40/1.8 Hexanon -- Should I?

Trius

Trius

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Please help me not buy this. It comes on a TC body (meter non-operative, which seems to be common), and in all the Googling I've done on the lens, it seems to get some high marks, even here on RFF. :D

So do I need it? No. It's a cheap kit ($35USD), but I'd have to drive a bit or have it shipped. My thinking has been:

  • The pancake design makes a really compact package on the small TC body
  • Most reports (though not all) say it's very sharp
  • There are reports of some bokeh unpleasantness at certain apertures ... I like good bokeh, but am not a bokeh freak
  • It seems to be pretty easy to modify to fit other mounts, especially 4/3s. If that's the case, it would probably even work on an OM.
  • I could sell it on for the same or even a bit of profit if I wanted to

However, I don't need it, and the $35 could be banked towards a Barnack or M/ZI-M.

Please someone tell me it's not worth the time and effort!
 
Yes it is sharp but is prone to flare when the sun is just outside the frame - this means a good hood is necessary which of course negates the attraction of the pancake dimensions.

Cheers, Robin
 
Ive had one for a few months, it's a great lens. Use it on an FS-1 body. I mostly shoot high iso and stop down, not a big fan of Out of focus backgrounds.
 
Konica TC was my first SLR circa 1977 - took another 15 years to get the 40 after my original 50/1.7 hexanon wore out. The 40 has stayed on there since! Great little lens. (And I wish I still had my 28/1.8 UC !)
 
Here is a recent pic with the 40 1.8
I find the 40mm just right as 35mm is a bit too wide for me and it gives a bit more than 50mm.

Elmhurst2.jpg
 
Trius said:
Done deal!
Click to expand...

Body-wise, the T4 and FT-1 are the ones to get. FT-1 is famous for non-working battery contact, so check it first.

Lens-wise, you'll like 35/2, 50/1.4, and (surprise!) 80-200/4 UC zoom (make sure it has UC on the front, otherwise it's the inferior version).
 
Flare example

Flare example

Here's an example of the veiling flare this lens will give without a hood, sun just to the left of the image.

Cheers, Robin
 

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