Comparison
KMZ Jupiter-8 50mm f/2 vs Konica Hexanon AR 50mm f/1.7
The KMZ Jupiter-8 50mm f/2 is a 50mm f/2 M39 (Leica screw) lens made 1950s-1980s, valued at $30 to $120 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 | KMZ Jupiter-8 50mm f/2 | Konica Hexanon AR 50mm f/1.7 |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 50 mm | 50 mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/2 | f/1.7 |
| Native mount | M39 (Leica screw) | Konica AR |
| Production years | 1950s-1980s | 1965-1980s |
| Optical design | 6 elements / 3 groups, Sonnar | 6 elements / 5 groups, Double Gauss |
| Typical used value | $60 | $75 |
| Value range | $30 to $120 | $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 0.5 stops faster: f/1.7 against f/2.
- The KMZ Jupiter-8 50mm f/2 is cheaper. Typical used value is $60 against $75, a gap of $15. Ranges: $30 to $120 versus $40 to $150.
- Both are 50mm lenses, so framing is identical on the same sensor.
- The KMZ Jupiter-8 50mm f/2 is the older design; production began around 1950 against 1965 for the Konica Hexanon AR 50mm f/1.7 (1950s-1980s versus 1965-1980s).
- They use different mounts, M39 (Leica screw) 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 3 groups for the KMZ Jupiter-8 50mm f/2, 6 elements in 5 groups for the Konica Hexanon AR 50mm f/1.7.
Which one to buy
Choose the KMZ Jupiter-8 50mm f/2 for the $15 lower typical price. Choose the Konica Hexanon AR 50mm f/1.7 for the 0.5 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.