Konica M-hexanon 28mm F2.8

[pet905]

I have a opportunity to pick up a Konica m-Hexanon 28mm f2.8 in near mint condition. I am seeking any advice and user experience in regards to this lens.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Benjamin Marks]

I had two M-Hexanon lenses, both were very sharp. However, there was an issue with the lenses' focusing cams and my M6 -- wide open and close up they were never quite in focus. Unlike the more expensive Leica M Lenses, the M-Hexanons couldn't be adjusted because of epoxy used in their construction. Others reported no problems. My advice would be to negotiate for a return period and rigorously test with your set up to see whether they meet your needs. When they were "on" they were equal to their Summicron counterparts.

 

[aizan]

exceptional bokeh and otherwise really great. very nice hood, too.

 

[f16sunshine]

I had two M-Hexanon lenses, both were very sharp. However, there was an issue with the lenses' focusing cams and my M6 -- wide open and close up they were never quite in focus. Unlike the more expensive Leica M Lenses, the M-Hexanons couldn't be adjusted because of epoxy used in their construction. Others reported no problems. My advice would be to negotiate for a return period and rigorously test with your set up to see whether they meet your needs. When they were "on" they were equal to their Summicron counterparts.

This is good advice.... make sure you can return although it's unlikely you will need to.
I thought the Hex28 was a really great lens. My use was on an RD1 and M8.
Beautiful color and sharpness with relatively nice oof area for a 28mm.
If you like 28mm give it a try.

There has been enough focus issues reported by other users to warrant caution.
I've owned the 21/35, 28,f2)50, and f1.2)50mm.
Only my copy of the 2/50 had issues with focus and only on the m8 and m5 at close range.
All the rest were perfect. The 2/50mm showed no issues on my Bessa R2 which often wore that lens.

 

[Dante_Stella]

Unlike the more expensive Leica M Lenses, the M-Hexanons couldn't be adjusted because of epoxy used in their construction.

This is incorrect. They are as adjustable as pretty much any rangefinder lens. I have the service manuals, which make that point pretty clear — if you've never had it done. I've had those lenses adjusted both by DAG and by John Van Stelten. I had to have these recalibrated for my M8, and I can tell you that the 28, 50, 90, and 21-35 are all eminently adjustable, both lens cell and cam. There is no reason to believe that the 35 and 50/1.2 would not be as well.

Epoxy is not used in their construction. The adhesive you are talking about is thread-locking compound, it's pretty commonplace in Japanese lenses, and it's pretty easy to defeat. On the 50 it is also used to lock down the RF cam adjustment - the cam is actually a threaded tube that can be adjusted without doing more than removing the lens mount (the cell position is also adjustable without major disassembly).

In general, KMs were made exactly the way that Cosina makes ZM lenses. Except that KM lenses don't have the endemic wobble issues.

Certain repair people will freak out at the prospect of dissolving thread locking compound, or heating it to break the bond, but Konica clearly contemplated that it would be done.

Dante

 

[lawrence]

I have this lens and it is generally excellent, in particular it is sharp at all apertures. I have a few other 28s and this is the sharpest. My only criticism is that against the light it does flare a bit compared to my Ultron 28 f1.9, which is probably a surprise as the front element is completely flat and others say that the Ultron flares, however that is not my experience.

PS. I only shoot film with my LTM and M lenses.