Leica Konica 50/1.7 HExanon AR, now RF-Coupled M-Mount.

[Brian]

Foto-Diox adapter, a few retaining rings, and an RF cam from some junk-bin parts. This lens was $30. This is one of the best manual-focus 50mm lenses of all times, in a 1976 Pop Photo test of 32 Normal lenses this one equaled the Summicron. Konica is a "dead-Mount", which are getting new life with mirrorless cameras.

But- I like to convert SLR normal lenses to RF coupled M-Mount for my M8. The crop factor means it is easier to make an RF cam, you can use tubes and rings and not worry about vignetting.

All wide-open on the M8.

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Spring 2016- Konica 50/1.7 On the M8 by fiftyonepointsix, on Flickr

Closest focus is just under 0.8m, has to do with the home-made cam following the rear element of the lens into the lens body. The RF cam is a larger diameter than the rear retaining ring of the cam, which limits close-focus.

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Spring 2016- Konica 50/1.7 On the M8 by fiftyonepointsix, on Flickr

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Spring 2016- Konica 50/1.7 On the M8 by fiftyonepointsix, on Flickr

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Spring 2016- Konica 50/1.7 On the M8 by fiftyonepointsix, on Flickr

 

[Brian]

konica_a by fiftyonepointsix, on Flickr

This is an F1.7 lens, 1/2 stop faster than the Summicron. The dots show performance of the lens shown, the bars represent performance of the lens in this grouping. The Summicron at F2 did better than the Konica at F1.7.

leica_a by fiftyonepointsix, on Flickr

Stop the Konica down to F2- evens it out, at F2.8- the Konica tested better than the Summicron for center sharpness, close on the rest. I'll have to stop the Konica down... Too much fun testing my new RF cam today.

So- have a mirrorless camera? "Konica 50/1.7, NO Plastics".

 

[Brian]

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Spring 2016- Konica 50/1.7 On the M8 by fiftyonepointsix, on Flickr

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SpSpring 2016- Konica 50/1.7 On the M8ring 2016- Konica 50/1.7 On the M8 by fiftyonepointsix, on Flickr

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Spring 2016- Konica 50/1.7 on the M8 by fiftyonepointsix, on Flickr

A "Dirt-Cheap" IR Cut filter ($8, Ebay) and vented hood, 55mm filter ring on this lens.

 

[Brian]

Wide-Open,

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Spring 2016 by fiftyonepointsix, on Flickr

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Spring 2016 by fiftyonepointsix, on Flickr

F2.8,

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Spring 2016 by fiftyonepointsix, on Flickr

F4,

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Spring 2016 by fiftyonepointsix, on Flickr

 

[Brian]

Wide-Open,

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Spring 2016 by fiftyonepointsix, on Flickr

F2.8

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Spring 2016 by fiftyonepointsix, on Flickr

A number at F2.8,

I read that Pop Photo chart- this lens is very, very sharp at F2.8. You do not need sharper on a Digital camera.

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Spring 2016, Konica 50/1.7 @F2.8 by fiftyonepointsix, on Flickr

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Spring 2016, Konica 50/1.7 @F2.8 by fiftyonepointsix, on Flickr

The guy that designed the aperture mechanism for this lens must have liked F2.8: Six-rounded blades, smooth Bokeh at F2.8.

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Spring 2016, Konica 50/1.7 @F2.8 by fiftyonepointsix, on Flickr

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Spring 2016, Konica 50/1.7 @F2.8 by fiftyonepointsix, on Flickr

 

[dalethorn]

The pink flower at f2.8 would sell me.

 

[Brian]

I'm thinking the M-Hexanon 50/2 would be very close to this lens. They go in the $500~$600 range, probably compare with the new Zeiss Planar.

Konica made fine lenses.

 

[Brian]

took the M8 with the converted Konica to the Marine Museum.

Low-light shots with M8RAW2DNG and exposure set to EV-3, boosted in Post for ISO1250 equivalent.

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Marine Museum, June 2016 by fiftyonepointsix, on Flickr

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Marine Museum, June 2016 by fiftyonepointsix, on Flickr

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Graphical Firing Chart by fiftyonepointsix, on Flickr

 

[Brian]

At the Fall Festival at COX farms-

Our Hay-Ride driver,

At F4

Mom driving,

Cox Farms Fall Festival by fiftyonepointsix, on Flickr

Cox Farms Fall Festival by fiftyonepointsix, on Flickr

And Daughter, seating everyone.

by fiftyonepointsix, on Flickr