M-Hexanon 50mm/f2 on auction

[peter_n]

This is a wonderful lens - close to a Summicron in quality and currently at a reasonable price:

Konica M-Hexanon lens 50mm/f2

 

[Bob_McBob]

The key word being "currently" of course, as most eBay bidding is done in he last few minutes. These lenses have been going for ridiculously high prices on eBay lately -- the same thing that always happens when people discover a great item that's not too expensive.

 

[rover]

I put the over-under at $425.

 

[Bob_McBob]

They used to go for $250 not so long ago, when they were a truly viable Summicron alternative. When you're getting to $400+, a used Summicron starts to look more appealing.

 

[rover]

But a truely mint condition Summicron is going to run you $650 to $700 so I the Hex is still nice.

 

[Graybeard]

They used to go for $250 not so long ago, when they were a truly viable Summicron alternative. When you're getting to $400+, a used Summicron starts to look more appealing.

Since the lenses are no longer manufactured, the inventory on distributor's and dealers shelves has probably all been sold by now and current offerings seem to be by individual owners. The lenses are not as common as they were just three years ago.

It would seem that the Hexanon lenses are to the M-series Leica what the LTN Nikkors and Canon lenses were to the screw mount Leicas - credible rivals to the Leitz offerings. My own experience with performance of the Hexanons has been good and the build quality is at least equivalent to the Leitz products. These are solid, hefty lenses.

 

[pukupi]

All but the limited edition M-Hexanon 50/1.2 can still be bought new in Osaka.

 

[Flyfisher Tom]

Does anyone know if there are galleries of photos taken with the M-Hexanon 50/1.2? I'm most curious about the signature of this lens.

 

[ddimaria]

All but the limited edition M-Hexanon 50/1.2 can still be bought new in Osaka.

Anychance you would consider picking one up for somebody and ship it overseas? How much are they selling for new?

Thanks
DD

 

[pukupi]

Anychance you would consider picking one up for somebody and ship it overseas? How much are they selling for new?

I will try to post some prices of the lens later this week. The 90 is often sold out and the 50/1.2 only comes as part of the Hexar RF Limited kit which you can only buy "used".

The nice thing about buying "used" limited gear in Japan is they often have never seen a roll of film and are still in the plastic packaging. This was the case with my Hexar RF Limited and amazingly, my Hexar Classic: in the box unused since 1993.

 

[ddimaria]

Thanks pukupi, any chance you might come across a Kobalux/Avenon/Bower 21/2.8? I've been looking for one and they are pretty rare now in the US. I have seen some on some Japenese websites but cannot figure them out at all.

DD

 

[pukupi]

Does anyone know if there are galleries of photos taken with the M-Hexanon 50/1.2? I'm most curious about the signature of this lens.

I'm a novice RFer but have an image here taken with the 50/1.2. There are some other links over at photo.net.

 

[rover]

$325 with 15 hours to go.

 

[pukupi]

Thanks pukupi, any chance you might come across a Kobalux/Avenon/Bower 21/2.8? I've been looking for one and they are pretty rare now in the US. I have seen some on some Japenese websites but cannot figure them out at all.

The Avenon 21/2.8 is on sale
here for Yen 77,490.

 

[pukupi]

Here are the cheapest prices I've found for new M-Hexanon lenses in Japan.

M-Hexanon 28/2.8 = 79,590 Yen
M-Hexanon 35/2 = 72,240 Yen
M-Hexanon 50/2 = 50,400 Yen

With the soft dollar at the moment I'm not sure how this compares with prices outside Japan.

 

[denishr]

pukupi, those prices are quite acceptable for European buyers, given that those are prices for NEW lenses!!! That would make 50/2 something like 370 EUR new!
VERY tempting - and I guess used prices are at least 20-30% less than the new lens...
Now you got me thinking 😉

Denis

 

[Wiechel]

Here are the cheapest prices I've found for new M-Hexanon lenses in Japan.

M-Hexanon 28/2.8 = 79,590 Yen
M-Hexanon 35/2 = 72,240 Yen
M-Hexanon 50/2 = 50,400 Yen

With the soft dollar at the moment I'm not sure how this compares with prices outside Japan.

Hmm, those seem like quite nice prices indeed! For comparison, how much does, say, a Cosina Voigtländer Ultron 35/1.7 or some other popular Voigtländer lens sell for, new in Japan?

 

[pukupi]

For comparison, how much does, say, a Cosina Voigtländer Ultron 35/1.7 or some other popular Voigtländer lens sell for, new in Japan?

The cheapest price I could find new:

ULTRON 35/1.7 (Silver) = 57,750 Yen
ULTRON 35/1.7 (Black) = 60,690 Yen

 

[peter_n]

The Avenon 21/2.8 is on sale here for Yen 77,490.

That's US$734! 😱 Very expensive, by the description the lens is black so that has probably driven up the price. Also the lens shown on the page isn't a 21/2.8. It may be an Avenon lens but it isn't the 21.

 

[ddimaria]

The American dollar is turning into wallpaper!!!!!