Konica M-Hexanon 50mm f/2

Konica M-Hexanon 50mm f/2

The M-Hexanon 50mm f/2 was the standard prime that anchored Konica's short-lived M-mount system, launched alongside the Konica Hexar RF, the first M-mount camera body designed and produced independently of Leica [1]. The Hexar RF appeared on 13 October 1999 and was discontinued around 2003, and Konica introduced it with three lenses in the 28mm, 50mm and 90mm focal lengths, with the 50mm f/2 serving as the kit normal lens[2]. Although built to fit the Leica M bayonet, the design openly echoes the Leica Summicron-M 50mm f/2, a resemblance noted by reviewers who compared the two directly [3].

Optically the lens is a compact double-Gauss layout of six elements in five groups, working from f/2 to f/16 with a ten-bladed diaphragm that sets in half-stop clicks[4]. The barrel is all metal, using anodized aluminum for the outer rings and brass for the helicoids, and feels heavier than its modest size suggests; focusing is by a ribbed ring rather than a tab, with a smooth helicoid and firm aperture detents. The lens couples to the rangefinder for accurate focusing on Leica M and compatible bodies such as the Epson R-D1 and Voigtländer Bessa, and like the matching 90mm it carries a built-in retractable hood, supplied without a locking mechanism. Reviewers have generally praised the build quality, with some judging the Konica M lenses to feel as solid as or sturdier than their Leica counterparts.

Only a single version of the 50mm f/2 is documented, so there are no coating or optical revisions to distinguish; the lens shipped with metal front and rear caps and a leather pouch. Identification is straightforward, since the barrel is engraved and paint-filled and the mount is bright chrome. One persistent point of discussion is rangefinder calibration: Konica's KM bayonet is a close copy of the Leica M mount, and some users have reported focus discrepancies between individual lens and body samples, so testing wide open at the minimum focus distance before buying is commonly advised.

Optical qualities

Rendering The lens is widely described as a competent but understated performer. Its character tends toward flat, lower-contrast rendering that responds well to post-processing, with smooth foreground and background blur from the ten rounded blades. Reviewers report pleasant, natural out-of-focus areas and clean tonal gradation in the in-focus plane.

Sharpness Wide-open results are described as soft by some testers and as acceptable by others, with sharpness improving on stopping down; on a high-resolution digital sensor it is judged clearly behind the Leica Summicron-M 50mm f/2 but ahead of typical SLR normal lenses.

Contrast and color Contrast is comparatively low, contributing to the flat look noted above, and the rendering has been described as slightly warmer than contemporary Leica lenses.

Distortion and vignetting Distortion is reported as effectively absent, and corner falloff is described as typical for a 50mm rangefinder lens and easily corrected with a lens profile.

History

Development and Launch The M-Hexanon 50mm f/2 was created as the normal lens for the Konica Hexar RF, an autoexposure, motorized M-mount rangefinder that Konica positioned as a modern alternative to the Leica M6. Introduced on 13 October 1999, the Hexar RF system used the KM bayonet, a copy of the Leica M mount that allowed cross-use of Leica and compatible lenses, and the 50mm f/2 was offered as part of the launch trio alongside the 28mm f/2.8 and 90mm f/2.8.

Production Evolution The 50mm f/2 itself is documented in a single form with no recorded optical or coating revisions. Within the wider lens line, Konica later added other focal lengths and special models, including a new 35mm f/2 in 2001 and a dual focal length 21-35mm in 2002, but these did not alter the standard 50mm.

Special editions No major factory special edition of the 50mm f/2 is widely documented. The notable limited release in the Konica M line was instead a separate 50mm f/1.2, sold in a millennium kit limited to 2001 units around the year 2001, rather than a variant of the f/2 lens.

Collector Notes Despite selling for considerably less than Leica glass when new, used prices of the Konica M-Hexanon lenses have climbed toward Leica levels, and the 50mm f/2 is frequently recommended in forums as a more affordable alternative to the Summicron. Buyers should confirm rangefinder accuracy on their own body, as compatibility between the KM and Leica M mounts is not guaranteed for every sample, and should check that the built-in hood, original metal caps and leather pouch are present.