Comparison
Canon FD 55mm f/1.2 S.S.C. vs Konica Hexanon AR 57mm f/1.2
The Canon FD 55mm f/1.2 S.S.C. is a 55mm f/1.2 Canon FD lens made 1973-1979, valued at $180 to $600 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 | Canon FD 55mm f/1.2 S.S.C. | Konica Hexanon AR 57mm f/1.2 |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 55 mm | 57 mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/1.2 | f/1.2 |
| Native mount | Canon FD | Konica AR |
| Production years | 1973-1979 | 1965-1970s |
| Optical design | 7 elements / 5 groups, Double Gauss | 7 elements / 6 groups, Double Gauss |
| Typical used value | $320 | $850 |
| Value range | $180 to $600 | $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
- Both open to f/1.2, so neither has a speed advantage.
- The Canon FD 55mm f/1.2 S.S.C. is cheaper. Typical used value is $320 against $850, a gap of $530 (roughly 2.7x). Ranges: $180 to $600 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 Konica Hexanon AR 57mm f/1.2 is the older design; production began around 1965 against 1973 for the Canon FD 55mm f/1.2 S.S.C. (1965-1970s versus 1973-1979).
- 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 5 groups for the Canon FD 55mm f/1.2 S.S.C., 7 elements in 6 groups for the Konica Hexanon AR 57mm f/1.2.
Which one to buy
On the catalog data the Canon FD 55mm f/1.2 S.S.C. wins on the $530 lower typical price, and the Konica Hexanon AR 57mm f/1.2 gives up nothing measurable in return except its own rendering, described below. Condition and variant matter more than the spec sheet at these prices.
Minimum focus distance, weight, and measured sharpness are not in the catalog, so this comparison does not claim anything about them.