Konica M-Hexanon 90mm f/2.8

Konica M-Hexanon 90mm f/2.8

When Konica introduced the Hexar RF in 1999 as an M-compatible rangefinder body, it launched the camera with a small family of M-Hexanon lenses in the classic 28, 50 and 90 mm focal lengths, and the 90mm f/2.8 served as the short telephoto of that line [1][2]. The lens is widely regarded as Konica's answer to the Leica Elmarit-M 90mm f/2.8, sharing both the focal length and the conservative f/2.8 maximum aperture rather than chasing a faster design. By the time it appeared, f/2.8 was a long-settled choice for a rangefinder 90, and Konica made no attempt to compete with the faster Summicron route that Leica had taken decades earlier.

Optically the lens uses a fairly classical layout of five elements in four groups, without aspherical elements or other exotic features, which means it is not a direct copy of the contemporary four-element Elmarit-M 90 despite the family resemblance. It is a slender, all-metal telephoto of moderate size for its class, and like the Leica Elmarit and the classic Summicron 50 it carries a built-in, slide-out hood rather than a separate bayonet shade. Handling is conventional for an M lens: the focus and aperture rings are distinct to the touch, the focus action is well damped, and the aperture can be set in unmarked but precisely clicking half stops. The lens is rangefinder coupled and fully usable on Leica M bodies, with a minimum focus distance of one metre that matches the Elmarit's, although the mechanism reportedly has a little more travel than the rangefinder cam itself uses. The 46 mm filter thread is in line with many Leica 90 mm lenses and other M optics.

The M-Hexanon 90 was sold finished in black and supplied with a felt-lined metal cap and a soft pouch rather than a separate hood. It belongs to a short-lived program: Konica's M-mount lenses, including this 90, were all discontinued years ago, and supply on the used market now comes largely from Japan and southern Europe. Reported figures for weight and dimensions vary slightly between sources, which is common for a lens measured with or without its caps, so individual listings should be checked against the item in hand.

Optical qualities

Rendering Documented testing describes the M-Hexanon 90 as a competent but unremarkable short telephoto rather than a standout performer. Reviewers rate it as a moderate telephoto of average optical performance whose main weakness is chromatic aberration in high-contrast situations.

Sharpness The lens is reported to be a little soft at f/2.8 and to improve as it is stopped down, with focusing accuracy being the practical limiting factor wide open at close range.

Bokeh and contrast Out-of-focus rendering is described as pleasant if not exceptional, and the lower contrast wide open is said to lend the background a certain softness or creaminess.

Aberrations Heavy longitudinal chromatic aberration in contrasty scenes is the most frequently noted shortcoming; it is less prominent on film than on a digital sensor but remains visible.

Digital use On full-frame digital M bodies the lens showed no notable colour drift toward the edges, which is expected from a telephoto whose rays strike the sensor at near-normal angles. Focusing wide open at close distance can be difficult with the optical rangefinder, and an electronic viewfinder or live view is recommended for critical close work.

History

Development and Launch The M-Hexanon line grew out of Konica's decision to re-enter the rangefinder market with the Hexar RF in 1999. Konica had a long earlier history with Leica-thread-mount lenses dating back to the 1950s and revived limited L-mount production in the late 1990s, so the bayonet-mount M-Hexanons continued an established interest in the format. The system opened with the 28, 50 and 90 mm primes, the 90mm f/2.8 covering the short telephoto slot, before later additions such as a 35mm f/2 in 2001 and the Dual 21-35mm wide-angle.

Special editions No widely documented factory special editions, military or export variants of the M-Hexanon 90mm f/2.8 are recorded; it was offered as a single black version.

Collector Notes The lens is most often acquired to complete a Konica Hexar RF outfit, where it pairs naturally with the body and finder. Because it lacks a removable hood, confirm the built-in slide-out shade works smoothly, and check for the original felt-lined metal cap and pouch when assessing completeness. Prices have tended to sit in the range of a comparable new Voigtländer lens and have risen over time as Konica M glass has become scarcer; the closely related Leica Elmarit-M 90 remains the usual point of comparison and a generally stronger optical performer. Reported measurements differ between databases, so buyers should rely on direct inspection rather than a single quoted spec.