View Full Version : Konica Fast Lenses: M-Hexanon 50mm f1.2 and 60mm f1.2
I tried to find info on the M-Hexanon 50mm f1.2 and the 60mm f1.2 and usually, the info is in dribs and drabs. Compared to the other jewels like the UC-Hexanon 35mm f2 or the 50mm f2, information is scarce. So I decided to start a thread on these lenses and ask for everyone's input. Feel free to keep adding pictures, info, data, history or whatever you have.
With prices rising and sighs about soaring prices, especially the 50mm Summilux ASPH and the Noctilux, I think the M-Hexanons present good value a viable alternative.
A thread on the LTM 60mm is here: http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=53042
First off, size comparison:
L-R: Leica Noctilux f1, Konica M-Hexanon 60mm f1.2, Konica M-Hexanon 50mm f1.2, Leica Summilux 50mm f1.2 ASPH.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2008/2219182623_2a78a2b718_o.jpg
For the Konica M-Hexanon 50mm f1.2mm lens (62mm filter, 0.9m minimun focusing distance), it comes in a set together with the Millennium Limited Edition camera body. 2001 sets were issued to correspond with the year in which it was launched. According to the Wiki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hexar_RF) entry:
2001 Limited Edition
"Konica produced a chrome-finish Hexar RF camera, targeted for the year 2001 (the new millennium) in a limited release of 2001 units, supplied in a boxed set including a new M-Hexanon 50mm f1.2 lens and HX-18 flash [1]. The lens was only manufactured for this set, so examples are unavailable except in conjunction with the limited-edition kit or the (apparently few) occasions where components of the kit have been separated. This means that most are held by collectors or those willing to pay "collectible" prices."
One reference to the 50mm is from Chasseur d'Image: "Compared to the Noctilux, the 1.2 wins and here noticably at every aperture, vigneting and distortion". However, I'm unable to verify the source (edition date). The diagram below is from an older design in LTM, not the modern M mount version.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2334/2248694970_c989d27e29_o.jpg
The Konica M-Hexanon 60mm (58mm filter, 0.8m minimum focusing distance, 7 elements in 6 groups, 10 aperture blades) was introduced in 1999 at a selling price of US$1,600 for the Japanese domestic market, and 800 were produced. The design as follows:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2295/2237710574_b163f895e8_o.jpg
Reference from Erwin Puts:
http://leica-users.org/v10/msg02766.html
"Through the Hexanon 1.2/60mm at full aperure flows less energy than through the Noctilux 1.0/50mm. In fact the Hexanon at 1,2 is equal to the Noctilux at f/1.4. When comparing the two lenses at their full aperture, one should be aware of the fact that it is a f/1.0 against f/1.4 game.
On test the Hexanon at full aperture produced medium to high overall contrast with excellent on axis performance. Very fine detail is clearly recorded, but tangentially oriented structured are recorded very softly. The overall effect of both orientations would be a softening of the contrast of fine detail. In the field chromatic aberrations can be detected as color fringes around the edges of outlines. Some curvature of field is also noticeable. The on axis performance extends over a circle with a diameter of about 8mm. Beyond this circle, image quality rapidly falls away, and in a small zone beyond the 8mm area, fine detail has good visibility with a low contrast. In the outer zones and far edges the outlines of bigger objects are quite fuzzy.
At a focus distance of 1 meter, this general behavior holds, but contrast drops over the whole image field. Some of the lens-elements of the Hexanon are large and have very thin edges. I could note some decentring. The report is based on the correct centring."
A page from the past in 1956:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2319/2248682978_9897fc2564_o.jpg
60mm samples wide open:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2273/2247549159_43d9bf186a_o.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2034/2247549783_b8ff0e506d_o.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2076/2247549391_d8cb4354ab_o.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2143/2246630620_ba5cdc4334_o.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2045/2248417798_a5a139eefb_o.jpg
50mm samples wide open:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2352/2236248239_eae6516022_o.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2315/2236941782_8ee7979ac4_o.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2280/2235379781_6f1b7127e3_o.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2216/2235380653_59a28253e5_o.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2073/2237071240_3a4688a127_o.jpg
Forgot to mention that the 60mm is LTM, so it can be coded. I coded it as a Noctilux and it appears to help in some vignetting. For the 50mm, it is M-mount, and despite me not coding it, I cannot detect any vignetting in my photos.
I can't add any information about the lenses, but can I say those are lovely sample images, and you have a lovely family. Keep posting!
60mm OOF shots.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2386/2248427676_b71c890433_o.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2044/2248433222_c611745d98_o.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2146/2247559733_320db7be1a_o.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2390/2246630862_3fa6ac5746_o.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2411/2246631338_e671cb3efd_o.jpg
infrequent
02-07-2008, 00:47
two words...pure awesome!
Roger Vadim
02-07-2008, 01:35
Wow, I want the 60mm!! Great shots, lovely kids.
GAS attack...
-Michael
Love the pics - great lens performance! I gotta start saving up for one of those rare Hexanons!
hlockwood
03-19-2008, 07:15
Forgot to mention that the 60mm is LTM, so it can be coded. I coded it as a Noctilux and it appears to help in some vignetting. For the 50mm, it is M-mount, and despite me not coding it, I cannot detect any vignetting in my photos.
Am I correct therefore, that these shots were taken with an M8? (Great shots, great kids, btw.)[LEFT]
Harry
Great photos, from both the 50 and 60. These lenses seem excellent.
Konica also made a 1.2 (50 I think) for their Autoreflex SLR line, does anyone know if these SLR lenses match their M/LTM ones, other than mount?
Am I correct therefore, that these shots were taken with an M8? (Great shots, great kids, btw.)[left]
Harry
Yes, taken with the M8. Context of my comments are all based on that.
Great photos, from both the 50 and 60. These lenses seem excellent.
Konica also made a 1.2 (50 I think) for their Autoreflex SLR line, does anyone know if these SLR lenses match their M/LTM ones, other than mount?
I often see that the SLR line does not compare to the RF line (all camera makers), even if the lenses are of the same design.
At f5.6, the M-Hexanon 60mm is sharp like most lenses, with a medium-high contrast:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3182/2457723949_c0101b657b_o.jpg
I just received my new 50/1.2 M Hexanon. The instruction manual with block diagram shows the configuration to be similar to most modern 50/1.2 lenses, i.e. similar to the 50/1 Noctilux or 50/1.2 Nikkor with a 7/5 design. Also mentioned was the use of high index low dispersion glass to improve correction. As noted at the start of this thread, the block diagram is the LTM version of the Hexanon 50/1.2, not the M version.
Great thread. As you mentioned very little info is on the web about the konica's f1.2s.
jalLee2001
09-05-2008, 11:35
Where is the best place to pick up these lenes. Most of the places that I normally check dont carry them
Only place to find them is on the used market like Ebay or classifieds on sites like RFF, photo.net, etc. These lenses were made on a limited basis and Konica is now out of the camera business. One day, I might give up my sample if I really need to raise the funds.
awesome lenses!
I've never seen an offered 1,2/60; the 1,2/50 seems to be more traded
At f5.6, the M-Hexanon 60mm is sharp like most lenses, with a medium-high contrast:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3182/2457723949_c0101b657b_o.jpg
This was from an M8? I never got anything this sharp from my M8.
is the 60mm focal length easy to get along with?
is the 60mm focal length easy to get along with?
Yes, as I use the 50mm framelines. The f1.2 I feel is easier to use and sharper though.
I can't speak to the M8, but I have tried to use it on the R-D1. I think that one would have to use a magnifier to focus at 1.2. As far as LTM cameras, I'm testing it presently on various Japanese barnacks and a 3L as I suspect the P also has an inadequate baselength.
adrianzg
08-28-2009, 22:40
lovely kids. :)
Can any owners suggest with what LTM to M adapter the 60/1.2 will best focus on the M8.2?Hi -- The main issue is quality machining on the adapter, with correct thickness. The ones sold by CameraQuest are very good.
You'll probably want to choose an adapter that brings up the 50/75mm framelines... just a matter of convenience as this has no effect on focus.
Wow, those lenses, like all Konica lenses I've used are superb.
I've also found that it's easy to front-focus the 60. I'm trying it out now with a megaperls on the hexar to see how much is me and how much is adapter....
I should update this thread with the M9... :).
Finally, rounded up the usual suspects today and managed to fire off a few shots of the 60mm with the M9:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2485/4233603684_04af2ea581_o.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4066/4233604946_35757eef79_o.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2742/4232831733_e7b6d70a8e_o.jpg
All shots at widest aperture....
And a group shot....
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2625/4232843965_898ca10617_o.jpg
It's a fun lens and I dig the colors it presents. I only regret that most LTM cameras don't have a rf baselength to make me confident of focus at 1.2.
Together with the 35 Lux, the 60mm Hex is the lens I use most on my M9. It fits perfectly the 50mm framelines at mid distances. Obviously, focusing must be very precise, but ones gets use to it and the short focus throw helps. Though it is 1.2, the 60mm result in a DOF that is about equal to the Nocti at F1.0. Here are a few shots taken with it :
http://www.yanidel.com/pictures/60%20hex%20iv.jpg
http://www.yanidel.com/pictures/60%20hex%20iii.jpg
http://www.yanidel.com/pictures/60%20hex%20ii.jpg
http://www.yanidel.com/pictures/60%20hex%20i.jpg
yanidel, what do you manually set the Hex 60mm as in terms of coding?
WilliamK
01-01-2010, 16:36
So beautiful, I wish I had one... or at least the cash to afford one :P
While i'd like to try Hex 60/1.2 one day, I use Hex 50/1.2 now. Here are a few from it:
http://i647.photobucket.com/albums/uu192/krosya/Super%20Hexanon/EPSN4283.jpg
http://i647.photobucket.com/albums/uu192/krosya/Super%20Hexanon/EPSN4275.jpg
http://i647.photobucket.com/albums/uu192/krosya/Super%20Hexanon/EPSN4274.jpg
wjlapier
01-03-2010, 05:59
Hacker, I love how you capture your children. Keep snapping away. They grow up fast.
Can someone remind me how much these lenses sell for these days? I'm considering the 50 lux asph.
Hacker, mine is not coded and I don't use the manual lens selection option. I just like the look unaltered. When vignetting wide open bothers me, I correct it after the fact.
Wjlapier, th 60mm goes between €1600-€2000 on Ebay, basically the range of a used 50 Lux Asph. What you get extra with the Hex is the aberrations at F1.2 that make its great signature and a Depth of Field like the Nocti. Starting at F1.4, it is very sharp and modern. Probably very similar to the Lux.
amazing pictures, i like your colors very much... i never shot digital, but this makes me want M9...
Together with the 35 Lux, the 60mm Hex is the lens I use most on my M9. It fits perfectly the 50mm framelines at mid distances. Obviously, focusing must be very precise, but ones gets use to it and the short focus throw helps. Though it is 1.2, the 60mm result in a DOF that is about equal to the Nocti at F1.0. Here are a few shots taken with it :
http://www.yanidel.com/pictures/60%20hex%20iv.jpg
http://www.yanidel.com/pictures/60%20hex%20iii.jpg
http://www.yanidel.com/pictures/60%20hex%20ii.jpg
http://www.yanidel.com/pictures/60%20hex%20i.jpg
On the M8, I had a spare coded adapter set as the ASPH Lux (not that it needed much correction anyway). For the shots above, i set it as the Noct f/1.2. Cannot really tell much of a difference except in really low light. I assume the vignetting I saw under those conditions were due to the M8 (the few lenses that I have tested with the M9 had vignetting also).
Still struggling with using LR2 that came with the M9.
Hacker, I see no discernable light fall-off / vignetting, particularly in this shot. Is your lens coded to the M9 or did you even out the corners in post?
Yanidel, I sense your style involves a deliberate increase in vignetting which works well for you.
Since August I have used the CV 35/1.2 and the Hex 60/1.2 together on a pair of M8.2's. This is my essential low light kit and has served me well on holiday this past week. I use the 1.25x VF magnifier with the 35/1.2 and the 1.4x version with the 60/1.2. Of late I have tried these lenses a few times with my M6's and I am also pleased with their performance on film.
--Steve
So beautiful, I wish I had one... or at least the cash to afford one :P
Thanks. The girls in the pictures are my nieces. I have two daughters and a son who are not yet featured (brood of four). They are just over a year old :).
Yanidel, did you get a similar coulour rendering with this lense on a M8? I would say a specific post treatment instead is used. Is it?
http://www.yanidel.com/pictures/60%20hex%20iv.jpg
As with previous shots I have seen, your post processing technique is very nice and perfect for your subject matter! Excellent job.
a 60/1.2 shot.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4122/4862916496_8ce9f3d9d2.jpg
...fixed after, but I am lazy and somehow this seems better.
Also shows the difficulty of focussing this lens accurately on a screw-mount in low-light.
Benjamin Marks
08-04-2010, 05:45
Great thread and great examples of what these lenses' look and feel are.
Ben Marks
One more from that roll. Snapped quickly at the Danjiri matsuri in a heavy crowd. Unfortunate expression, but better focus.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4096/4862296205_ac6f30ac26.jpg
My impression of the 60 is that foliage with dappled light is the only situation that overcomes its smoothness.
The 60mm lens is very sharp with smooth bokeh. The size and weight are perfect for me. I finally let go the noctilux and stick with the hexanon.
will post some pictures next week.
mackigator
09-12-2010, 07:01
Thanks for sharing. It's a real treat to see the images from these two lenses.
magicianhisoka
10-04-2011, 08:45
This thread makes me appreciate the hexanon line more :)
jsrockit
10-04-2011, 09:06
Too bad these are hard to find, I'd love to have one of the 50s at a decent price.
noimmunity
10-04-2011, 09:25
A few years ago nobody wanted the "funny" focal length, and they could be seen selling for around US$2000, quite often less.
Benjamin Marks
10-04-2011, 10:14
I was using a Konica 57/1.2 AR on a Panny G2 over the weekend with an adapter.
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6103/6211907242_20b3c01625_b.jpg
I just love these fast designs. I assume that the SLR version of this lens is more or less the same as the M-mount or LTM 60's.
Edit: True this is not one of the lenses in the OP, but I have given up on being able to find the 60/1.2. Them's that got 'em, ain't selling. The 57/1.2 in AR mount can still be found though, and produces really nice results. Higher contrast than the Canon 50/1.2 lenses than I have seen, without a lot of fall off on m-4/3.
page 5
http://translate.google.com.au/translate?hl=en&langpair=ja%7Cen&u=http://www.matsumoto-camera.com/leicalens/leicalens5.html
it will be interesting to see how long it is there for at that price
noimmunity
10-07-2011, 10:11
page 5
http://translate.google.com.au/translate?hl=en&langpair=ja%7Cen&u=http://www.matsumoto-camera.com/leicalens/leicalens5.html
it will be interesting to see how long it is there for at that price
almost all of the lenses listed on that page have already been sold
almost all of the lenses listed on that page have already been sold
damn! i would bite on it in a heartbeat!
leicashot
10-27-2011, 22:39
Here's my contribution from the 60mm Hex. So far this lens is performing better than I expected, which is sharper that the 50mm Summilux ASPH wide open.
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6120/6287806473_9a58e9a5a8_b.jpg
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6034/6287769883_fdbf71b08b_b.jpg
Kristian,
i love that second shot especially!
so, if you could only have one lens, which do you like best -- 50 Summilux pre-asph (v.3), 50 Summilux Asph, or the Hex?
(keeping in mind i'm looking for Black Paint on the Luxes as i prefer focusing with the knurled edges -- so none of these are cheap... i want to supplement my E58 Nocti for night shots, but also have something that focuses closer and is a bit lighter for day shots that can also be used in dark basement bars.)
i look forward to your opinion as you've already got me looking very close at the CV Nokton...
thank you!
noimmunity
10-28-2011, 01:52
i love that second shot especially!
I'll second that second one! Talk about star-shaped bokeh :p!
I am not a bokeh fanatic , but the OOF areas on the Hexanon 60/1.2 are just awful to my eye. Resolution-wise it seems very sharp. I had one in my hands some time ago and shot some comparison shots with the 50/1.4 ASPH, and the Hex ones were, indeed, sharper, but I wonder if that is not the effect of comparing different focal lengths.
I am not a bokeh fanatic , but the OOF areas on the Hexanon 60/1.2 are just awful to my eye. Resolution-wise it seems very sharp. I had one in my hands some time ago and shot some comparison shots with the 50/1.4 ASPH, and the Hex ones were, indeed, sharper, but I wonder if that is not the effect of comparing different focal lengths.
i'm open to anyone chiming in, so thank you!
(evil man that you are, though -- you have the number one lens on my lust list -- the Aspherical!)
leicashot
10-28-2011, 07:03
Kristian,
i love that second shot especially!
so, if you could only have one lens, which do you like best -- 50 Summilux pre-asph (v.3), 50 Summilux Asph, or the Hex?
(keeping in mind i'm looking for Black Paint on the Luxes as i prefer focusing with the knurled edges -- so none of these are cheap... i want to supplement my E58 Nocti for night shots, but also have something that focuses closer and is a bit lighter for day shots that can also be used in dark basement bars.)
i look forward to your opinion as you've already got me looking very close at the CV Nokton...
thank you!
Firstly, I would avoid the Nokton 1.1, if you're thinking 50mm. I've used it a few times and have never been able to like anything about it. Value for money it surely is great, but if you're talking about technical qualities of sharpness wide open and bokeh, it's signature is well below par compared to the other competitors.
The LHSA Summilux ASPH is fantastic, possibly sharper wide open than the regular version, maybe due to it's different coating, being more blue. It's handling is fantastic as I've never liked focus tabs on lenses other than wide angles. The lens is smaller and better balanced on any camera too. Using it without the hood (a must due to the size of the hood) is a pleasure and makes for a very compact kit, like it's original older brother, the pre-asph V1-III. In terms of character, this lens exhibits very little, being the supermodel you always wanted, but all looks and no personality ;) It's perfect rendering was welcomed when I got it at first release but now I miss the imperfect look. Although if I was to have only one 50mm, it's hard to argue with the ASPH as it does do everything right.
I am a big fan of the pre-asph Summilux, and love the VII and VIII due to their size but close focusing can be a pain sometimes being limited to 1m. It's signature is very smooth, and by not being 'too' sharp wide open makes for a classic look with a little character in the bokeh. Definitely THE lens to get for a balance of modern meets classic.
The Hexanon is a 60mm focal length so it's unique in the lineup. Seeing I use my 50's as more of a telephoto than standard, the 60mm is not a stretch. It's really well balanced on the camera as it's slightly wide, but quite short. About 2/3 the height of the Noctilux 0.95 and about the same length as the Summilux ASPH (regular). It's build is solid and sweet. I got myself a self codable adapter and found the best coding to be the 50 Summilux pre-asph. for even colors to the edges. Focus is smooth, but not as much as the Noct 0.95. Aperture is a little bit too smooth, but clicks nicely and there's no problem.
At f/1.2, it's sharpness 'almost' matches the Summilux ASPH, surpassing the pre-asph, but the contrast is on the low side. This is very desirable for use in low light as the shadows have more information and can be easily brought back during post processing. Stopping down to 1.4, sharpness surpasses the Summilux ASPH, especially in the center area and contrast picks up noticeably. Bokeh differences between 1.2 and 1.4 is noticeable, but not by much. For me, I'd use 1.4 most of the time, except for extreme low light situations where I'd want to squeeze out more information.
The lens's character is why I've wanted this lens for the last 5 years. It's amazing, to me. It's very distinct without the craziness of other lenses, including the slightly more wild Hexanon 50/1.2 Ti. It's almost like a slightly more wild Summilux pre-asph but with sharper results. It's effect in OOF areas is of a painterly effect. This is very much related to the 35/2 UC lens which I also have and the pair match 100% in character.
Hope this helps.
leicashot
10-28-2011, 07:08
I am not a bokeh fanatic , but the OOF areas on the Hexanon 60/1.2 are just awful to my eye. Resolution-wise it seems very sharp. I had one in my hands some time ago and shot some comparison shots with the 50/1.4 ASPH, and the Hex ones were, indeed, sharper, but I wonder if that is not the effect of comparing different focal lengths.
I'm not sure focal length would have anything to do with it as a 50mm with more depth of field may 'appear' to look sharper. In terms of comparing bokeh, they are totally different. The Summilux ASPH was designed to meet the technical demands lens manufacturing and in this regard it is perfect. If you love the Summilux and enjoy it's bokeh, there's no surprise you don't like the bokeh from the Hexanon as it's aberrations are not so well corrected. This imperfection is what makes the lens so unique and so well sought after compared to other lenses like it's larger brother the 50/1.2 Ti.
Kristian,
thank you so much for your reply! (btw, i was talking about the CV 35/1.2 ;))
i have a 1962 50 Lux and am mad for it -- but the 1m limitation drives me mad which is why i am looking for alternatives.
i must admit the LHSA version sounds tempting because of its size, but the Hex's ectra stop and low contrast (i like that -- most of my work is b/w and i like to do contrast myself) has been calling me too...
i would love it (if you have time) if you could take some more night shots at f/1.2.
again, many thanks.
(and if anybody sees one for sale, give me a holler!)
leicashot
10-28-2011, 08:59
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6104/6289403528_1982f58f31_b.jpg
You're very welcome Cam. Yes the 35mm 1.2 is fantastic, and it's bokeh is something closer to the Summilux ASPH than the Hexanon which is why I have the Hex UC 35/2 lens as well. I'll be doing a Hexanon 60 V Noctilux 0.95, comparing at 0.95, 1.2 and 1.4 in about 2 weeks from now....stay tuned.
You're very welcome Cam. Yes the 35mm 1.2 is fantastic, and it's bokeh is something closer to the Summilux ASPH than the Hexanon which is why I have the Hex UC 35/2 lens as well. I'll be doing a Hexanon 60 V Noctilux 0.95, comparing at 0.95, 1.2 and 1.4 in about 2 weeks from now....stay tuned.
exquisite!
though i have a question about that pic -- do the meters no longer take change? i'm visiting home (LaLaLand) for Thanksgiving and want to know if this means i don't need to lug my quarters :p
back to lenses... you've intrigued me about the UC Hex, but i already have the pre-asph and ASPH (v.1) Lux and an 8-element Cron... the only reason the CV intrigues me is that extra stop (seriously dark bars here!) and closer focusing on the new v2.
i hope the 1.4 in your comparison is the pre-asph as i find the 0.95 footprint just like the 50 Lux Asph. i know you're loving new Nocti for work but, for me, it isn't worth the difference in weight (i have an early version E58) and cost... plus, i much prefer the dreamy glow and imperfections of the f/1.
leicashot
10-28-2011, 12:18
exquisite!
though i have a question about that pic -- do the meters no longer take change? i'm visiting home (LaLaLand) for Thanksgiving and want to know if this means i don't need to lug my quarters :p
back to lenses... you've intrigued me about the UC Hex, but i already have the pre-asph and ASPH (v.1) Lux and an 8-element Cron... the only reason the CV intrigues me is that extra stop (seriously dark bars here!) and closer focusing on the new v2.
i hope the 1.4 in your comparison is the pre-asph as i find the 0.95 footprint just like the 50 Lux Asph. i know you're loving new Nocti for work but, for me, it isn't worth the difference in weight (i have an early version E58) and cost... plus, i much prefer the dreamy glow and imperfections of the f/1.
well the meters take quarters and credit cards ;)
The UC Hex is sweet, sharp wide open but limited to 0.9m close focusing. Small, well built and very sexy!!!
The pre-asph may be in it if I can find one to compare. Would also be good to add the f/1. IMHO if you own the Nocti f/1, there is no need to look at the Hex 1.2 as they both offer the same kinds off signature, only with slightly different personality, if that makes sense. Especially the E58 version which is smaller is size, but still larger than the Hexanon which is very small for what it is. I'm not aware of anything smaller or comparable except for the original Noct 1.2.
I'm not sure focal length would have anything to do with it as a 50mm with more depth of field may 'appear' to look sharper. In terms of comparing bokeh, they are totally different. The Summilux ASPH was designed to meet the technical demands lens manufacturing and in this regard it is perfect. If you love the Summilux and enjoy it's bokeh, there's no surprise you don't like the bokeh from the Hexanon as it's aberrations are not so well corrected. This imperfection is what makes the lens so unique and so well sought after compared to other lenses like it's larger brother the 50/1.2 Ti.
I was thinking that the higher magnification of the Hexanon would make things appear sharper, but I may be wrong.
Do you have any problems with back focus on the M9, as it was reported with this and other Konica lenses.
Horea
well the meters take quarters and credit cards ;)
The UC Hex is sweet, sharp wide open but limited to 0.9m close focusing. Small, well built and very sexy!!!
The pre-asph may be in it if I can find one to compare. Would also be good to add the f/1. IMHO if you own the Nocti f/1, there is no need to look at the Hex 1.2 as they both offer the same kinds off signature, only with slightly different personality, if that makes sense. Especially the E58 version which is smaller is size, but still larger than the Hexanon which is very small for what it is. I'm not aware of anything smaller or comparable except for the original Noct 1.2.
cool! (i hav a stash pile of quarters from my last visit.)
i will be in L.A. at the end of November and you're more than welcome to use my f/1... there is a debate about whether there is a difference from the later models (i think there is) so maybe it won't be quite fair. (mine was made in 1975 and, i think, was like 235 after the first serial numbers according to the Wiki page).
i also have a gorgeous v2 Lux that you can use -- but, again, i belive the character varies from the v.3. from what i understand, it's more than simply the nearer focusing but, if course, we're talking nuance.
regardless, you are welcome to borrow either or both, if you don't mind putting off your test for a bit.
the Hex still intrigues me because of both its sharpness and, sometimes, those 7-8 inches count a lot! (Yanidel left before i got to try his on my M9.)
to clarify -- the 60/1.2 does focus down to .8m, no?
Thanks Kristian for the detailed 50mm opinion, very interesting!
leicashot
10-30-2011, 05:59
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6094/6293962978_3ddd92df18_b.jpg
60mm at f/8 on M9-P
Yes, but you may have to very slightly relieve the area on the back of the lens and LTM adapter adjacent to the RF follower. I used a Dremel tool and absolutely get to the close focus of 0.8M with the coupled RF.
thank you for that tidbit!
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6094/6293962978_3ddd92df18_b.jpg
60mm at f/8 on M9-P
very striking!
Century City?
leicashot
10-30-2011, 06:21
Century City it is Cam :)
leicashot
10-31-2011, 16:44
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6102/6300794270_b4a4dff137_b.jpg
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6221/6300794116_291e6644a0_b.jpg
Leica M9-P with Konica Hexanon 60/1.2 shot wide open
fantastic, Kristian, thank you. and what a patient beautiful girl!
the reflection and shadow in the first is beautiful, but i also love the starkness of the second... sigh.
i am really wanting a fast lens that focuses close after nearly falling out of my chair trying to catch my friend with the Nocti this evening.
on a side note, as we were dining, i was also wondering how appalling it would be to put my used chopsticks in my waist-length hair to keep it up... decided it would be kind of disgusting, so i didn't. nevertheless, the timing of your images cracked me up. thank you!
Toni Nikkanen
06-07-2012, 14:56
So... the years come and go, but the good lenses remain good lenses. What kind of prices do the Hexanon-M 50/1.2 and 60/1.2 go for these days?
Some 50s are on the Bay for around $3000-$3500; think the 60s are somewhat more when they are available.
The last time, I was kind of close to a 60/1.2 Hex is a few years back, when a friend offered me one.
I am still kicking myself for not biting back then. I had no clue, what this lens is about back then.
I remember when I got my 60 for around 2K 3 years ago. A month later, I saw one got for $1200 and just about died. Now, good luck finding one for the price fo those two combined (or at all, really). The 50's I see for sale often enough, just expensively.
I love them both, but I still use the 35/1.2 more than either, which says a lot for CV.
I remember when I got my 60 for around 2K 3 years ago. A month later, I saw one got for $1200 and just about died. Now, good luck finding one for the price fo those two combined (or at all, really). The 50's I see for sale often enough, just expensively.
I love them both, but I still use the 35/1.2 more than either, which says a lot for CV.
I agree - while I use Cv 35/1.2 more than 50/1.2 Hex, whenever I think I could sell the Hex - I realize that if I do - I'll never be able to get another one. But who knows - maybe I will part with it one of these days......I do a lot less photography now, so maybe, maybe....
f16sunshine
06-13-2012, 00:20
I have had mine mounted more often lately on an M5. There are a few rolls waiting to develop. All HP5+. Here is one from a wedding about a week ago that I'm happy with. I love the look from this 50mm. Would be stoked to try a 60mm sometime but, honestly would not ever pursue finding one.
Rodinal Stand 1:100
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7074/7323245706_b506d50f87_c.jpg
I have had mine mounted more often lately on an M5. There are a few rolls waiting to develop. All HP5+. Here is one from a wedding about a week ago that I'm happy with. I love the look from this 50mm. Would be stoked to try a 60mm sometime but, honestly would not ever pursue finding one.
Rodinal Stand 1:100
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7074/7323245706_b506d50f87_c.jpg
That's really beautiful.
They can still be found if you look very hard but the price has been up/down for quite some time. I am not selling mine
I love them both as well. I use them side by side on a pair of cameras, either M6's or M8.2's. They are different in ways other than focal length which is appealing to me, and both are very different going from film to cropped digital.
I agree. As the picture above shows, I think the 50/1.2 is a bit like a hex 50/2 on steroids. I don't know how to say it, but the 60 seems to pair well with the 35 uc but has other less obvious charms as well. It's as though these two lenses were a separate branch of the hex family from the m-hex lenses and the 50/2.4 uc.
FYI
Recent 50/1.2 Japanese auction price
■Konica HEXAR RF Limited用 ヘキサノン M-HEXANON 50mm F1.2 223,000 円
I think in dollars that's ~+20%.
The prices with Hexar in the states start to look better.
One going through ebay now.
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Konica-HEXANON-60mm-f-1-2-Black-Paint-583-800-limted-NEW-BOX-RARE-/190711755572?pt=Camera_Lenses&hash=item2c674e7334
Wow, that sold FAAAAAST !!!
Not bad. $7.5k and we only got to see a picture of the box!
OMG... $7.5K (with shipping)
I'm going to have to reevaluate my camera insurance.
Holy moly.
kloudags
05-19-2013, 00:15
HI,
I'm very much interested to acquire one of these too rare lenses, and I've been looking around for a while.
So if anyone is willing to part from one, or if you have any tips on how and where to find one, please let me know.
Cheers.
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