Konica Hexanon AR 50mm 1:1.7, A Quick Take, II

Digital Moments: Image making with a non-functional Hexanon AR 50mm 1:1.7, Take II.

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Continuing where I left off with the first five frames shot on the faulty Hexanon AR 50mm 1:1.7, this time with the aperture manually adjusted to a smaller opening of 2.8. Have to admit that these images speak for themselves in terms of image sharpness and color rendition.

The lens is the second iteration of the series. The first, introduced in 1973 as a kit lens to the Autoreflex T3, gained a reputation for its optical performance, particularly its sharpness. The T3 was updated to the Autoreflex TC in 1976 and with it an updated version of the Konica Hexanon AR 50mm f1.7 lens.

Olympus E-P5, Hexanon AR 50mm 1:1.7

The later version is smaller and lighter, has a longer closest focal distance (55cm from 45cm), and no aperture half stops. Construction is the same 6 elements in 5-groups and  6-blade aperture, with the optical quality, said to be the same. The aperture and focus rings are very smooth, and the build quality remains excellent, with clear lettering, and a solid metal body and mount.

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