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 [2]. 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 [2].

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 [2]. 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 [2]. 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 [2]. 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 [2]. The 46 mm filter thread is in line with many Leica 90 mm lenses and other M optics [2].

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 [2]. 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 [2]. 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 [1][2].

Optical qualities

Rendering Documented testing describes the M-Hexanon 90 as a competent but unremarkable short telephoto rather than a standout performer [2]. Reviewers rate it as a moderate telephoto of average optical performance whose main weakness is chromatic aberration in high-contrast situations [2].

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 [2].

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 [2].

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 [2].

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 [2]. 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 [2].

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 [1]. 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 [1]. 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 [1][2].

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 [2].

Collector Notes The lens is most often acquired to complete a Konica Hexar RF outfit, where it pairs naturally with the body and finder [2]. 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 [2]. 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 [2]. Reported measurements differ between databases, so buyers should rely on direct inspection rather than a single quoted spec [1][2].

Sources

• [1] Wikipedia. Konica Hexar RF. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Konica_Hexar_RF
• [2] Macfilos (Joerg-Peter Rau). The M Files (13): Three Konica M-Hexanon lenses – one of them is a real gem and truly exotic. https://www.macfilos.com/2022/04/08/the-m-files-13-three-lenses-from-konica-one-of-them-is-a-real-gem-and-truly-exotic/
• [3] AllPhotoLenses. The Konica M-Hexanon 90 mm f/2.8 Lens. Specs. MTF Charts. User Reviews. https://allphotolenses.com/lenses/item/c_2806.html