Comparison
Carl Zeiss Jena Pancolar 50mm f/1.8 vs Konica Hexanon AR 50mm f/1.7
The Carl Zeiss Jena Pancolar 50mm f/1.8 is a 50mm f/1.8 M42 lens made 1965-1980, valued at $70 to $260 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 | Carl Zeiss Jena Pancolar 50mm f/1.8 | Konica Hexanon AR 50mm f/1.7 |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 50 mm | 50 mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.7 |
| Native mount | M42 | Konica AR |
| Production years | 1965-1980 | 1965-1980s |
| Optical design | 6 elements / 5 groups, Double Gauss | 6 elements / 5 groups, Double Gauss |
| Typical used value | $130 | $75 |
| Value range | $70 to $260 | $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 Konica Hexanon AR 50mm f/1.7 is 0.2 stops faster: f/1.7 against f/1.8.
- The Konica Hexanon AR 50mm f/1.7 is cheaper. Typical used value is $75 against $130, a gap of $55 (roughly 1.7x). Ranges: $40 to $150 versus $70 to $260.
- Both are 50mm lenses, so framing is identical on the same sensor.
- Production of both began around 1965 (1965-1980 and 1965-1980s).
- 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.
- Both use 6 elements in 5 groups.
Which one to buy
On the catalog data the Konica Hexanon AR 50mm f/1.7 wins on the 0.2 stops of extra speed and the $55 lower typical price, and the Carl Zeiss Jena Pancolar 50mm f/1.8 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.