Konica Konica 35mm f2.8 Heritage

Overview

The Konica Hexanon AR 35mm f/2.8 was one of the first lenses developed for Konica's AR bayonet mount system, having been borrowed and adapted from the earlier Konica F system. According to one reviewer, the AR-era version was much more compact than the earlier F-mount lens, retaining the same optical design while shrinking to a 55mm filter size. A later, even more compact f22 (minimum aperture) version was reportedly introduced a few months afterward and was manufactured by Tokina. There is a reviewer claim that the Hexanon's optical formula is an optical copy of an Angénieux design ('ヘキサノンの銘玉はアンジェニューの光学コピー'), though this is presented as lore rather than confirmed fact. The lens does not carry any established nickname in the reviews gathered here. It enjoys a modest cult following among Konica shooters for offering good rendering at a bargain price (one buyer picked up a copy for a song), while some more demanding users found their copies mediocre wide open and preferred the faster AR 40mm f/1.8 instead.

Verdict: The Konica Hexanon AR 35mm f/2.8 is a compact, well-built vintage wide-angle that punches above its bargain price, offering good sharpness, pleasing contrast, and notably creamy, classic bokeh. It's ideal for character-seeking adapters and Konica fans who want a smooth-rendering 35mm on a budget — provided they accept some copy variation and check for a stiff focus ring. Perfectionists chasing flawless wide-open performance may prefer the faster AR 40mm f/1.8.

Optical Character

Bokeh

Described as super smooth and creamy or classic, with pleasant out-of-focus details even wide open.

Color

Good color reproduction, though it varies depending on the camera sensor used.

Sharpness wide open

Good sharpness overall, usable wide open and pretty sharp at optimal apertures, with some sample variation.

Flare resistance

Controls flare very well according to one reviewer, despite uncertain coating.

Contrast

Good overall contrast, even when adapted and shot wide open.

Community Insights

What people love

Super smooth and creamy bokeh that reviewers repeatedly praise
Good overall sharpness and contrast, usable wide open with pleasant out-of-focus detail
Solid all-metal construction and compact size for a 35mm
Excellent value — some copies bought very cheaply (e.g. around INR 2000)
Good flare control despite uncertain coating
Plenty of old-lens 'character' at its optimal apertures

What people dislike

Notable copy variation, with some users finding their sample mediocre wide open
Focus ring can be stiff/hard, which in one case caused an adapter to break during focusing
Some feel the Hexanon rendering can be 'sharp but boring' and lacking character
The later f/16 (compact Tokina-made) version is considered 'nothing special'

Pro Tips

Shoot at f/5.6 for optimal sharpness while retaining the creamy bokeh at f/2.8 when desired
If the focus ring is hard, have it cleaned and regreased before mounting on adapters to avoid breakage
Correct any distortion easily in post rather than avoiding compositions
On APS-C or Micro Four Thirds it becomes a longer effective focal length (~70mm on E-PL2), useful for portraits
Reviewers suggest full-frame or APS-C may yield even better results than smaller sensors

Sources (1)

Web-grounded synthesissecondary

The Konica Hexanon AR 35mm f/2.8 was one of the first lenses developed for Konica's AR bayonet mount system, having been borrowed and adapted from the earlier Konica F system. According to one reviewer, the AR-era version was much more compact than the earlier F-mount lens, retaining the same optical design while shrinking to a 55mm filter size. A later, even more compact f22 (minimum aperture) version was reportedly introduced a few months afterward and was manufactured by Tokina. There is a reviewer claim that the Hexanon's optical formula is an optical copy of an Angénieux design ('ヘキサノンの銘玉はアンジェニューの光学コピー'), though this is presented as lore rather than confirmed fact. The lens does not carry any established nickname in the reviews gathered here. It enjoys a modest cult following among Konica shooters for offering good rendering at a bargain price (one buyer picked up a copy for a song), while some more demanding users found their copies mediocre wide open and preferred the faster AR 40mm f/1.8 instead.

http://kenribasar.blogspot.com/2014/02/konica-hexanon-ar-35mm-f28-lens.htmlhttps://davidde.com/2020/09/07/review-the-konica-ar-35-2-35-2-8-hexanon-lenses/https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/4232985https://www.dpreview.com/forums/threads/first-pics-konica-m-hexanon-35mm-f2-leica-m8-2.3040720/https://allphotolenses.com/lenses/item/c_531.html