Comparison
Asahi Pentax Super-Takumar 55mm f/1.8 vs Konica Hexanon AR 57mm f/1.2
The Asahi Pentax Super-Takumar 55mm f/1.8 is a 55mm f/1.8 M42 lens made 1958-1971, valued at $35 to $130 used. The Konica Hexanon AR 57mm f/1.2 is a 57mm f/1.2 Konica AR lens made 1965-1970s, valued at $500 to $1,600 used.
Specifications side by side
| Specification | Asahi Pentax Super-Takumar 55mm f/1.8 | Konica Hexanon AR 57mm f/1.2 |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 55 mm | 57 mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.2 |
| Native mount | M42 | Konica AR |
| Production years | 1958-1971 | 1965-1970s |
| Optical design | 6 elements / 5 groups, Double Gauss | 7 elements / 6 groups, Double Gauss |
| Typical used value | $70 | $850 |
| Value range | $35 to $130 | $500 to $1,600 |
| Adapts to | Sony E, Fuji X, MFT, Canon RF, Nikon Z, L-mount | Sony E, Fuji X, MFT, Canon RF, Nikon Z, L-mount |
What actually differs
- The Konica Hexanon AR 57mm f/1.2 is 1.2 stops faster: f/1.2 against f/1.8.
- The Asahi Pentax Super-Takumar 55mm f/1.8 is cheaper. Typical used value is $70 against $850, a gap of $780 (roughly 12.1x). Ranges: $35 to $130 versus $500 to $1,600.
- The Konica Hexanon AR 57mm f/1.2 is longer at 57mm against 55mm, a 2mm difference that tightens framing slightly and increases background magnification.
- The Asahi Pentax Super-Takumar 55mm f/1.8 is the older design; production began around 1958 against 1965 for the Konica Hexanon AR 57mm f/1.2 (1958-1971 versus 1965-1970s).
- They use different mounts, M42 and Konica AR, so each needs its own adapter. Both reach infinity on mirrorless bodies with a plain mechanical adapter.
- Construction differs: 6 elements in 5 groups for the Asahi Pentax Super-Takumar 55mm f/1.8, 7 elements in 6 groups for the Konica Hexanon AR 57mm f/1.2.
Which one to buy
Choose the Asahi Pentax Super-Takumar 55mm f/1.8 for the $780 lower typical price. Choose the Konica Hexanon AR 57mm f/1.2 for the 1.2 stops of extra speed. Rendering differs too: read the character notes below, because speed and price are the only advantages the catalog data can settle.
Minimum focus distance, weight, and measured sharpness are not in the catalog, so this comparison does not claim anything about them.