Konica AR Hexanon 40mm f/1.8 pancake lens on E-mount.

Hey all. I just got this lens delivered a day ago. Paid about $12 for it, in great condition. Street price usually ranges about $40-60 USD and it was my absolute first choice for a wide-ish standard prime to add to my kit. I love the 40mm focal length (and also 60mm on APS-C). I looked at about thirteen zillion images and reviews and links for the Super Takumars and Zeiss Jenas and a few legacy Vivitar/Pentax/Canon/Nikon/Oly lenses before deciding.

Love the small 55mm filter thread size. Center sharpness wide open. Smooth bokeh under *certain* conditions. Pancake form factor. I won't write a long-winded review here... I have a feeling those turn off more people than want to actually read them- when I've tried posting them on dpreview in the past.

I think this lens is a fantastic value proposition for many who want a prime lens, are comfy w/ manual focus + focus peaking. And primary concerns are IQ, price, form factor, and *some* smooth bokeh in that order. I got the Fotga Konica AR to Sony E-mount adapter on eBay, it fits & works perfectly.

Detailed thoughts & observations along with each of my newest uploaded images on flickr, for those interested in this lens and would care to visit.

Konica Hexanon 40mm f/1.8 pancake is great for high contrast b&w. There's almost circular to hexagonal bokeh from the lights.

Bokeh rendering is fairly good. Especially for a pancake lens, and at this price. With a fast aperture, too.

Below is my most recent image with this lens. Maybe some of you are interested in a fast, cheap prime or already were intrigued by this Hexanon pancake? If you'd care to start from there, you can find additional comments and observations with each image I shot yesterday:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/ambientimages/13890121818/

Thanks for looking. Your comments, feedback, and personal experiences with this lens are also appreciated.  Cheers.

John Knuhtsen wrote:

You are very lucky with that price ! Can't be on ebay. I paid about 120$ on ebay for mine. I have not used it much, since I use most the 38 mm F/1.8 Olympus Pen F (on aps-c also). But on an A7 it would be perfect. I have read that if you stop it down to F/4, you are on Leica territory. I also have a Konica 24 F/2.8.

Thanks for posting. Very nice pictures.

I found the best place to buy legacy lenses is the antique shops. bought this lens for the same price (12$).

nice shots indeed.

John Knuhtsen wrote:

You are very lucky with that price ! Can't be on ebay. I paid about 120$ on ebay for mine. I have not used it much, since I use most the 38 mm F/1.8 Olympus Pen F (on aps-c also). But on an A7 it would be perfect. I have read that if you stop it down to F/4, you are on Leica territory. I also have a Konica 24 F/2.8.

Thanks for posting. Very nice pictures.

Yes, on eBay.  Got mine in a "Group o' Lenses" with a couple 2x teleconverters, a lens case that perfectly fits my "new" Vivitar 200mm f/3.5, a video conversion wide/tele converter, a T-mount to Minolta adapter, a couple extra front lens caps, a metal (maybe 77mm) threaded lens hood, every lens had a lens case, and four metal step-up rings included.  $13 won it, $15 shipping.  Two of the step-up rings I'll use regularly, lens cases I use every day, maybe I use the Vivitar 2x TC, the rest is basically useless to me.

Last time I bought a "Box o' Lenses" I had great luck with finding a Tokina ("Bokina") 90/2.5 macro, Nikon Series E 100/2.8, (Russian) McMNP 35/2, Nikkor 200/4, and Nikon 24/2.8 all for $170 shipped.

I followed a Konica AutoReflex (maybe T3?) camera body that sold with TWO Hexanon 40/1.8 lenses for a total of about $35 recently.  I tried to bid, but my wi-fi was down right at the end of the auction.  Bummer.  Wasn't meant to be, I guess.

I have to test my lens a bit more.  Everybody says stopped down it is very sharp.  I know mine is decently sharp in the very center at f/1.8.  The stuff everyone says about halation, or "glow," is kinda true.  So is the lack of contrast wide open.  Not sure I agree about Leica territory, I'll have to shoot more to see THAT.

Cheers.

mkandil wrote:

I found the best place to buy legacy lenses is the antique shops. bought this lens for the same price (12$).

nice shots indeed.

Thanks. Yeah, basically anywhere one can find a good deal- maybe a little more creatively these days? I had found my old Vivitar 28/2 at a second-hand store for about $60 I think, it was between buying that and a Nikon 105/2.5 for about $100 IIRC. I once bought a Sears TLS 35mm SLR with a sharp 501/4 lens for maybe $8 total, no sales tax from a camera swap meet.

I had searched here for Hexanon 40/1.8 info, reviews, details, and sample images before deciding & buying it. Thought more people might be interested in some detailed info. I tried to write up early observations with EACH of my photos on my flickr. Some still have only a dozen or so views.  Maybe I'm not a very good reviewer? lol.

I wish I could've found someone who did all this for me when I was searching hundreds of pages for each lens I was interested in. Mostly what I found were pictures of the lens itself on a camera. Or maybe highly post-processed images I couldn't glean much from about the lens itself.

I read the old threads (within the past two years) here; and all basically just said one thing: "stop it down." Not any/many images, no other info about bokeh or whatever. Oh, I did also learn there's no aperture stop between f/1.8 and f/2.8, so I expected that before buying it.

On my flickr you'll find a shot describing this set-up with a focused image of the background, and another angle with even more challenging conditions for bokeh.  Not bad at all though, IMHO.  For example, the bokeh circles from the light sources don't have strong-colored edges and the table legs aren't too "busy" or "nervous" and are without "doubling."

Much more info attached to my images for any who care to view them.  Certainly a lens to consider worthy of a $20-50 investment.  Cheers.

I also love this lens. It's quite usable wide open and very sharp when stopped down. I don't use it much these days, having purchased the SEL35F18. It's sharper stopped down than the SEL35F18, especially at MFD - and the SEL35F18 isn't a bad lens by any means.

I used it on my NX100 and NX200. It was sharp, with great color and contrast. Bokeh was nice, too. Just a really great all-around performer, and with all Konica Hexanon ARs, super smooth and nice quality build. The black design with red 40/1.8 lettering made it look super slick on my black NX200, too.

areichow wrote:

I also love this lens. It's quite usable wide open and very sharp when stopped down. I don't use it much these days, having purchased the SEL35F18. It's sharper stopped down than the SEL35F18, especially at MFD - and the SEL35F18 isn't a bad lens by any means.

Yes, thanks for commenting. I had read your previous thread posts re: this lens before purchasing it. Part of my lengthy research, I appreciated your past remarks sharing your experiences as well.

Why do so few here have flickr links or other photo website/gallery links in their sigs? I can hardly find an image from regular posters in this forum. Wish I could view more images...

I just posted a 100% crop on my flickr, I think center sharpness on my copy is quite good.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/ambientimages/14059429106/

Cheers.

I have yet to try this lens on on A7 - I have Leica M lenses at 35mm and 50mm. But on my NEX-6, at f2.8, it proved stunning on the one and only time I used it after paying $40 on eBay. On the APS-C crop, it can definitely compete with my Summicron at f2.8, as this image of my son illuminated by his MacBook shows. I am not sure on a FF it would perform similarly - but you've inspired me to try it! I would question its bokeh capabilities - it has a pretty uninspiring 7-leaf diaphragm, if I recall...

Frankly, legacy lenses this good make me wonder why people pay $500-1000 for lenses in this focal range. This is shot at 1/13th second without any OSS or IBIS, so it could be sharper - but damn, for 99% of shooting when you're not planning a 30x50 inch print, I think good cheap legacy lenses like ours do the job.

As I said repeatedly - to I am sure the annoyance of some - by a lens like this for $12-$70, and use the saving for a plane ticket to a place like Bulgaria where you can eat and sleep for $50/day, and you will get more interesting images than the guy who blows all his money on a Zeiss Touit and then can afford only to shoot the petunias in his back yard.

prodesma wrote:

Hey all. I just got this lens delivered a day ago. Paid about $12 for it, in great condition. Street price usually ranges about $40-60 USD and it was my absolute first choice for a wide-ish standard prime to add to my kit. I love the 40mm focal length (and also 60mm on APS-C). I looked at about thirteen zillion images and reviews and links for the Super Takumars and Zeiss Jenas and a few legacy Vivitar/Pentax/Canon/Nikon/Oly lenses before deciding.

Love the small 55mm filter thread size. Center sharpness wide open. Smooth bokeh under *certain* conditions. Pancake form factor. I won't write a long-winded review here... I have a feeling those turn off more people than want to actually read them- when I've tried posting them on dpreview in the past.

I think this lens is a fantastic value proposition for many who want a prime lens, are comfy w/ manual focus + focus peaking. And primary concerns are IQ, price, form factor, and *some* smooth bokeh in that order. I got the Fotga Konica AR to Sony E-mount adapter on eBay, it fits & works perfectly.

Detailed thoughts & observations along with each of my newest uploaded images on flickr, for those interested in this lens and would care to visit.

Konica Hexanon 40mm f/1.8 pancake is great for high contrast b&w. There's almost circular to hexagonal bokeh from the lights.

Bokeh rendering is fairly good. Especially for a pancake lens, and at this price. With a fast aperture, too.

Below is my most recent image with this lens. Maybe some of you are interested in a fast, cheap prime or already were intrigued by this Hexanon pancake? If you'd care to start from there, you can find additional comments and observations with each image I shot yesterday:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/ambientimages/13890121818/

Thanks for looking. Your comments, feedback, and personal experiences with this lens are also appreciated. Cheers.

pixelpushing wrote:

I used it on my NX100 and NX200. It was sharp, with great color and contrast. Bokeh was nice, too. Just a really great all-around performer, and with all Konica Hexanon ARs, super smooth and nice quality build. The black design with red 40/1.8 lettering made it look super slick on my black NX200, too.

Thanks for sharing your experiences.  Interesting...

You say great color and contrast?  Color seems to render a bit flatter (less vivid) or more tonal or "vintage" to my eyes.  And contrast seems a tad flat to my eyes as well.  Maybe I'm just seeing the halation when wide open?  Gotta shoot more to understand this better myself.  It sure doesn't have the micro-contrast of a Voigtlander that sometimes is described as "3D-like pop."

All-around great performer seems like it nails that.  Still have to shoot w/ it more for me to see first-hand, but seems like.  Yeah, the red 40/1.8 looks slick on the lens.  Under the right conditions, bokeh seems like it can perform at the top of the class, in challenging scenarios it can fall (woefully) to terrible or even fugly.  I still have stuck in my mind that many of the Asahi Super Takumars render more beautiful bokeh to my eyes...  At fairly affordable prices for fast MF primes, too.

Yes, MF is smooth and build quality is nice.  I like that it isn't a massive front thread (72mm?) like I think the Vivitar 20/3.5 is.

Cheers.

Mel Snyder wrote:

I have yet to try this lens on on A7 - I have Leica M lenses at 35mm and 50mm. But on my NEX-6, at f2.8, it proved stunning on the one and only time I used it after paying $40 on eBay. On the APS-C crop, it can definitely compete with my Summicron at f2.8, as this image of my son illuminated by his MacBook shows. I am not sure on a FF it would perform similarly - but you've inspired me to try it! I would question its bokeh capabilities - it has a pretty uninspiring 7-leaf diaphragm, if I recall...

Frankly, legacy lenses this good make me wonder why people pay $500-1000 for lenses in this focal range. This is shot at 1/13th second without any OSS or IBIS, so it could be sharper - but damn, for 99% of shooting when you're not planning a 30x50 inch print, I think good cheap legacy lenses like ours do the job.

Hi Mel, thanks for your input and opinions here.  Yes, I had viewed your previous posts from some months back about this lens (during my research).  I think you had said you "couldn't wait to try it on your upcoming a7"...  Anyways, might be a good match, not sure.  I really liked the other image much more of your son, if you don't mind me saying.  I mean, in terms of showing the lens qualities.  YMMV.  And "Your Mileage" matters heaps more than mine when it comes to YOUR family images.  lol.

I think it "fits" the a3000's 20MP sensor very well, maybe a larger 24MP+ sensor is a bit much for this lens?  Yeah, it's a basic 6-leaf design...  So wide open the bokeh can be circular, but stopped down even a pinch and it becomes hexagonal.

I'm not one for pixel-peeping too much.  But I test gear pretty thoroughly when first getting it.  I have done one print for a client over 24"x36" in my life.  I'm with you on saving the money by getting a lens like this 40/1.8...  However, I also know how much freedom fast, pro glass has given me in the past to be able to shoot whatever I need.  That flexibility had paid itself off many times in the past.

I no longer shoot pro; spent UNDER $600 total on my a3000, 18-55 OSS kit lens, Sony 20/2.8, Hex 40/1.8, Vivitar 200/3.5, tripod/head, CPL/ND filters, step-up rings, and accessories (like extra lens caps, lens cloths, rocket blower, 2 extra FW50 batteries + charger, and knee pads).  Please don't laugh, I find knee pads one essential more photographers should invest in- as quickly as a good tripod or CPL (IMHO).  Plus I have a torn MCL in one knee, so it helps alleviate some pressure when kneeling for a shot.

I really appreciated the older threads about this lens.  Thanks for sharing your opinions and experiences once again.  I'd love to see how this pancake performs on the FF Sony a7.

Cheers.

Under $600 and a great shooting package - WOW! You've got the right idea, David! Keep it up!

prodesma wrote:

Mel Snyder wrote:

I have yet to try this lens on on A7 - I have Leica M lenses at 35mm and 50mm. But on my NEX-6, at f2.8, it proved stunning on the one and only time I used it after paying $40 on eBay. On the APS-C crop, it can definitely compete with my Summicron at f2.8, as this image of my son illuminated by his MacBook shows. I am not sure on a FF it would perform similarly - but you've inspired me to try it! I would question its bokeh capabilities - it has a pretty uninspiring 7-leaf diaphragm, if I recall...

Frankly, legacy lenses this good make me wonder why people pay $500-1000 for lenses in this focal range. This is shot at 1/13th second without any OSS or IBIS, so it could be sharper - but damn, for 99% of shooting when you're not planning a 30x50 inch print, I think good cheap legacy lenses like ours do the job.

Hi Mel, thanks for your input and opinions here. Yes, I had viewed your previous posts from some months back about this lens (during my research). I think you had said you "couldn't wait to try it on your upcoming a7"... Anyways, might be a good match, not sure. I really liked the other image much more of your son, if you don't mind me saying. I mean, in terms of showing the lens qualities. YMMV. And "Your Mileage" matters heaps more than mine when it comes to YOUR family images. lol.

I think it "fits" the a3000's 20MP sensor very well, maybe a larger 24MP+ sensor is a bit much for this lens? Yeah, it's a basic 6-leaf design... So wide open the bokeh can be circular, but stopped down even a pinch and it becomes hexagonal.

I'm not one for pixel-peeping too much. But I test gear pretty thoroughly when first getting it. I have done one print for a client over 24"x36" in my life. I'm with you on saving the money by getting a lens like this 40/1.8... However, I also know how much freedom fast, pro glass has given me in the past to be able to shoot whatever I need. That flexibility had paid itself off many times in the past.

I no longer shoot pro; spent UNDER $600 total on my a3000, 18-55 OSS kit lens, Sony 20/2.8, Hex 40/1.8, Vivitar 200/3.5, tripod/head, CPL/ND filters, step-up rings, and accessories (like extra lens caps, lens cloths, rocket blower, 2 extra FW50 batteries + charger, and knee pads). Please don't laugh, I find knee pads one essential more photographers should invest in- as quickly as a good tripod or CPL (IMHO). Plus I have a torn MCL in one knee, so it helps alleviate some pressure when kneeling for a shot.

I really appreciated the older threads about this lens. Thanks for sharing your opinions and experiences once again. I'd love to see how this pancake performs on the FF Sony a7.

Cheers.

prodesma wrote:

Mel Snyder wrote:

I have yet to try this lens on on A7 - I have Leica M lenses at 35mm and 50mm. But on my NEX-6, at f2.8, it proved stunning on the one and only time I used it after paying $40 on eBay. On the APS-C crop, it can definitely compete with my Summicron at f2.8, as this image of my son illuminated by his MacBook shows. I am not sure on a FF it would perform similarly - but you've inspired me to try it! I would question its bokeh capabilities - it has a pretty uninspiring 7-leaf diaphragm, if I recall...

Frankly, legacy lenses this good make me wonder why people pay $500-1000 for lenses in this focal range. This is shot at 1/13th second without any OSS or IBIS, so it could be sharper - but damn, for 99% of shooting when you're not planning a 30x50 inch print, I think good cheap legacy lenses like ours do the job.

Hi Mel, thanks for your input and opinions here. Yes, I had viewed your previous posts from some months back about this lens (during my research). I think you had said you "couldn't wait to try it on your upcoming a7"... Anyways, might be a good match, not sure. I really liked the other image much more of your son, if you don't mind me saying. I mean, in terms of showing the lens qualities. YMMV. And "Your Mileage" matters heaps more than mine when it comes to YOUR family images. lol.

I think it "fits" the a3000's 20MP sensor very well, maybe a larger 24MP+ sensor is a bit much for this lens? Yeah, it's a basic 6-leaf design... So wide open the bokeh can be circular, but stopped down even a pinch and it becomes hexagonal.

I'm not one for pixel-peeping too much. But I test gear pretty thoroughly when first getting it. I have done one print for a client over 24"x36" in my life. I'm with you on saving the money by getting a lens like this 40/1.8... However, I also know how much freedom fast, pro glass has given me in the past to be able to shoot whatever I need. That flexibility had paid itself off many times in the past.

I no longer shoot pro; spent UNDER $600 total on my a3000, 18-55 OSS kit lens, Sony 20/2.8, Hex 40/1.8, Vivitar 200/3.5, tripod/head, CPL/ND filters, step-up rings, and accessories (like extra lens caps, lens cloths, rocket blower, 2 extra FW50 batteries + charger, and knee pads). Please don't laugh, I find knee pads one essential more photographers should invest in- as quickly as a good tripod or CPL (IMHO). Plus I have a torn MCL in one knee, so it helps alleviate some pressure when kneeling for a shot.

I really appreciated the older threads about this lens. Thanks for sharing your opinions and experiences once again. I'd love to see how this pancake performs on the FF Sony a7.

Cheers.

Just ran a quick test - the lens is shockingly good on the A7. Images lack the color and richness of the 50mm Summicron - but I am confident that in Lightroom, I can easily punch that up.

This is totally unexpected on full frame, at least from me. The diaphragm is just six blades, which suggests the bokeh will be poor. But my tulips are close to blooming, and when they do, I can shoot some closeups.

I'll upload the balanced comparison images later today.

Quit while you're ahead, David. This is a keeper. Back to work now. More later!

I've never done extensive bokeh tests, but I do know the larger aperture Konicas like the 57mm f1.4 (or am I thinking 1.2?) are incredibly sharp stopped down a bit, and render super smooth OOF areas at wider apertures.

I've had a few SMC lenses and they seem to be a bit more sharp in general, but I like the Konica colors. Perhaps flat to some, but a great vintage look that accentuates an almost green-brown region of the spectrum, without being too cool or warm, IMO.

Mel Snyder wrote:

Just ran a quick test - the lens is shockingly good on the A7... I'll upload the balanced comparison images later today.

Quit while you're ahead, David. This is a keeper. Back to work now. More later!

I look forward to seeing some images from the a7 + 40/1.8. Cool if you can share those.

Quit while I'm ahead? Funny, Mel.

I came from having over $10k invested in Nikon mount. My mantra was always: "I never want my equipment to limit me." I had gotten to a point where I wanted for no lens nor additional gear (well, the 200/2 would've been nice! lol). Now, starting over and building a cheap kit, my new philosophy is: "Get the best cheap gear possible, and push its limits." Totally different ends of the spectrum. E.g. the Sony 20MP CMOS in my a3000 is just that.

Seriously, one image captured w/ my kit 18-55 OSS lens on my Sony a3000 got all this dynamic range.  Crazy, consider my mind to be blown.

So far my experience on Sony's E-mount has been overwhelmingly positive. Wish I had IBIS. Wish ISO could be set in 1/3 stops. Wish the a3000 menu wasn't designed by monkeys. Wish the EVF had better resolution and a rubber eye cup. Wish I had smartphone remote triggering. Wish I had a shutter & aperture control dial. I seriously thought about the Sigma 19/2.8, an eBay auction sold for $125-ish I almost went for. Funny, the new A77 II is just about everything I'd wish for in a camera body. Huh. Ruh-rohhhhhhhh... ("Quit while I'm ahead")

I still want to test the Sony 20/2.8 pancake myself when I get my Best Buy delivery. I've seen many, many mind-blowing sample images, so there's that in its (early) favor. If I don't feel it 'fits' my wants/needs, I would sell it when I can find a Voigtlander... Either 20/3.5 or 21/4. Still need an ultra-wide, prefer 10-11mm for APS-C. I doubt I'll ever go for the Sony 10-18 at its price. I love shooting ultra-wide landscapes, waterscapes, cityscapes, scenics/urban exploration.

UWA lens. Then I would like to find something 75-135mm as a tele. Lots of choices I'm still narrowing down. Probably won't spend more than $200 USD. Maybe a cheap 105 f/3.5 and focal reducer is price-competitive with a fast 105 f/2.5. The legacy 100mm or 105mm f/2.0's are just too pricey for my (non)budget. Macro capable sure would be nice. The Bokina (I loved) is quite a heavy brick, dunno if I'd want another now. Sure wish I could drop $1600+ for a Zeiss 100/2 Makro, that lens is sooooooooooo sweet.

Can't stop, won't stop. But soon enough, ruining out of funds (not a typo) will force me to. lol.

Cheers.

prodesma wrote:

pixelpushing wrote:

I used it on my NX100 and NX200. It was sharp, with great color and contrast. Bokeh was nice, too. Just a really great all-around performer, and with all Konica Hexanon ARs, super smooth and nice quality build. The black design with red 40/1.8 lettering made it look super slick on my black NX200, too.

Thanks for sharing your experiences. Interesting...

You say great color and contrast? Color seems to render a bit flatter (less vivid) or more tonal or "vintage" to my eyes. And contrast seems a tad flat to my eyes as well. Maybe I'm just seeing the halation when wide open? Gotta shoot more to understand this better myself. It sure doesn't have the micro-contrast of a Voigtlander that sometimes is described as "3D-like pop."

All-around great performer seems like it nails that. Still have to shoot w/ it more for me to see first-hand, but seems like. Yeah, the red 40/1.8 looks slick on the lens. Under the right conditions, bokeh seems like it can perform at the top of the class, in challenging scenarios it can fall (woefully) to terrible or even fugly. I still have stuck in my mind that many of the Asahi Super Takumars render more beautiful bokeh to my eyes... At fairly affordable prices for fast MF primes, too.

Yes, MF is smooth and build quality is nice. I like that it isn't a massive front thread (72mm?) like I think the Vivitar 20/3.5 is.

Cheers.

HI david,

glad to hear that you found a Konica Hexanon 40/1.8 and on top of that, for an incredible price. Anyway, you mentioned a couple of lenses and just for kicks I thought I show you a picture of an old object, A silver Khan, with a lot of intricacies but unfortunately no colours. The distance to the object is approximately 90 cm and all lenses were stopped down to f4. The camera, a A6000 was supported off the table in front of the object. Undortunately the 90 cm is about the minimum FD of the Ultron. The lenses were Konica Hexanon 40/1.8, SMC Pentax-M 40/2.8 and Voigtlaender Ultron 35/1.7. Viewing the photos very briefly I noticed that the 40mm of the Pentax is not the same 40mm of the Konica. But I found the "3D effect" was more pronounced with the Pentax than with the Voigtlaender. You be the judge. By the way, the Pentax is the most compact of the three.

Konica Hexanon 40/1.8

SMC Pentax 40/2.8

Voigtlaender Ultron 35/1.7

I love these old gems, especially well made and optically superb Konica AR lenses. What a great find that Hexanon 40/1.8 "pancake"...

Ari