Konica lenses?

[Steve B]

Hey all, I'd love some feedback regarding people's experience (if any) with the Konica M-Hexanon lenses. When I bought my R2 a couple of years ago I saw some good reviews of the 35mm f2 so I bought one. So far I have been very impressed with the color and contrast and am very happy with the lens. However, shortly after buying it it seemed that it became unavailable and I was wondering if other (more experienced) folks had had the opportunity to shoot with the lens and what their impressions were. I think I'll keep it none the less as I really like it but would love to hear others impressions of its strengths and weaknesses and how it compares to leica glass in sharpness, bokeh, etc. I'd love to try other lenses just for fun one of these days as the budget allows so am just trying to get a handle on where my current equipment stands. Got to build the justification list somehow you know. Being a camera enthusiast is different from being a photography enthusiast you know. I, like I think many here, am trying to be both. They do, after all, kind of go hand in hand.

 

[wintoid]

I've ordered a brand new M-Hexanon 35mm f/2.0 which should arrive today hopefully. Apparently Konica in Germany has 2 left!

I have the 50mm Hexanon and love it. At wide apertures, it softens skin but keeps edges (such as eyes and lips) nice and sharp. If the 35mm is as good, I will be pretty excited.

 

[RayPA]

I have the 50/2 and LOVE it! If you ever want to sell that 35, look me up! 😉


🙂

 

[pvdhaar]

I've got the 50/2 as well, and indeed, it's a very versatile lens. Sharp though gentle wide open it's perfect for portraits, and amazingly sharp and contrasty from f4 onwards. Gorgeous out of focus area rendition (aka bokeh). Build quality is superb..

 

[RayPA]

I'll have to do a comparison between the Hex 50/2 and the Nokton 50/1.5. They seem similar to me, but different...if that makes sense. I really like both.

 

[Peter S]

I also love my M Hexanon 28/2.8. Very nicely built.

 

[nksyoon]

I have both 35/2 and 50/2 - love them both but sometimes wish for more speed.

35/2 samples:
http://static.flickr.com/40/83762745_02c71ac1ce_o.jpg
http://static.flickr.com/42/83762811_2b1e59d4e2_o.jpg

50/2 samples:
http://static.flickr.com/43/83762016_b26c1f4f1c_o.jpg
http://static.flickr.com/37/83762416_9d6bef3350_o.jpg

 

[peter_n]

I read today on PN that Konica Minolta are getting out of the camera business completely. Keep the 35/2! Fewer of those were manufactured than any of the other Hexanon-M focal lengths. I also have the 28/2.8 and really like it!

 

[hexardan]

I have a 50/2 and a 28/2.8 (which is for sale here ).

The image quality is brilliant as is the build quality. I would love to get my hands on the 35/2 aswell.

Dan

 

[Steve B]

Thanks

Thanks

Gee, thanks guys. I was beginning to think that I was the only one who had and liked this lens. You've all reinforced my own thoughts as I've been quite happy with the results I've gotten. As most of you have said, the build quality is very confidence inspiring and the color is I think better than any of my other lenses. On the other hand I'm mostly comparing them to zoom slr glass. I don't really spend much time putting down SLRs but this is one arena where the rangefinders excel I think.

 

[ray_g]

I've got the 50/2 and I love it. Build quality is equal to the leica lenses that I have. Very sharp lens.

I got a 90/2.8 recently and I have been very impressed with the results so far.

Here's a sample of the 50/2 at f/5.6

 

[Lou Iaquinto]

Hi,

Agree with comments above. I have the 90 as well as the 28 and 50 and don't think I'll be parting with them as long as I have an M camera. I've come close to ordering the 35 the past few months but the cost is much greater in AUD than the Zeiss so I am considering that one. I have the CV 35 1.7 which I bought last year from an RFF member and I am happy with that for now.

Enjoy,

Lou

 

[oftheherd]

Konica never made a big name for itself, but there were pros in the far east who used Konica cameras because they recognized the sharpness of the hexanon lenses.

 

[DougK]

If the lens on my lowly C35 Automatic is any indication, Konica's higher-end Hexanon lenses must be fabulous to work with.