Comparison
Canon FD 50mm f/1.4 S.S.C. vs Konica Hexanon AR 50mm f/1.7
The Canon FD 50mm f/1.4 S.S.C. is a 50mm f/1.4 Canon FD lens made 1971-1990s, valued at $55 to $200 used. The Konica Hexanon AR 50mm f/1.7 is a 50mm f/1.7 Konica AR lens made 1965-1980s, valued at $40 to $150 used.
Specifications side by side
| Specification | Canon FD 50mm f/1.4 S.S.C. | Konica Hexanon AR 50mm f/1.7 |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 50 mm | 50 mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/1.4 | f/1.7 |
| Native mount | Canon FD | Konica AR |
| Production years | 1971-1990s | 1965-1980s |
| Optical design | 7 elements / 6 groups, Double Gauss | 6 elements / 5 groups, Double Gauss |
| Typical used value | $100 | $75 |
| Value range | $55 to $200 | $40 to $150 |
| 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 Canon FD 50mm f/1.4 S.S.C. is 0.6 stops faster: f/1.4 against f/1.7.
- The Konica Hexanon AR 50mm f/1.7 is cheaper. Typical used value is $75 against $100, a gap of $25. Ranges: $40 to $150 versus $55 to $200.
- Both are 50mm lenses, so framing is identical on the same sensor.
- The Konica Hexanon AR 50mm f/1.7 is the older design; production began around 1965 against 1971 for the Canon FD 50mm f/1.4 S.S.C. (1965-1980s versus 1971-1990s).
- They use different mounts, Canon FD and Konica AR, so each needs its own adapter. Both reach infinity on mirrorless bodies with a plain mechanical adapter.
- Construction differs: 7 elements in 6 groups for the Canon FD 50mm f/1.4 S.S.C., 6 elements in 5 groups for the Konica Hexanon AR 50mm f/1.7.
Which one to buy
Choose the Canon FD 50mm f/1.4 S.S.C. for the 0.6 stops of extra speed. Choose the Konica Hexanon AR 50mm f/1.7 for the $25 lower typical price. 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.