Konica 52mm f/1.8 (1965–1974)

Name: Konica 52mm
Brand: Konica

A standard prime lens for Konica’s 35mm SLR system cameras, produced from 1965 to 1974.

Overview

The Konica Hexanon AR 52mm f/1.8 is a manual focus lens for Konica's 35mm SLR cameras with the AR bayonet mount. It was sold as a standard "kit" lens and commonly came bundled with Konica SLRs for its whole production run, 1965 to 1974. It is slightly longer than the typical 50mm standard, but it performs optically much like its 50mm sibling and gives a dream-like rendering at wide apertures. Earlier F-mount models were sold under variant names like "Hexar." The AR-mount version carries the "Hexanon" branding.

Specifications

Focal length	52mm
Maximum aperture	f/1.8
Minimum aperture	f/16 or f/22
Aperture blades	6 or not specified
Lens construction	6 elements in 5 groups
Mount	Konica AR
Filter diameter	55mm or 52mm
Minimum focus distance	0.45m
Weight	229 grams, 238g, 185g, or 1.7 lbs
Length	42,2 mm or 48 mm or 6 in
Diameter	62,3 mm or 65 mm or 6 in

Design

The lens has a metal focusing ring with a splined grip, a chromed depth-of-field scale ring, and a separate metal distance scale. The optical construction is the Ultron-type 6-element, 5-group design. The lens hood and filter both mount via a 55mm or 52mm screw thread. Optically it is nearly identical to the contemporary Konica 50mm f/1.8. The 52mm variant has a slightly tighter field of view.

Context

The Konica Hexanon AR 52mm f/1.8 was the standard kit lens for Konica's AR-mount SLR system. It followed the earlier F-mount versions labeled "Hexar." The branding differs across mounts, but the optical formula stayed the same between the Hexar and Hexanon versions of the 52mm f/1.8.

Market

Modern resale prices vary by region and condition. A certified used example was listed at $168.00 AUD on Kamerastore (Australia) and 515.00 RON on Kamerastore (Romania). Other used listings have appeared around $59.99 to €125. The lens is noted for solid build quality and sharp performance wide open. Some users caution about busy bokeh at mid-apertures.