Konica Hexanon 60mm F/1.2

Konica Hexanon 60mm F/1.2

Among Japanese rangefinder optics, the Konica Hexanon 60mm f/1.2 is one of the scarcest and most sought-after fast lenses made for the Leica thread mount, a status that has pushed prices well into collector territory. The Phoblographer, reporting on an example offered for sale, described it as a rare piece from Japan, noting that only 800 units were produced in LTM mount and that a clean copy could command prices around ten thousand dollars [1]. Japan Camera Hunter, which handles a large volume of unusual rangefinder glass, singled it out as one of the more remarkable lenses to pass through its hands [2].

The lens uses a seven-element, six-group optical design and a ten-blade diaphragm, and it focuses down to 0.8 m. With the screw mount coupled to the rangefinder, it works on Leica thread-mount bodies and, via an adapter, on Leica M cameras. The barrel is finished in black, measures about 52 mm long and 65 mm across, takes 58 mm filters, and weighs roughly 420 g, giving it the dense, substantial feel typical of an f/1.2 normal lens. The wide maximum aperture and short normal-to-portrait focal length make it a specialist optic rather than an everyday standard lens.

Because production was limited, surviving examples are uncommon and trade infrequently, which is the main reason the lens is discussed more often as a collector item than as a working tool [1][2]. Detailed, independently verified documentation of factory sub-variants is thin in the sources consulted here, so buyers generally evaluate individual copies on condition and originality rather than on a well-mapped version history.

Optical qualities

Rendering Public, source-backed analysis of this lens is limited by its rarity, and the most widely cited references discuss it primarily as a scarce collectible rather than as a thoroughly tested optic [1][2]. As a fast f/1.2 normal-length design with a ten-blade aperture, it can be expected to deliver shallow depth of field and rounded out-of-focus highlights when used wide open, but specific, repeatable claims about its sharpness, contrast, flare resistance, distortion, or vignetting are not well established in reliable sources and are therefore left open here.

History

Development and Launch The Hexanon 60mm f/1.2 was produced by Konica for the Leica thread mount, the legacy lens standard used on the company's own Hexar RF era rangefinder products and on Leica screw-mount bodies [1][2]. It sits at the fast end of Konica's rangefinder lens output, pairing a normal-to-short-portrait focal length with an unusually large aperture.

Special editions The lens is closely associated with a small, limited run. The Phoblographer reports that only 800 units were made in LTM mount, which accounts for much of the lens's rarity and the high prices it attracts [1]. Beyond this limited production figure, no further widely documented factory special variants are confirmed in the sources consulted here.

Collector Notes Given the small production and strong demand, condition and originality are the central concerns for buyers. Because the lens is rare and valuable, with reported asking prices in the thousands, it is worth confirming optical condition, mount integrity, and the completeness of any original accessories before purchase [1][2]. Prospective buyers should also be cautious about the wide spread of asking prices seen in the market.

Sources

• [1] The Phoblographer. This Rare Konica Hexanon 60mm is a Fascinating Lens for LTM Cameras. https://www.thephoblographer.com/2018/03/13/this-rare-konica-hexanon-60mm-is-a-fascinating-partner-for-leica-thread-mount-cameras/
• [2] Japan Camera Hunter. The Konica Hexanon 60mm F1.2 L-mount. https://www.japancamerahunter.com/2012/11/the-konica-hexanon-60mm-f1-2-l-mount/