M-Hexanon 50mm f1.2

[TJV]

I have the opp to buy a very cheap new Hexar Limited with 50mm M-Hexanon f1.2. I've read somewhere that the kit is specially calibrated and that the focus will be out if I stick the lens on my M7 or other Leica body. Does anyone have any real experience with this?
My big concern is, also, how does the lens compare to the Noctilux? I'd be buying the kit primarily for the lens. I'd get the combo for a little cheaper than the Noctilux by itself, but the extra 1/2 (?) stop might be useful.

And, BIG PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE, can someone perhaps draw by hand and scan then post a picture / diagram of the 50mm frame line on an M camera and how much of it the lens blocks? The Hexanon doesn't seem to be a big problem, coming from my 35 'lux ad hood.

Thanks.
Tim

 

[amateriat]

Tim: I'd be tempted to smite you if you don't buy this package. Do you know what Noctilux 50mm f/1.0 lenses alone are going for right now?

Seriously: if people buy the Nocti and don't complain (much), the 50mmm f1.2 M-Hex can't be that big a deal, right? (And if you don't like it, you can make back what you paid for it, at the very least.)


- Barrett

 

[terrycioni]

Not sure this means awhole lot in this discussion. I heard exactly the same thing about the dual 21/35 M-Hexanon. It is not the case. I have used the lens on an Hexar RF, M4, M7, and now the M8. It works extremely well in all cases. Here are some shots with it on an M8. Actually in many ways I like it better than the TRI-ELMAR.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/streetfusion/sets/72157594371081577/detail/

Cheers. Terry.

 

[TJV]

It's good to hear that your Konica lenses focus properly on your Leica gear. I've also heard that it's a good Idea to get your Leica body calibrated to your Noctilux for critical focus accuracy.

To be honest, the thought of owning such fast lenses has just entered into my mind. I'm thinking of giving up on my M8 and reverting back to film. My main reason for digital was convenience, being able to switch ISO etc without fuss. I shoot all over the show so if I move back to film I have two options. 1: combine the Nocti/Hexanon with my M7, 35lux and 50 cron for an overall conditions package. I also have a new 28 2.8. 2: buy a second body and keep it loaded with higher sensitivity film stock. The thing is I just don't know if I can justify spending a load of cash on another film camera knowing that I'll be rethinking digital as soon as a decent upgrade (M9?) comes out of Leica. Some might say buy the Hexar package and have a spare camera AND a 1.2, but I'm not convinced. Konica are no longer and I don't trust I could get either the lens or camera serviced if something hit the fan. This is especially true here in the South Pacific. Having said this, Leica have been pretty useless in this regard of late, too!!)

So, in short, I get a new black MP and call it a day, or I get the Noctilux, or I get the Hexar package. Don't forget I'm just considering my options here, it all comes down to Leica in the end. If they sort their s*&^ out then I'll keep my M8. I just doubt that will happen. I think my hearts turned it's back on binary code.

Tim

 

[amateriat]

Tim: Far be it from me (who can hardly afford something like an M8) to talk you into giving up such a machine, but you have to consider a number of things. Until a full-frame (35mm-equivalent) digital RF body becomes available, you have to deal with crop-factor issues (which, for me at least, isn't a small matter). Add in the other matters involved in investing in "bleeding-edge" digital RF technology (remember the classic definition of "pioneer"), and suddenly an MP, M7 or Hexar RF doesn't seem such an outlandish option to take until the digital dust settles. (And, yes, there are a number of M8 users who will make the converse argument, are supremely happy with their choice, and I listen to and respect them, too). It comes down to what you're comfortable at the moment with. And there's no law that says you can't shoot digital and film, right? If I went to the trouble of procuring an M8, I think I'd keep it, but also keep my vital film burners as well. Of course, if the M8 is keeping you from getting the MP you've had your eye on for a while...well, I know what I'd do, but it's your call.


- Barrett

 

[wintoid]

If you're really shooting in drastically different light, I'd investigate Diafine as a cheap alternative to the M8 I've exposed TriX at anywhere from 200 to 1600 on the same roll, and it all comes out acceptably in Diafine.

 

[hth]

I have used my M-Hexanon 50/1.2 very little, and mostly on Leica bodies and have not encountered any noticable problems that I want to blame the lens for. On the other hand, I have not taken photos of rulers and have not been looking for problems either.

The resaon why I got the millenium package was because I wanted a Hexar RF body that was not black, not for the lens. I am very happy with the body, the level of automation it provides is very nice to have and it is well thuoght out and well built. In fact, I am happy enough to look around a bit for a second one (NOS black one this time), despite the current repair situation.

I do not know how it compares to the Noctilux, but lens element diagrams look very similar. I am happy with the Hexanon lenses I have, but it does not read Leica on them. How important that is to you I do not know, I at least would like to own one Leica lens (not counting the Focotar on my V35). I have yet to decide which to get..

I tend to prefer smaller lenses, and my most used low light lens is a small 35/2. I use that one a lot. It also have the benefit of not cropping as much as a 50, but I lose the very shallow DOF, which I have a hard time to use properly in the quick taking situations I often encounter.

You will find some attached pictures. The blockage on a Leica M4, two party pics in poor light with the 50/1.2 mounted on an M4 and I have to admit that by the time I took the second one, I was quite drunk..

/Håkan

 

[peter_n]

It's good to hear that your Konica lenses focus properly on your Leica gear. I've also heard that it's a good Idea to get your Leica body calibrated to your Noctilux for critical focus accuracy.

Tim, the focus "issue" with the Konica lenses appears to be an internet myth. A number of us here have Hexanon-M lenses and haven't had any trouble with them. I currently use the Konica 28/2.8 and absolutely won't give it up for a Leica or any other brand. It is a wonderful lens and it focuses perfectly. I previously owned a 90/2.8 Hexanon-M and that was the same. I've also used Konica's 35/2 and that was fine too. WRT the 50/1.2 do a search here on that lens and also over at flickr where you can select pictures by lens tag. Someone here owns that lens and posted a really great picture of a cat sitting on the end of a sofa. You see that picture and you would want to buy the lens...

I bought a type I Noctilux last year and I wondered about my ability to focus with it (I use it on a 0.85 mag M7). I sent the lens in to Don Goldberg here in the US along with the M7. He did a lens CLA and tested it (using film) with my M7 and recalibrated the M7 slightly. Now it focuses accurately and anyting off is entirely my fault.

You may have read here that Leica have just slapped a $1500 price hike onto the Noctilux and a new one will probably cost around $5500 going forward. If you decide you really want a Noctilux it might be a good idea to act sooner rather than later.

 

[furcafe]

The way I see it, the only risk is having a problem w/the Hexar RF body. True, Konica-Minolta is defunct & I can tell you my own sob story of trying (unsuccessfully) to get a nearly-new Minolta scanner fixed. However, if the price of the body + lens combo is low enough, I think the value of the lens alone makes the purchase reasonable. Compared to cameras, lenses are easy to fix/adjust & the Konica lenses have superb build quality. Also, every reported problem I've read has been w/the Hexar RF body, not the lenses. FWIW, I've had no mechanical or optical problems w/my Hexar RF body or the 50/2 M-Hexanon lens or using them in combination w/Leica lenses & bodies.

Some might say buy the Hexar package and have a spare camera AND a 1.2, but I'm not convinced. Konica are no longer and I don't trust I could get either the lens or camera serviced if something hit the fan. This is especially true here in the South Pacific. Having said this, Leica have been pretty useless in this regard of late, too!!)

 

[Hexacron]

If the price is right give the Hexar Ltd combo a try. Do not sell the M8 to do so. Give the Hexanon lens a try on the M8. The Hexanon 50 1.2 in not the equal of the Noctilux. But it is a very nice lens and will serve you well at a fraction of the price.

 

[terrycioni]

If the price is right give the Hexar Ltd combo a try. Do not sell the M8 to do so. Give the Hexanon lens a try on the M8. The Hexanon 50 1.2 in not the equal of the Noctilux. But it is a very nice lens and will serve you well at a fraction of the price.

I have the Hexar dual 21/35 and have sworn up and down I would never give it up - it is excellent on the M8 and everything else I have tried it on. However, for the KM 50mm F1.2 I might be tempted to give it up. I like those Konica M lenses.
Terry.

 

[StuartR]

I have a M-Hexanon 50mm f/1.2, and I have only ever used it on M bodies. It focuses accurately for me. It is a very good lens. It has superb build-quality and very good optical performance. Wide open, it is no match for the 50/1.4 ASPH, but that is not really the point. I would say that its performance is closest to the 50mm f/1.4 pre-asph, only with an extra stop. It is highly flare resistant, has a nice focus-throw and great bokeh. I have not used it yet on the M8 though...

Here are a few samples from film:

Here was an informal test I did between a few lenses.

The Hexanon at 1.2:

50 lux ASPH at 1.4

Here are the crops:
Hexanon:

Lux ASPH:

 

[terrycioni]

Stuart, considering the age, etc. I think the KM stands up pretty well against the vaunted 50 F1.4 ASPH. Nicely done.

Cheers. Terry.

 

[TJV]

Thanks all

Thanks all

Thanks all,
I've decided that if anything, I'll stick it out with my M8 and, if that doesn't work out, go the way of the Noctilux.
If anyone is interested in the LM combo, send an email to teaboy@photo.co.nz. I've bought all my stuff there and they are the most trusted shop in NZ.

Thanks again,
Tim

 

[Magus]

Post deleted by posters request

 

[Pherdinand]

buy it, man. If you are unhappy w it, resell it and earn some $ for film.
EDIT: ok i'm sorry i missed your last post.

What's the price of the combo they are asking? if you are allowed to tell us.

 

[Alex Krasotkin]

I have heard only positive feedback on Hexanon 50/1.2. My friend uses it with M7. It is really beautiful lens similar to Leica 50/1.2, but for a fraction of its price. Great bokeh and very solid built. If you have a chance to buy it - go for it and do not think twice. If you do not like it, you can resell it very fast.

Best regards,

 

[TJV]

buy it, man. If you are unhappy w it, resell it and earn some $ for film.
EDIT: ok i'm sorry i missed your last post.

What's the price of the combo they are asking? if you are allowed to tell us.

In the interests of maintaining a good relationship with the shop, I'll refrain from mentioning the price. Sorry. It's a brand new kit and going for a very good price. They also have a very very nice M3 with Elmar and light meter that I'd love to own. Think that's $2900 NZ, so about $2050 US. I've never seen one is such good condition. It feels like it has been recently serviced.

Tim