Konica Hexanon 50 versus Summicron 50

[JohnP]

Hello,

I'm torn between purchasing a used Konica Hexanon 50/2 lens for $400 or a new Summicron for $1700.

I've used the KH lens... It's in very good condition and I'm "pretty happy" with the results.

I know the Summicron is a lot more money, but I'm concerned that if I opt for the KH, I'll always be wondering if I should have gone for the Summicron.

Of course, the Summicron comes with a warranty and greater resale potential, not that I envisage I'll be selling it.

Now, if only I could find a mint used Summicron 50 for around $800.

What to do?

Thanks,

John

 

[cole]

I've often seen great used 50 'crons at KEH for under $1000.
In fact, I bought one. It was rated as 'BGN' and was beautiful - the shots are, too. 😉

 

[pvdhaar]

Here's my advice; only buy a Summicron if you don't have to sell the M-Hexanon.. Odds are 50/50 that you'll like the Hexanon better..

When it comes to optical quality, it's a toss-up, though these lenses aren't the same. The Summicron appears optimised for maximum wide open MTF, while the documentation of the Hexanon indicates that the Konica engineers aimied for more spread over all apertures performace. Build quality is comparable, with the Hexanon's aperture click stops even slightly smoother. The major difference though is in how these lenses feel to the hand. It's a difference in the machining of the metals. The Hexanon feels smoother, the Summicron more defined..

All in all, the difference in these lenses is a matter of taste and personal preference..

 

[stuken]

But do not fool yourself into believing that the 50mm Summicron is a holy grail of photography.

Duh, everybody knows it's the noctilux.

 

[Nugard]

Don't punch me in the faсe but it's Zuiko))

I would go for Hexanon...

 

[-vin-]

I'd go for the hexanon: you can easily resell it for 400$. and if you need a 50mm it's a really good choice.

 

[Ron (Netherlands)]

I wasn't getting the sharpness I sought, not with canon, nikkor and on my Leica not even....with the Hexanon lenses (I have 3 of them 28, 50 and 90)...until I bought the latest edition Summicron. If you find price too high, first sell other stuff like I did, you won't regret it (I sold a Bessa II and just got enough to pay off this Summi). There is only one minor point in my perception: it's more heavy than other lenses.

cheers

Oh and here's mine in full swing:

 

[JohnP]

Thank you everybody

Thank you everybody

I've decided to opt for the Hexanon.

I appreciate your advice.

John

 

[awilder]

I can't believe a new Summicron fetches $1700! I just sold my tabbed version for $700. I will say however, that the older 50 'crons like the tabbed version WERE optimized for wide open shooting. However, the last several samples of the current version (uncoded) I tested had the rf focus optimized for f/4 and smaller, resulting in some softness wide open.

 

[Gabriel M.A.]

Now, if only I could find a mint used Summicron 50 for around $800

If the money is a concern, why not get a mint used collapsible Summicron?

If you really want the new Summicron, no help there.

And now, to play the Devil's Avocado, why not consider the ZM 50mm f/2 Planar? A lot of people swear (in a nice way) by it.