Leitz HEKTOR Primes Bring Classic Character to Mirrorless, with Interchangeable E/L/RF/Z Mounts

Leitz Cine has launched HEKTOR, a brand new household of six full-frame T2.1 primes for mirrorless cameras, designed and in-built Wetzlar with swappable E, L, RF, and Z mounts, classic-leaning optical character, and cine-grade mechanics.Arriving in 18, 25, 35, 50, 73, and 100 mm, the HEKTOR lineup marks Leitz Cine’s first devoted transfer into the mirrorless ecosystem. Whereas positioned for hybrid our bodies, the lenses observe the corporate’s premium construct ethos and are assembled by the identical workforce answerable for SUMMILUX-C and HUGO.What’s new with Leitz HEKTOR primes?HEKTOR focuses on two pillars: picture character and mechanical high quality. Leitz says the look was curated from greater than a century of cinema and picture glass, drawing inspiration from early Leica M designs and Petzval signatures to ship pleasing flare habits, area curvature, and spherical aberration, balanced by trendy coatings that higher management veiling glare and scale back chromatic aberration.Shot with Leitz HEKTOR. Picture credit score: Kevin Fickling, by way of LeitzOptical character with a historic nodA non-aspherical design evokes the rendering of lenses from the Eighties and Nineteen Nineties. The lineup additionally suggestions its hat to Leica heritage in title and within the inclusion of a 73 mm focal size, referencing Max Berek’s unique Hektor collection from the Thirties and their silver end.Shot with Leitz HEKTOR. Picture credit score: LeitzMechanics and handlingEach lens is totally guide with matched ring spacing for fast swaps. Focus rotation is 120°, iris rotation is 49°, and the nine-blade aperture maintains a spherical form by way of all stops for constant bokeh. All lenses share an 80 mm outer diameter; the 25-100 mm focal lengths settle for 77 mm entrance filters.Mounts and compatibilityUser-interchangeable, passive mounts can be found for Sony E, Leica/Panasonic/Sigma L, Canon RF, and Nikon Z. As a result of optical and mechanical design, there aren’t any PL, LPL, or Leica M variations, and digital lens metadata just isn’t transmitted.The Leitz HEKTOR 35mm T2.1 prime. Picture credit score: LeitzWho are these for?Leitz describes HEKTOR as an investment-grade choice for creators who desire a distinct, repeatable look and long-term serviceability on compact our bodies, not merely most sharpness on the lowest worth. Managing director Rainer Hercher frames it as a solution to prospects asking for “one thing with soul” to raise their work.Key specs of Leitz HEKTOR lensesCoverage: Full body; T2.1 to T22 throughout 18, 25, 35, 50, 73, 100 mmMounts: Consumer-swappable E, L, RF, Z (passive)Mechanics: 120° focus throw; 49° iris throw; widespread gear positions; focus/iris ring match throughout the setFront: 80 mm OD on all lenses; 77 mm entrance thread on 25-100 mm; 9-blade iris stays spherical by way of the rangeBuild: Designed, manufactured, and assembled in Wetzlar, Germany; serviceable development  Look: Light Petzval-style character, colourful flares, delicate edge fall-off, diminished CA because of trendy coatings; non-aspherical designLimitations: No PL/LPL/M choices; no lens metadata pass-throughPrice: From 7,390 USD per lens; 42,490 USD six-lens setLeitz HEKTOR lens in use. Picture credit score: LeitzPricing and availabilityPositioned above most mirrorless-mount cine choices, particular person HEKTOR lenses begin at 7,390 USD, with a six-lens set listed at 42,490 USD.Leitz coming into the mirrorless area with a purpose-built, character-forward set at this worth level will spark debate, but it provides a distinctly “Leitz” choice to a area more and more centered on scientific perfection. Is a curated look, German construct, and cross-mount flexibility sufficient to sway you from extra scientific or extra reasonably priced primes?