HEXANONS.COM
Konica SLR Optical Archive & Field Testing Log

HEXANONS

Documenting the Konica Hexanon AR optical system—specifications, optical formulas, barrel generations, and ongoing real-world video tests on film and digital sensors.

Browse Lens Catalog Watch Tests on YouTube
40.5 mm Flange Focal Distance
47.0 mm AR Throat Diameter
1965–1987 Production Era

Hexanon AR Lens Archive

Showing 35 lenses

Mount Architecture & Barrel Generations

F Mount vs. AR Mount

  • Konica F Bayonet (1960–1965): 40mm inner throat with a 40.5mm flange distance, built for the Konica F, FS, FP, and FM bodies.
  • Konica AR Bayonet (1965–1987): Widened to 47mm while retaining the 40.5mm flange distance, introducing Auto-Reflex exposure coupling and full-aperture TTL metering in 1968.
  • The "UC" Designation: Reserved for a select group of late-1970s flagship designs (such as the 15mm f/2.8, 28mm f/1.8, 45-100mm f/3.5, and 80-200mm f/4) emphasizing Ultra Compact barrels, Ultra Close-up focus, and Ultra Coating.
  • Hexanon vs. Hexar: Hexanon marks Konica's main optical line; Hexar denotes budget lenses (28mm, 135mm, 200mm) offered alongside entry-level bodies.

Cosmetic & Mechanical Evolution

  • Early All-Metal (1965–1973): Chrome filter rims, scalloped metal focusing rings, and green EE automatic exposure markings.
  • Rubberized EE / AE (1973–1978): Black anodized filter threads, checkered rubber focusing grips, and transition from green EE to green AE lock pins.
  • Compact Late Era (1979–1987): Lighter, smaller barrels redesigned for the FS-1, FT-1, and TC-X bodies, with minimum apertures stopping down to f/22.

Adapting & Collector Tools

Modern Camera Adaptation

  • Full-Frame & APS-C Mirrorless: The short 40.5mm AR flange distance allows simple glassless adapters for Sony E, Fujifilm X, Nikon Z, Canon RF, L-Mount, and Micro Four Thirds with full infinity focus.
  • Fujifilm GFX Medium Format: Many Hexanon primes (including the 40mm f/1.8, 50mm f/1.4, 57mm f/1.4, 85mm f/1.8, and 135mm f/2.5) cover the 44×33mm GFX sensor with minimal to no vignetting.
  • Leica M Mount: With a 27.8mm flange distance, Leica M bodies accept passive AR-to-M adapters for live-view or EVF focusing (no rangefinder coupling).
  • DSLRs: Deeper mirror boxes on Canon EF (44mm) and Nikon F (46.5mm) prevent infinity focus without corrective glass.

Post-1972 Production Date Decoder

Konica stamped a rear baffle ink code on post-1972 lenses using the year digit first, followed by a month letter from the 12-letter key "MY BEST KONICA" (M=Jan, Y=Feb … A=Dec).