Konica Hexanon AR 50 mm f/ 1.7 Lens

The Konica Hexanon AR 50 mm f/1.7 is a normal fast lens for SLR cameras with the Konica AR bayonet mount.

It came in two variants of the lens with the same optical scheme.

The characteristics of the second version (after 1976 ) are given as follows.

The first (until 1976)  was remarkable for its minimum focusing distance (0.45m), smaller size (209 g) and a bit longer length (45 mm).

It was produced as a low-end kit lens for Konica cameras (many cameras were equipped with it) and was a substitute of Konica the Hexanon 52 mm f/1.8.

It was the first Konica lens that came in a new design with a checked rubber-coated focusing ring(the previous version has a metal focusing ring).

This lens was a great success of Konica. The lens was much sharper than the previous version, and many competent photo magazines considered  it to be the sharpest lens ever. Even now it maintains its reputation.

However, it is not only sharpness that became a trademark of this lens. Good contrast, natural color  rendering and insignificant drop in resolution on the edges made it famous as a high-class lens.

Besides, the lens produces rather beautiful background and foreground blurring (Bokeh).

Later on this lens was replaced in production with the Hexanon AR 50 mm f/ 1.8 which could not reach the same quality level, according to the experts, but was cheaper in production.

Now the Konica Hexanon AR 50 mm f/1.7 is rather frequent on the secondary market. You can buy for an attractive price one of a legendary high-quality lenses of the past.

Due  to a small flange focal distance, it is hard to use on modern SLR cameras(modification of bayonet mount required), but it can be easily used on mirrorless cameras.

• A good Review of the Konica Hexanon AR 50 / 1.7
• A few illustrative images

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