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Konica Hexanon AR 24 mm / F2.8
EE version
Konica Hexanon AR 24 mm / F2.8
AE version
Konica Hexanon AR 24 mm / F2.8
last version, smallest aperture 22
Konica Hexanon AR 24 mm / F2.8
Lens data | Variations | 
Lens overview
24 mm was the last of the common wide-angle focal lengths to be made available for the Konica SLR system. The focal lengths 35 mm and 28 mm as well as the even more extreme 21 mm lens were available earlier. The Hexanon AR 24 mm / F2.8 only was introduced contemporary to the Autoreflex T3. As at this time the rubberized focusing ring for the Konica SLR lenses had already been introduced, all variations of the lens have it.
With the switch-over to a smallest aperture 22, the lens was revised substantially. The newer variation is much shorter and lighter than the older variations with a smallest aperture 16. The optical formula was changed as well.
The Hexanon AR 24 mm / F2.8 provides outstanding optical performance. It renders razor-sharp images with high contrast and good colour rendition, barrel or pincushion distortions are hardly noticeable. Slight vignetting is detectable, but not disturbing. The late f22 version is said to be slightly better than the older f16 versions. However, I have no own experiences with the f22-variety.
The Hexanon AR 24 mm / F2.8 is not very sensitive to stray light. With its big and not recessed front element, the consequent use of a lens hood is recommended in most situations to avoid loss of contrast, however. A matching rectangular metal lens hood was part of the lens kit delivered by Konica at least for some time. It is the same lens hood as for the 28 mm lenses. This original lens hood is quite deep and shades very well. Of course third party lens hoods can be used as well, but the original lens hood is worth it, if you can get one. You have to be careful with the use of polarizers and the original lens shade – with some normal polarizers, the lens shade is vignetting the corners of the image; you may need to use a slimline polarizer with this lens and the original lens shade.
With 24 mm focal length, interesting perspective effects can be achieved. The wide angle effect ist quite pronounced already and is visible with any subject. It should therefore be used deliberately as part of the composition.
The Hexanon AR 24 mm / F2.8 is not offered frequently and therefore is mostly quite expensive. The last version with smallest aperture 22 is even rarer and fetches still higher prices. However, the lens is not as expensive as the sought-after collector's items like the 21 mm lenses or the UC Hexanon AR 28 mm / F1.8. If you like the wide angle perspective, you should get one eventually – compared to the 28 mm lenses it has a stronger effect.
original packaging
latest F22 version
The Hexanon AR 24 mm / F2.8 – like most Konica lenses – was delivered with a matching case which was lined with red Velvet inside. Older cases were made of leather, later ones of leatherette. The embossed Konica logo changed over time. Early versions have a plate with »24«, the last version for the lens with smallest aperture 22 »24 / F2.8«.
Lens case
F16 AE variety
Lens case
late F22 variety
Varitions
- Yellow EE mark, smallest aperture 16
- (Upper Image above)
Green EE mark, smallest aperture 16 - (Middle image above)
Green AE mark, smallest aperture 16 - (Lowest image)
Green AE mark, smallest aperture 22
Lens data
| Angle of view: | 84° |
| Construction: | 8 elements in 8 groups |
| Aperture: | earlier versions: fully automatic AE, smallest aperture 16 last version: fully automatic AE, smallest aperture 22 |
| Closest focusing: | 0.25 m (97/8") |
| Filter thread: | 55 mm |
| Length (at ∞): | 54 mm (21/8") (f16 versions) 36 mm (13/8") (f22 version) |
| Weight: | 280 g (97/8 oz) (f16 versions) 205 g 71/4 oz) (f22 version) |
| Lens hood: | 57 mm rectangular clamp-on |
| lens diagram: |
early, f16 version 
late, f22 version |
More pages on the Konica Hexanon and Hexar lenses:
Main page | Lens overview | 
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