Production
1973 – 1979
Country
Japan
Optical
-
Updated
Jul 16, 2026
Konica Hexanon
Konica AR · 50mm · f/1.7
Compiled from 1 real reviews · AI-assisted · accuracy-checked · Updated 16 Jul 2026
Overview
The Konica Hexanon AR 50mm f/1.7 was introduced in 1973 as the kit lens bundled with the Autoreflex T3, Konica's sturdily built flagship SLR that succeeded the T2. From the outset it earned a reputation for optical excellence, particularly its sharpness. When the T3 was perceived as too bulky and workhorse-like in the face of smaller, lighter SLRs from competitors, Konica released the more compact Autoreflex TC in 1976, and the Hexanon 50mm f/1.7 was redesigned to match: smaller and lighter, with a slightly longer minimum focus (55cm versus 45cm) and the half-stop aperture detents removed. Crucially, the optical formula was reportedly unchanged, and the lens kept its sharpness reputation intact. Production continued until 1979, when the Autoreflex TC transitioned to the pancake 40mm f/1.8 kit lens. In the Hexanon standard-lens trio (50mm f/1.7, 50mm f/1.4, 57mm f/1.2), the f/1.7 is the entry-level, budget-priced option, but reviewers note it is paradoxically the sharpest of the three and arguably offers the best price/performance ratio of any vintage lens they have tested. For decades these Hexanons were a hidden corner of the vintage-lens world because the Konica AR flange distance (40.5mm) was shorter than most DSLRs, making adaptation impractical. The mirrorless era changed that: short-mount mirrorless bodies can adapt the Hexanons without optical-element adapters, and the 50mm f/1.7 in particular has gained a quiet cult following among photographers who prize its combination of contrasty, sharp rendering, sturdy build, and accessible price.
Verdict: A budget, no-nonsense vintage normal lens for photographers who want sharp, contrasty images and the tactile feel of an all-metal 1970s workhorse. It rewards anyone willing to shoot at f/2.8 or smaller for general work, while still delivering usable sharpness wide open for environmental portraits. The hexagonal bokeh from the six-blade aperture is a clear stylistic signature that will delight some and frustrate others. For shooters who appreciate clean, high-contrast rendering at a very accessible price, the Hexanon AR 50mm f/1.7 is one of the strongest value arguments in the entire vintage 50mm market, and a smart alternative to the more famous fast 50s.
Optical Character
Bokeh
Six-blade aperture produces visibly hexagonal shapes in out-of-focus highlights when stopped down; subject separation is described as excellent, but the rendering is not characterised as creamy or swirly.
Sharpness wide open
Described as the sharpest of the Hexanon 50mm lineup and sharper than the f/1.4 sibling; centre is already strong wide open at f/1.7, with cleanest frame-wide results from about f/2.8.
Contrast
High global contrast; repeatedly described as a 'contrasty and sharp' lens with a punchy, well-defined rendering.
Community Insights
What people love
- Exceptional sharpness for the price, including at the centre wide open at f/1.7
- High-contrast rendering that gives images a punchy, well-defined look
- Solid, sturdy build quality, especially in the earlier all-metal and glass construction
- Compact and lightweight form factor, particularly after the 1976 redesign
- Smooth, accurate focus ring that delivers predictable results and pairs well with focus peaking
- Excellent subject separation for portrait work at f/1.7
- Outstanding value/performance ratio in the Hexanon standard-lens lineup
- Adaptable to short-flange mirrorless cameras without optical adapters, unlike the older DSLR-only adaptation issues
What people dislike
- Six-blade aperture produces clearly visible hexagonal shapes in out-of-focus highlights, which can be distracting
- Later (1976–1979) version drops the half-stop aperture detents, giving coarser aperture control
- Minimum focus distance increased to 55cm on the 1976 redesign, compared to 45cm on the original
- Focus ring is smooth and accurate but somewhat under-damped, feeling less refined than premium contemporaries
- Aperture action, while tactile, is described as 'clicky' rather than the smoother, silkier feel of some other vintage lenses
- Before the mirrorless era, Hexanons were hard to adapt to other systems due to the short Konica AR flange distance, which limited their popularity
Pro Tips
- Stop down to around f/2.8 for the cleanest, most usable sharpness across the frame, though wide-open at f/1.7 the centre is already strong enough for environmental portraits
- Use the precise, smooth focus ring deliberately; its slightly under-damped feel rewards careful zone focusing or focus-peaking assisted focusing on mirrorless bodies
- Be aware of the six-blade aperture: stopped-down bokeh highlights will be hexagonal, so choose backgrounds and lighting to either lean into the geometric look or avoid harsh pinpoint lights directly behind the subject
- For the closest working distance and the original feel, hunt for the 1973–1976 version with the front serial number, which focuses to 45cm and still has half-stop aperture clicks
- Lean on the lens's high contrast: pair it with subjects that have clear tonal separation, and shoot in light that flatters high-contrast rendering rather than flat overcast conditions if you want the punchiest files
- If shooting backlit scenes, experiment with positioning to control flare, since the high-contrast character will not soften stray light the way a more modern multi-coated optic would
Compatible Adapters
Real adapters from our shop that fit this lens mount.
Standard · ฿540 · In stock
Standard · ฿540 · In stock
Standard · ฿540 · In stock
Sample Photos
Sources (1)
Web research
A budget, no-nonsense vintage normal lens for photographers who want sharp, contrasty images and the tactile feel of an all-metal 1970s workhorse. It rewards anyone willing to shoot at f/2.8 or smaller for general work, while still delivering usable sharpness wide open for environmental portraits. The hexagonal bokeh from the six-blade aperture is a clear stylistic signature that will delight some and frustrate others. For shooters who appreciate clean, high-contrast rendering at a very accessible price, the Hexanon AR 50mm f/1.7 is one of the strongest value arguments in the entire vintage 50mm market, and a smart alternative to the more famous fast 50s.
https://www.myfavouritelens.com/konica-hexanon-ar-50mm-f1-7-lens-review/https://lenslegend.com/konica-hexanon-50mm-f1-7-ar-review/