Konica 35/2 UC-Hexanon LTM

[dap]

Originally Posted by infrequent

he is definitely out of new ones but reckons he can source some used ones. i noticed they were gone and asked.

Bummer - I was tempted to buy one from him several times but always ended up holding off. Looks like I should have pulled the trigger when I had the chance. I hope the fact that the "well ran dry" doesn't cause the price of second hand 35/2 UC's to jump out of the atmosphere (ie. Konica 60/1.2, 50/1.2).

[venchka]

Given that the prices of 35/2.0 Summicrons have jumped significantly since I started looking in 2005, I would think that prices for any of the "other" 35/2.0 lenses will keep pace. The Konica 1.2 lenses are keeping pace with the Noctilux. Racheted up because of the extra stops. Heck, even Canon & Nikkor 1.4 & 1.2 lenses are getting more dear.

Rogers: the photo of the child proves once again that Konica lenses don't flare. Well done!

[Sonnar2]

and some more here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/1473413.../rfhexauc3520/

cheers, Frank

[jamxo]

Continuing to love this lens, so small and the pictures it takes are lovely!

Shot some slide film through it on my m6 the other day:

[menos]

Anyone still use their UC-Hexanon?

How about some shots on a M9 or M Monochrom ;-)

What are alternative lens hoods, that work well and are compact on this lens (just bought a new sample and intend to keep the new hood in the box)?

[Flat Twin]

Just wondering if this type:-

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mint-Konic...item3a740e72f0

... is the same (optically?) as the UC Hexanons that are being talked about in this thread?

The M Hexanon is different, right?!

The different versions are a tad confusing, I'm interested in the classic double gauss (Nikkor 35/1.8 LTM?) type...

Any info wold be a help!

Simon

[david.elliott]

Originally Posted by Flat Twin

Just wondering if this type:-

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mint-Konic...item3a740e72f0

... is the same (optically?) as the UC Hexanons that are being talked about in this thread?

The M Hexanon is different, right?!

The different versions are a tad confusing, I'm interested in the classic double gauss (Nikkor 35/1.8 LTM?) type...

Any info wold be a help!

Simon

Not the same.

[venchka]

Internet Lore & Myth says that the 35mm/2.0 UC-Hexanon is optically most nearly related to the 35mm/2.0 Summicron IV. I have no clue. I have never had the IV Summicron in my hands.
As for a hood, I would take a look at Heavystar Photo Gears. See what they have in 43mm.

Here you go. Looks like a clone of my UC-Hexanon hood.

http://www.heavystar.com/servlet/the...-dsh-in/Detail

Wayne

[johannielscom]

Originally Posted by Flat Twin

Just wondering if this type:-

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mint-Konic...item3a740e72f0

... is the same (optically?) as the UC Hexanons that are being talked about in this thread?

The M Hexanon is different, right?!

The different versions are a tad confusing, I'm interested in the classic double gauss (Nikkor 35/1.8 LTM?) type...

Any info wold be a help!

Simon

Hi Simon!


This lens has a write-up on my web site. Not sure I should have sold that lens...

http://portretteur.nl/index.php?opti...nses&Itemid=58

It's optically the same lens as on the Hexar AF. Issue with it is that it 'suffers' from slight focus shift. Something Konica remedied it with the AF on the Hexar, and also remedied it in the UC-Hexanon 2.0/35mm by utilizing coating on all elements instead of only several in the L-Hexanon 2.0/35mm.

[Flat Twin]

Brilliant, thanks Johan, its becoming clearer now. I'll have a read of your write up. That silver L version looks sweet on the M2!

Simon

[menos]

Johan, your website post about the UC-Hex was, what I stumbled upon, when I researched the sample, I ended up buying ;-)

Thanks for the post!

I am just a very few days in using the UC-Hexanon, but man, I do love this little lens!

So far, I had no real chance of shooting with it, but had it always with me, to grab some shots, if I can:

[venchka]

I re-read the whole thing last night.

A sample. Kodachrome. Probably f/8.0 so no bouquet. Click the small photo.



Wayne

[menos]

Nice Wayne! Let's reanimate this thread ;-)

Here is a few from my UC-Hex - it is my first choice in 35mm, since I got it:


couple on electro bike in tunnel by teknopunk.com, on Flickr


man with dog on bicycle by teknopunk.com, on Flickr


men sorting fruits and meat by teknopunk.com, on Flickr


construction workers by teknopunk.com, on Flickr


facade structures by teknopunk.com, on Flickr


couple on electro bike by teknopunk.com, on Flickr

[kloudags]

Very nice sample pics of the 35mm.

Does anyone here still uses the Konica Hexanon 60mm 1.2, and is willing to sell or trade it? If so, let me know!

Such a hard lens to find, but it's no surprise...

[frostfire90]

Resurrecting this thread because I've been looking around for this lens for quite a while! I know there's some available on ebay but the prices seem a little unreasonable as compared to what they were sold for at first.

If there's anyone here looking to sell this lens please do not hesitate and drop me a PM Thanks!

[menos]

Originally Posted by frostfire90

Resurrecting this thread because I've been looking around for this lens for quite a while! I know there's some available on ebay but the prices seem a little unreasonable as compared to what they were sold for at first.

If there's anyone here looking to sell this lens please do not hesitate and drop me a PM Thanks!

There are things in life, that are just as they are.
In my opinion, the UC-Hex easily is worth the high prices on eBay - honestly.

I have a few 35mm lenses and for some strange reason, the UC-Hex is the one, I prefer over all of the others.

If I need closer focussing (seldom), I take a Summilux ASPH.
If I want a more vintage look, I take a 3.5cm Elmar.
If I want to shoot in darkness, the Voigtlander 35/1.2 is an option.

If one seeks a fast 35mm on a budget, in my opinion one of the nicest lenses, little more can buy is the Canon 35/2 LTM - you can't beat this lens for the money!

The UC-Hex punches far over it's weight and values easily for the high going prices on eBay.
Heck, even the less well made Leica 35 Summilux pre ASPH are more expensive (comparing second hand v4 with brand-new UC-Hex prices)!

Just as an aside: I find the UC-Hex to have A LOT of similarities in imaging to the W-Nikkor 35/1.8 (which in my book is possibly THE most beautifully rendering 35mm in it's combination of characteristics).

I would call a UC-Hex a bargain, that goes for less than the Nikkor, as on top of it's nicer built, it is also a lens, that is a lot better as a regular user!

[johannielscom]

Dirk,

Would you consider the UC-Hex a better daily user over the W-Nikkor just for size only, or do other aspects come into play too?

Just curious...

[menos]

Damn it … just crashed the browser with a long write up, comparing the W-Nikkor + UC-Hex with pictures !@#$%

Here is the short version:

UC-Hex:

- lighter
- slightly more compact
- better in regards of flare
- more balanced contrast (not as bitingly sharp and contrasty)
- smoother bokeh
- standard filter thread E43
- tighter built quality (best aperture control ring ever - on any lens)
- veeeeery smooth focus feel
- focusses slightly closer

W-Nikkor:
- higher price in LTM mount (you get a brand new in box UC-Hex for less than a W-Nikkor in user condition)
- uncommon old Nikon filter thread (fine 43mm)
- more cramped controls (with lens hood get's tight between hood and camera body)
- more "harsh" bokeh
- extremely sharp and contrasty (less smooth)

comparison shots:

W-Nikkor:

at IKEA - portrait by teknopunk.com, on Flickr


at IKEA - reading by teknopunk.com, on Flickr

UC-Hex:

UC-Hex bokeh by teknopunk.com, on Flickr


break by teknopunk.com, on Flickr

The world famous sharpness of the W-Nikkor:

35 ƒ1.8 W-Nikkor LTM - first shots - portrait by teknopunk.com, on Flickr


35 f1.8 W-Nikkor LTM - first shots - portrait - crop 2-1 by teknopunk.com, on Flickr

That last crop is a 2:1 crop and still new detail is revealed at this magnification - this blew me away, when I saw it first with my own eyes!
The W-Nikkor is an amazing technical feat, that kept eclipsing competitors lenses up into the 1990's !!! No wonder this lens has such a strong following. In my opinion, this and the rangefinder Nikkor 105/2.5 are the most impressive lenses of their time in regards of modern look, detail and contrast - while other lenses are amazing as well, these two really stand out and still today have a very modern look to them.

[menos]

Wanting to ad: if price, size and usability is considered, I would vote hands down for the UC-Hex.
I use mine without a lens hood and most of the time get away with this even in extreme light (the Nikkor flares much, much stronger, which is to be expected).
A lens hood with the Nikkor in my opinion is mandatory, making the UC-Hex in use indeed the smallest, fast 35mm ƒ2 lens available - a great package with a compact camera!