Konica Hexanon AR 57mm f/1.2 vs Minolta MC Rokkor-PF 55mm f/1.7

What actually differs

• The Konica Hexanon AR 57mm f/1.2 is 1 stop faster: f/1.2 against f/1.7.
• The Minolta MC Rokkor-PF 55mm f/1.7 is cheaper. Typical used value is $60 against $850, a gap of $790 (roughly 14.2x). Ranges: $30 to $120 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 1968 for the Minolta MC Rokkor-PF 55mm f/1.7 (1965-1970s versus 1968-1973).
• They use different mounts, Konica AR and Minolta SR (MC), so each needs its own adapter. Both reach infinity on mirrorless bodies with a plain mechanical adapter.
• Construction differs: 7 elements in 6 groups for the Konica Hexanon AR 57mm f/1.2, 6 elements in 5 groups for the Minolta MC Rokkor-PF 55mm f/1.7.

Which one to buy

Choose the Konica Hexanon AR 57mm f/1.2 for the 1 stop of extra speed. Choose the Minolta MC Rokkor-PF 55mm f/1.7 for the $790 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.