Comparison
Konica Hexanon AR 50mm f/1.7 vs Leica Summicron-R 50mm f/2
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. The Leica Summicron-R 50mm f/2 is a 50mm f/2 Leica R lens made 1964-2009, valued at $350 to $900 used.
Specifications side by side
| Specification | Konica Hexanon AR 50mm f/1.7 | Leica Summicron-R 50mm f/2 |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 50 mm | 50 mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/1.7 | f/2 |
| Native mount | Konica AR | Leica R |
| Production years | 1965-1980s | 1964-2009 |
| Optical design | 6 elements / 5 groups, Double Gauss | 6 elements / 4 groups, Double Gauss |
| Typical used value | $75 | $550 |
| Value range | $40 to $150 | $350 to $900 |
| Adapts to | Sony E, Fuji X, MFT, Canon RF, Nikon Z, L-mount | Sony E, Canon RF, Nikon Z, L-mount, Fuji X, MFT |
What actually differs
- The Konica Hexanon AR 50mm f/1.7 is 0.5 stops faster: f/1.7 against f/2.
- The Konica Hexanon AR 50mm f/1.7 is cheaper. Typical used value is $75 against $550, a gap of $475 (roughly 7.3x). Ranges: $40 to $150 versus $350 to $900.
- Both are 50mm lenses, so framing is identical on the same sensor.
- The Leica Summicron-R 50mm f/2 is the older design; production began around 1964 against 1965 for the Konica Hexanon AR 50mm f/1.7 (1964-2009 versus 1965-1980s).
- They use different mounts, Konica AR and Leica R, 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 Konica Hexanon AR 50mm f/1.7, 6 elements in 4 groups for the Leica Summicron-R 50mm f/2.
Which one to buy
On the catalog data the Konica Hexanon AR 50mm f/1.7 wins on the 0.5 stops of extra speed and the $475 lower typical price, and the Leica Summicron-R 50mm f/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.