8.7/10
Version Notes
Black metal body (no silver ring). Yellow 'EE' markings. Metal focus grip. The first of two 35mm f/2 Hexanons, the only obvious change was the loss of metal grip on the later version. The specific lens used in this test was manufactured in July of 1974 (code: 4K).
Mount:
Year:
Type:
Focus:
Focal Length:
Aperture range:
Aperture Steps:
Blades:
Min. Focus:
Filter:
Optics E/G:
Weight:
Length:
Angle:
Hood:
Konica AR
1970 - 74
Hexanon - C
Manual
35mm
f/2-16
(1/2)
6
0.3m
55mm (metal)
9/7
320g
65mm
63°
Separate
Infrared Performance Notes
This faster f/2 35mm Konica lens doesn't perform quite as well as the f/2.8 version. If shooting at f/5.6 or smaller then the slower Konica lens is noticeably better. This is exemplified in the 3rd sample image, below, which is starting to show a visible hotspot under relatively high contrast lighting on the outer parts of the frame. If shooting wide open it's pretty impressive and if you simply want the option it's not a terrible option by any stretch of the imagination. It's just not at good as it's slower and cheaper sibling.
Comparing this lens again to the f/2.8 version is unusual in the size / weight categories because they're almost identical. Often there would be a considerable weight saving by dropping a stop, but not here and I wonder whether the optical formula is perhaps over-engineered with the slower lens. I found the corner performance to be better on the slower lens, which is not unusual, however the center sharpness feels higher on this f/2 Konica.
