4.5 Hektor
13.5cm f/4.5 Hektor lens was made in screw mount, bayonet mount (HEFAR-M/later HEFAR-M/11135542) and as lens head361. Bayonet mount version of this lens was introduced in 1954179. It came in chrome finish, with non-rotating head during focusing and E39 filter size361.
Hektor lenses were essentially triplet designs, where the individual elements were replaced by cemented doublets to enhance properties that were not achievable with the glass used in the single elements361. This specific Hektor design, originating from Wetzlar (Max Berek), retained the middle element as a cemented construction, while the two outer lenses were single elements, similar to the 125mm f/2.5 Hektor lens361.
All 13.5cm f/4.5 Hektor lenses accepted IUFOO (12575) lens hood, had click stops and parallel (non-rotating) focusing mount542. Early 13.5cm f/4.5 Hektor lenses had either feet or meters scale, while later ones had dual scale542. The lens performance was satisfactory for most photographers, as indicated by its long production run of 108,000 units produced361.
Prototype
A prototype of this lens number 0000370 was illustrated on the page 203 of Paul-Henry van Hasbroeck's "The Leica: A History Illustrating every Model and Accessory" book360 .
Military
Here are some known military lenses:
- 13.5cm f/4.5 Hektor 'Bundeseigentum' number 1509113 was dated 1957. The lens was sold for 563 Euros including buyer's premium at the 5th WestLicht Camera Auction on May 29, 2004419. The lot was described as "Hektor for M3 olive with green leather covering, engraved: Bundeseigentum 12-120-1625, caps"419.
- 13.5cm f/4.5 Hektor 'Bundeseigentum' number 1509311 was dated 1957381. The lens was sold for 2640 Euros including buyer's premium at the 42nd Leitz Photographica Auction on June 9 and 10, 2023381. The lens was engraved 'Bundeseigentum' and inventory number '12-120-1625' on the barrel381.
- 13.5cm f/4.5 Hektor 'Bundeseigentum' number 1509633 was dated 1957392. The lens had the inventory number '12-120-1625' engraved on its barrel392. The lens was offered but remained unsold at the 31st WestLicht Camera Auction on June 10, 2017392.
- 13.5cm f/4.5 Hektor 'Bundeseigentum' number 1509646 was dated 1957377. The lens has the inventory number '12-120-1625' engraved on its barrel, featuring a green vulcanite covering with a coarse pattern that matches the vulcanite on early olive Leica M3 and Leica M1 cameras377. It was sold for 2040 Euros including buyer's premium at the 46th Leitz Photographica Auction on June 27, 2025377.
- 13.5cm f/4.5 Hektor 'Bundeseigentum' number 1509750 was dated 1960385. The lens was sold for 3840 Euros including buyer's premium at the 38th Leitz Photographica Auction on June 12, 2021385. It was engraved 'Bundeseigentum' and has inventory number '12-120-1625' on the barrel385.
- 13.5cm f/4.5 Hektor 'Bundeseigentum' number 1509684 was dated 1957384. The lens was sold for 3600 Euros including buyer's premium at the 39th Leitz Photographica Auction on November 20, 2021384. It was engraved 'Bundeseigentum' and has inventory number '12-120-1625' on the barrel384.
- 13.5cm f/4.5 Hektor 'Bundeseigentum' number 1509855 was dated 1957378. The lens has the inventory number '12-120-1625' engraved on its barrel, featuring a green vulcanite covering with a coarse pattern that matches the vulcanite on early olive Leica M3 and Leica M1 cameras378. It was sold for 3360 Euros including buyer's premium at the 45th Leitz Photographica Auction on November 23, 2024378.
- 13.5cm f/4.5 Hektor 'Bundeseigentum' number 1561018, dated 1958, was sold for 528 Euros including buyer's premium at the 7th WestLicht Camera Auction on May 21, 2005417. The lot was described as "original lens for M3 green with green leather, engraved: 'Bundeseigentum 12-120-1625', cap"417.
- 13.5cm f/4.5 Hektor 'Bundeseigentum' number 1561021* was sold for 1140 Euros including buyer's premium at the 20th WestLicht Camera Auction on November 12, 2011404. The lot was described as "original lens for M3 olive with olive leather covering (partly missing), engraved 'Bundeseigentum 12-120-1625', in good condition, caps - a similar lens is illustrated in Lager Vol.II p.240"404.
- 13.5cm f/4.5 Hektor 'Bundeseigentum' number 1561062 was illustrated on the page 64 of the Dennis Laney's "Leica Collector's Guide" (2nd edition)534.
- 13.5cm f/4.5 Hektor 'Bundeseigentum' number 1718402 was dated 1960409. The lens was offered, but remained unsold at the 47th Leitz Photographica Auction on November 22, 2025533.
- 13.5cm f/4.5 Hektor 'Bundeseigentum' number 1718430 was dated 1960409. The lens was sold for 1200 Euros including buyer's premium at the 15th WestLicht Camera Auction on May 23, 2009409.
- 13.5cm f/4.5 Hektor 'Bundeseigentum' number 1718442 was dated 1960386. The lens had the inventory number '12-120-1625' engraved on its barrel, featuring a green vulcanite covering with a coarse pattern that matched the vulcanite on early olive Leica M1 cameras386. The lens was sold for 2640 Euros including buyer's premium at the 37th Leitz Photographica Auction on November 21, 2020386.
- 13.5cm f/4.5 Hektor 'Bundeseigentum' number 1718711 was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Museum Leica" book in 2018596. The lens had the inventory number '12-120-1625' engraved on its barrel, featuring a green vulcanite covering with a coarse pattern that matched the vulcanite on early olive Leica M1 cameras596.
- 13.5cm f/4.5 Hektor 'Bundeseigentum' number 1718715 was dated 1960409. The lens was sold for 840 Euros including buyer's premium at the 15th WestLicht Camera Auction on May 23, 2009409.
- 13.5cm f/4.5 Hektor 'Bundeseigentum' number 1825763 was dated 1961377. The lens was sold for 2400 Euros including buyer's premium at the 46th Leitz Photographica Auction on June 27, 2025 with the following description: "Extremely rare original German military Elmar engraved 'Bundeseigentum' and inventory number '12-133-4870' on the barrel, green vulcanite covering slightly different than the more 'common' military Hektor 13.5cm, in absolutely mint condition, clean and clear optics, with both caps, hood (with unknown reference engraved on the side) and rare original green leather case without military engravings on the bottom"377.
Use with Visoflex
The 13.5 cm Hektor lens head (HEKOO/11138) was particularly effective when used with Visoflex reflex housings542. For the Visoflex I, the short mount ZOOAN/16495 was required542. When the HEKOO was fitted to the Visoflex I-Bellows I combination, it provided a focusing range from infinity to lifesize542. For use with the Visoflex II, Visoflex IIa, and Visoflex III, a universal focusing mount OTZFO/16464 was necessary542. To mount the HEKOO to the OTZFO or to the Bellows II, tube OTSRO/16472 was used542.
Closing Remarks
The serial numbers for screw mount, bayonet mount and lens head ranged from 112789 through 1740000361. The 13.5cm f/4.5 Hektor lens was last cataloged in 1960, at which point it was replaced by an improved lens, the 135mm f/4 Elmar542.
135mm f/4 Elmar
135mm f/4 Elmar lens came in screw mount (11750), bayonet mount (11850) and as a lens head (11951)361. The bayonet mount 13.5cm f/4.5 Hektor lens was introduced at Photokina 1960542. The original brochure from October 1961542 claimed that this design was one of the sharpest lenses ever produced361. The 135mm f/4 Elmar represented a significant advancement compared to the 13.5cm f/4.5 Hektor lens361. There was a thirty-year gap between the two designs, and after World War II, advancements in materials allowed for the use of new glass types361.
The 135mm f/4 Elmar featured a four-element design arranged in four groups361. This design marked a departure from the traditional Elmar design and showcases the many possibilities that could have been achieved with four elements361. In this case, the new lanthanum glass (which was thorium-free) was effectively to enhance performance while maintaining a straightforward construction361.
It was often assumed that lenses with modest specifications evolved slowly, but the 135mm f/4 Elmar lens reached its optimal performance at maximum aperture, outperforming the 13.5cm f/4.5 Hektor lens by three stops361. Although the size and shape of the 135mm f/4 Elmar lens were closely related to the 13.5cm f/4.5 Hektor lens design, the components were not interchangeable361.
The minimum focusing distance was 150 cm361. The weight was approximately 440 grams. The filter size was E39361.
The 135mm f/4 Elmar lens gained popularity due to its ease of use for sports photography and landscapes, as evidenced by its production of 28,000 units over four years361.
The lens was in the catalog from 1960 until 1965361. The serial numbers for all 3 mounts range from 1733001 through 2008500361 (or 2008000439).
The versatile lens head (11951) was compatible with various systems: it could be used on the Visoflex I with mount 14071 (similar to the earlier ZOOAN), on the Visoflex II, Visoflex IIa, and Visoflex III with mount 16464 and tube 16472, and on the Bellows II through tube 16472 for focusing from infinity to 22 inches542. It was also utilized with the Leitz Canada "Focorapid" device when quick focusing was needed542.
The 135mm f/4 Elmar lens featured a dual focusing scale, typically offered both 1/4-inch and 3/8-inch tripod sockets, and included click stops along with a parallel focusing mount542. It accepted E-39 screw-in filters and the 12575 lens hood542.
Military
Here are some known military lenses:
- Elmar 135mm f/4 "Bundeseigentum" dated 1960 with serial number 1825794 was sold for 2200 Euros including buyer's premium at the 4th Wetzlar Camera Auction on October 8, 2022425. The lot was described as "The faster Elmar for the late Bundeswehr M3. Vulcanite covering in olive green and lens barrel engraved "Bundeseigentum 12-133-4870". In very nice condition, slight signs of corrosion on the range finder coupler. Included: Leather case in olive green, embossed "14562K". Provenance: Allen Collection."425.
- Elmar 135mm f/4 "Bundeswehr" dated 1961 with serial number 1880565 was sold for 4800 Euros including buyer's premium at the 24th WestLicht Camera Auction on November 23, 2013400. The lot was described as "rare chrome Elmar with olive vulcanite covering, black lens head, removed M-adapter, no military engravings, probably made for the German Army (Bundeswehr) for use with chrome IIIg with olive vulcanite covering, matching serial number inside, clean lenses (cap, keeper)"400.
135mm f/4 Tele-Elmar-M
Version 1
The 135mm f/4 Tele-Elmar-M (code-named 11851361) was introduced by Leitz Wetzlar in early 1965542. It was created by Walter Mandler301. This lens featured parallel focusing mount, click stops, and a dual focusing scale542, and true telephoto construction with five elements arranged in three groups301. The focusing ring was moved two inches closer to the camera body for improved balance, and the rotation of the focus ring from infinity to five feet was decreased to just half a turn for quicker adjustments301.
One of the most significant improvements was the enhanced contrast and full-frame sharpness available even at the wide-open aperture301. From its initial release in 1965 to 1985, it retained a removable lens head (model 11852) which could have been used with the Visoflex II, IIa, and III, utilizing either the focusing mount 16464 or the Bellows II with adapter 16558542.
Lenses produced from early 1965 until approximately 1967 included a small black baffle ring surrounding the rear elements, which had to be removed if the lens head was to be used with mount 16464 or ring 16558542. Subsequent lenses omitted this ring, as Leitz determined it was unnecessary542.
Early versions of the lens were characterized by an extremely wide, heavily knurled focusing ring, while later models had fine knurling542.
It was compatible with E-39 screw-in filters and the 12575 lens hood542.
First version was available in black only361. It was identified by large scalloped focusing ring and detachable lens hood361.
The serial numbers for the first version range from 2046001 through 2907800361. The minimum focusing distance was 150cm361.
Military
Known military lenses include:
- Tele-Elmar 4/135 Bundeseigentum with serial number 2082919 that was sold for 713 Euros including buyer's premium at the 4th WestLicht Camera Auction on November 22, 2003420. The lot was described as "Rare Tele-Elmar with engraving: 6760-12-140-9090 for the Bundeswehr, good condition with lids"420.
Version 2
After 1985, demand for 135mm f/4 Tele-Elmar-M seemed to surge, possibly due to the sudden popularity of the Leica M6361. Consequently, design work began on a new version (code-named 11861361), 135mm f/4 Tele-Elmar-M, manufactured from 1993, with serial number 3415001439, to 1998301. While there were no optical changes, this newer model featured a retractable hood, and the aperture ring was positioned closer to the focusing ring for easier access301. However, the lens head was no longer removable301. There were 9900 of these lenses made439. The minimum focusing distance was 150cm361.
An unnumbered prototype was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Museum Leica" book in 2018596.
135mm f/3.4 APO-Telyt-M
The Leica 135mm f/3.4 APO-Telyt-M (catalog number 11889361) was introduced in 1998, offering even higher performance at full aperture and improved Apochromatic color correction301.
The Leica 135mm f/3.4 APO-Telyt-M lens replaced not only the 135mm f/2.8 Elmarit lens, which had been in production from 1963 to 1997 in two versions, but also the Leica 135mm f/4 Tele-Elmar-M301. The completely new design was more compact and offered superior image quality compared to its predecessors215. A specially developed multiple-layer anti-reflex coating allowed the lens to resist stray light effectively215. Furthermore, the lens was optimized for handheld use215.
The Leica 135mm f/3.4 APO-Telyt-M, designed by Horst Schröder, was an excellent example of a lens that effectively combined the unique requirements of the M series—such as lightweight construction and compact size—with outstanding optical performance361. The lens had just five lens elements361.
One of the defining features of the Leica 135mm f/3.4 APO-Telyt-M was its ability to produce high-contrast, flare-free images with exceptional detail definition361. This impressive level of optical performance was highly sensitive to manufacturing tolerances361. Computer simulations illustrated the decline in performance when focusing deviated from the optimal position361. Thus, the meticulous attention to narrow production tolerances was essential361.
The lens had a focal length of 135 mm, which was the maximum that the current rangefinder could accommodate361. It was highly recommended to use a 1.25x or 1.4x viewfinder magnifier for the best results361. The Leica 135mm f/3.4 APO-Telyt-M performed exceptionally well at all apertures when used with film emulsions361. The silver-halide layer had a thickness of approximately 15 to 20 microns, allowing for some leeway in focusing and mechanical accuracy361.
However, when the lens was used with Leica cameras featuring solid-state digital sensors, there was no thickness tolerance—only the standard depth of field361. When attached to the Leica M8 or Leica M9 cameras, users might have occasionally found that optimal performance was not achievable361. Therefore, Leica advised using the Leica 135mm f/3.4 APO-Telyt-M at an aperture of f/5.6361.
Users of the Leica M6 0.85 camera would find this lens particularly well-suited due to the camera's 20 percent higher viewfinder magnification215. The Leica 135mm f/3.4 APO-Telyt-M was available at a suggested retail price of 1995 USD215.
The lens weighted approximately 450 grams361. The minimum focusing distance was 150cm361. The filter size was E49361. The lens had a built-in retractable lens hood361.
135mm f/2.8 Elmarit (Version 1)
This 135mm f/2.8 Elmarit (version 1) lens (catalog number 11829194), introduced in 1963, with serial number 1957001439, featured a five-element design and was the fastest 135mm lens available for M series cameras at the time360. Created in Midland, Ontario, its prototype was a 13.5cm f/2.8 Telyt lens number 12345678360.
The 135mm f/2.8 Elmarit (version 1) was developed to address a major limitation of the viewfinder system in M cameras: the small size of the 135mm frame, which was a characteristic of rangefinder-coupled cameras360. The 135mm f/2.8 Elmarit (version 1) was equipped with an optical viewing unit ("goggles") that transformed the 90mm field of the Leica M2 into a 135mm field and also magnified the 135mm fields of the Leica M3 and Leica M4 models by a factor of 1.4360. Additionally, since the lens head was removable, the 135mm f/2.8 Elmarit could also be used with the Visoflex360.
The 135mm f/2.8 Elmarit (version 1) had undergone a few modifications during its production194. Initially, the optical formula was updated194. Additionally, the optical viewing unit ("goggles"), which were originally secured with screws, were redesigned into a more integrated, heavy-duty casting to help maintain alignment194. This lens featured a built-in lens hood and was an excellent performer overall194. Its only drawback was its substantial size and weight194.
135mm f/2.8 Elmarit (version 1) lens was the only one of this focal length that works seamlessly with the Leica M8194. This was because the lens was keyed to the 90mm frame lines, and the optical viewing unit ("goggles") magnified them by a factor of 1.5 to display the field of view of a 135mm lens281. Due to its fast aperture and close focusing capabilities, the optical viewing unit ("goggles") was considered necessary to ensure accurate focusing281.
The 135 mm f/2.8 Elmarit (version 1) was exclusively made for the M-series, but a year later, a version for the R-system was released361.
The 135 mm f/2.8 Elmarit (version 1) featured a focusing ring with alternating grooves and knurled sections, along with a built-in telescopic lens hood in two parts361.
The 135 mm f/2.8 Elmarit (version 1) used Series VII or E54 filters361.
The 135 mm f/2.8 Elmarit (version 1) sold about 10,000 units over ten years361.
135mm f/2.8 Elmarit (Version 2)
The 135 mm f/2.8 Elmarit (version 2) (catalog number 11829) was introduced in early 1975, from serial number 2656667542. It shared almost the same lens prescription as the version 1; the only differences were that the two separate front lenses had less thickness and different types of glass were used361. In terms of performance, there was hardly any difference between the two versions361.
The 135 mm f/2.8 Elmarit (version 2) had a finely knurled focusing ring and a built-in telescopic lens hood made in one piece361.
The design of the 135 mm f/2.8 Elmarit (version 2) was used for both the M- and R-systems, although it was unclear exactly when this merger took place361.
135 mm f/2.8 Elmarit (version 2) used E55 filter size361 beginning with serial number 2788927542.
The 135 mm f/2.8 Elmarit (version 2) also sold approximately 10,000 units over a span of 25 years361.
135mm f/2.8 Elmarit (Version 3)
The next iteration, the 135 mm f/2.8 Elmarit-M (version 3), featured improved contrast at full aperture361.