Both Konica Lenses were pleasant surprise for me. Maybe because before testing, I didn't know nothing about them.
After I examined results, I spent some time looking for more information. Here is faster, a bit older and more expensive f1.4 version.
Lens is Double-Gauss design, same as i.e. Yashinon DX 50 f1.7 or Asahi Super Takumar 50 f1.4. It has 7 elements in 6 groups and weight 290 gr.Later incarnation of this lens has smallest aperture of 22 instead of 16 on my sample and it is lighter with its 265 gr.
Filter thread is 55mm and closest focusing distance is 45cm. Aperture has 6 blades.
My sample is earliest version of the lens, dated somewhere between 1973 and 1975, what can be recognized by green lettering EE. Later versions had AE engraved, and the newest ones as noticed above, where lighter and slightly slimmer with aperture closure to f22. All versions are supposed to have same optical formula.
Lens is build to the highest standards, it has rubberized focus ring and everything seems to work fine. On the NEX 7 it is a biit front heavy. There are better balanced 50mm lenses on NEX. On the other hand, lens look nice to me. It certainly has its appeal.
Lens and body:
Following test shows lens character, color, contrast and out of focus rendition at most apertures. Focusing was at the focus target next to the doll in front. That should be aligned with the dolls right eye in terms of focus plane. Shot from tripod with remote, ISO 100, NEX 7, RAW developed in LR 3.6 with standard settings, exported for downsizing in Photoshop. No other corrections applied.
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| Sony NEX 7 + Konica Hexanon AR 50mm f1.4 at f1.4 |
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| Sony NEX 7 + Konica Hexanon AR 50mm f1.4 at f1.7 |
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| Sony NEX 7 + Konica Hexanon AR 50mm f1.4 at f2.8 |
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| Sony NEX 7 + Konica Hexanon AR 50mm f1.4 at f5.6 |
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| Sony NEX 7 + Konica Hexanon AR 50mm f1.4 at f8 |
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| Sony NEX 7 + Konica Hexanon AR 50mm f1.4 at f11 |
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| Sony NEX 7 + Konica Hexanon AR 50mm f1.4 at f16 |
Here are 100% crops of the focus plane area.
Konica Hexanon AR 50 f1.4 is one of the sharpest lenses I've tested so far. Sharpness is good already at f1.4 but stopped down to f1.7 it really shines.
Resolution chart is shown bellow with respectful 100 crops.
Border performance is not great but it is solid and to be expected. There is some light fall, but less than with Super Takumar i.e. Border performance seems to slightly improve with a distance from the focus plane. Following test shows very good results across the frame.
As usual - there is very slight barrel distortion, nothing to worry about.
Here are couple of portraits in a natural light without flash.
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| Sony NEX 7 + Konica Hexanon AR 50mm f1.4 at f1.4 |
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| Sony NEX 7 + Konica Hexanon AR 50mm f1.4 at f1.7 |
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Sony NEX 7 + Konica Hexanon AR 50mm f1.4 at f2.8
Colors are slightly colder, but seems very neutral to me. Contrast is very good from f1.7 on. At f1.4 picture is overall slightly softer, but contrast remains good.
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Notice the sharpness at f1.7 and f2.8. It is outstanding IMO.
Bokeh:
As you can see, bokeh is very nice wide open and stays smooth also at f4, considered to be good aperture for portraits.
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| Sony NEX 7 + Konica Hexanon AR 50mm f1.4 at f1.4 |
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| Sony NEX 7 + Konica Hexanon AR 50mm f1.4 at f4 |
Great sharpness brings lot of detail in the landscape scenario across the frame.
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| Sony NEX 7 + Konica Hexanon AR 50mm f1.4 at f5.6 |
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| Sony NEX 7 + Konica Hexanon AR 50mm f1.4 at f8 |
Conclucsion:
Konica Hexanon AR 50 f1.4 is my new favorite within the bunch so far. I managed to get one for 80 USD including shipping and I doubt you can find better deal for f1.4 lens.
This lens has great build quality and outstanding optics and it is kind of forgotten gem.
If you can get one in good condition, bellow 100 USD, this is the lens to buy.
Following test shows lens character, color, contrast and out of focus rendition at most apertures. Focusing was at the focus target next to the doll in front. That should be aligned with the dolls right eye in terms of focus plane. Shot from tripod with remote, ISO 100, NEX 7, RAW developed in LR 3.6 with standard settings, exported for downsizing in Photoshop. No other corrections applied. 
Border performance is not great but it is solid and to be expected. There is some light fall, but less than with Super Takumar i.e. Border performance seems to slightly improve with a distance from the focus plane. Following test shows very good results across the frame.
Notice the sharpness at f1.7 and f2.8. It is outstanding IMO.
Best Mr. Pavlovič,
ReplyDeleteYou mention (crops, around the eyes)that the lens get sharper @ 1.7.
"Contrast is very good from f1.7 on" Does the EE version have half stops? or is it just a mistake?. My EA version doesn't have half stops, nor does my older EE (57mm f1.4)
Regards Bradley
Hi Bradley,
Deleteyes, AE version lost half stops between full aperture values, but it is a bit smaller and lighter, if I am not wrong.
To be more precise, only the latest AE version does't have half stop clicks. This version has f22 however.
ReplyDeleteI have a f16 version which doesn't have half stops, which is kinda rare. The f22 version is indeed smaller and lighter and is the version I prefer on my NEX. The coating seems different too.
ReplyDeleteI am currently using this lens (f/22) version along with Konica Hexanon 135 f.2.5 and Vivitar 28mm close focus wide angle (sr.no 28xxxxx) lens... and i have never been happier. being an all time Sony Alpha user, i informally/unscientifically compared the performance with Minolta AF 28mm f/2.8, Minolta AF 50mm 1.7 and Minolta AF 135 2.8. The Konica beats the Minolta AF hands down... sharper, better contrast, vignetting and color control and above all absolute joy to use. i would be interested if you can test the aforementioned Vivitar 28mm CF lens... it starts at f2, get decently sharp at f2.8 and moderately sharp at f4, however the borders remain slightly soft at any aperture and need some hard sharpness in PP. i hope you can test the lens and verify my findings. Keep up the excellent work,
ReplyDeleteRegards,
Kamran
Hi,
DeleteI don't have that Vivitar lens, so just if I bump on it for some great price I might test it in the future. I tested Kiron 28/2 and it wasn't stellar performer up to f/4 or so. But it is a low contrast lens and for some application it can be very nice. Here is that brief test: http://verybiglobo.blogspot.cz/2012/02/sony-nex-7-and-kiron-fd-28-f28.html?q=kiron
Cheers,
Viktor
I followed your advice and bought the same Konica Hexanon 50mm f1.4 version. I have also several Hexanons like 50 mm f1.7, f1.8. However, I get blurry or hazy pictures at f1.4 or f1.7 on my NEX 5N. Do you have the same problem? I made a baffle of paper to reduce aperture but I lose light. Which adapter did you use? Thanks, Hector.
ReplyDeleteNote. I have the same problem with all my Konicas wide open, so they are almost unusable wide open, only from f4-f5.6. Tested with two different adapters.
I am sorry to hear that.
DeleteAs with any old lens, there can be lot of reasons for bad results. (Sample variations)
Some lenses have haze inside and that haze might have different roots. One of the worst cases is if someone cleaned fungus that already damaged coatings or glass.
I have generic adapter, nothing fancy. I believe it cost around 20 USD many years ago, when they weren't produced in larger numbers as today.
The only advice that I can give you is to take your lens to the repair shop (if you are afraid to try it yourself) and ask them to inspect it and if possible clean it thoroughly.
Of course at f/1.4 you shouldn't expect razor sharp results. If you look at the eye close-up crops from this review, this is good indication of "softness" wide open. That softness is characteristic for most legacy lenses at widest aperture, but it also works well for smooth portraits and silky bokeh.
Modern lenses such as recent Zeiss Plannars i.e. are optimized for high microcontrast at widest apertures, but they usually have also somewhat harsh oof areas.
Without seeing images, I can't really say if it is because the lens is probably lemon, the adapter cause some light leaking, or it is normal for this lens.
BTW, be sure not to use any UV or protective filters to see if it helps.
Good luck,
Viktor
I second this! thank you for sharing with us.
ReplyDelete