Page 29 - Demo

2747Hektor 6.3/2.8 cm prototype ex Leitz MuseumAn exceptionally rare prototype of the Hektor 2.8cm f/6.3 from 1934, predating the official introduction of the production version in 1935. Pre-war Leica prototypes are of the utmost rarity, as only very small numbers were manufactured for testing and internal evaluation, and the majority did not survive. Surviving examples from this formative development period of Leitz lens design are today of great historical and collector importance. The lens is preserved in good condition, showing only moderate signs of ageand handling, with clear optics and well-maintained mechanics consistent with careful preservation. The mount bears the hand-engraved optical formuladesignation %u2018B236,%u2019 a characteristic feature of experimental or developmental examples from this period. Of particular significance, this example is ex Leitz Museum and is accompanied by the original museum inventory card, firmly documenting its provenance. The lens is illustrated in P.H. van Hasbroeck%u2019s Leica in Colour, page 118, further underlining its importance and recognition in the literature. A highly significant and extremely scarce pre-war Leica prototype with distinguished provenance and published reference.Start price %u20ac 20.000*est. %u20ac 40.000%u2013 50.000Year of production: 1934condition: B