Comparison
Konica Hexanon AR 50mm f/1.7 vs Pentacon auto 50mm f/1.8
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 Pentacon auto 50mm f/1.8 is a 50mm f/1.8 M42 lens made 1960s-1990, valued at $20 to $90 used.
Specifications side by side
| Specification | Konica Hexanon AR 50mm f/1.7 | Pentacon auto 50mm f/1.8 |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 50 mm | 50 mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/1.7 | f/1.8 |
| Native mount | Konica AR | M42 |
| Production years | 1965-1980s | 1960s-1990 |
| Optical design | 6 elements / 5 groups, Double Gauss | 6 elements / 5 groups, Double Gauss (Meyer Oreston derivative) |
| Typical used value | $75 | $45 |
| Value range | $40 to $150 | $20 to $90 |
| 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 Pentacon auto 50mm f/1.8 is cheaper. Typical used value is $45 against $75, a gap of $30 (roughly 1.7x). Ranges: $20 to $90 versus $40 to $150.
- Both are 50mm lenses, so framing is identical on the same sensor.
- The Pentacon auto 50mm f/1.8 is the older design; production began around 1960 against 1965 for the Konica Hexanon AR 50mm f/1.7 (1960s-1990 versus 1965-1980s).
- They use different mounts, Konica AR and M42, 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
Choose the Konica Hexanon AR 50mm f/1.7 for the 0.2 stops of extra speed. Choose the Pentacon auto 50mm f/1.8 for the $30 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.