The Best - And Cheapest - Street Lens! Konica 40mm f1.8 and Voigtlander 40mm f1.4 - Compared!
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- čas přidán 11. 09. 2020
- The Konica Hexanon 40mm f1.8 is one of the best - and maybe the cheapest - street lens you can buy today. See how it compares to the much more expensive Voigtlander 40mm f1.4 - the results may surprise you! They certainly surprised me!
Lenses: Konica Hexanon 40mm f1.8
Voigtlander Nokton Classic 40mm f1.4
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I just wanted to let you know that you inspired me a lot to start shooting with old glass and I've been hooked ever since.
I'm glad; enjoy!
Konica merged with Minolta and sold their Photography business to Sony in 2006, including the R&D dept said to be the most advanced at the time. The A7 you use is a direct descendent of the last of the Konica Minolta digital camera's, the Dynax/Maxxum 5D and 7D.
Yes I'd heard that, also heard that some of the Minolta colour know-how wasn't included in that sale - although this could be apocryphal!
@@zenography7923 Konica Minolta are still heavily involved in the printer sector so will have kept their colour management, measuring and testing equipment and software in house.
Great video! Konica Hexanon lenses are the hidden gem of optics. They were beautifully made and optically superb. Unfortunately their higher end system declined after the T3N SLR ended its production run but at one time they were among the finest optics made. They are an absolute steal now as they lack the recognition and following of Nikon, Canon, Leica and such like.
I picked my Konica 40mm up at an old antique store and I love it. Really sharp for vintage glass and one of my favorite focal lengths. Great video!
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it! That little Konica's really quite something!
Thanks for the great video. I'm happy to see you using the Hexanon lenses. I've only been using them for a few months, but they are wonderful and a bargain. They keep winding up on my camera.
They're quite something aren't they? Glad you enjoyed the video.
great video, glad to see you are doing well!!
Thank you!
Thank you for all the great contents on your channel; they helped me not to break the bank and made me so happy to shoot vintage lenses; your reviews showed me I wasn't that wrong sometimes, prefering good vintage glasses to more modern ones, even if ...
Very glad you're enjoying the videos! For me, it's the imperfections in vintage lenses that make them interesting;; images have that bit more vitality than shots made with a modern. Enjoy your vintage glass!
@@zenography7923 Yves Bonnefoy, a french poet wrote : "l'imperfection est la cime" , again, you're right, I much prefer the imperfection of old minolta or nikon, or pentax or rollei glasses then the perfection of the so overpriced Sony G master glasses. But I'm only a hobbyist :) I do not have to make a living with photography.
Omg thanks for this, I am so happy!! This Konica almost never leaves my X-T3!!! (Think I might do the full frame Sony A7C, but we’ll see...)
Did you know Konica made a few real rare wide angle primes... The 28/1.8 is beyond me; if I found it at a thrift store I would burst into tears.
Those tears would be righteous and good.
Brick lane photography awesome. Love the konica lens have a 50mm 1.4 and enjoy using it...
Fan of the Zeiss Jenna 35 also.
Many thanks, glad you enjoyed it!
*Love* my Konica 40mm/f1.8. Seriously overlooked by the crowd and a great bargain on the used market.
I use mine on my Fuji digital bodies (with a $25 adapter).
I'll second that Dave!
Very nice pictures of Cambridge! Definitely going to try get one of these
Cambridge seemed to lend itself to photography - it's a strange thing - some places do, while others don't!
@@zenography7923 it really does, especially around the collages, and punts!
Again a nice review. Well done.
Many thanks Leendert, glad you enjoyed it!
Oh, yeah. The Hexanon is a classic!
I was super impressed when I tried that lens for the first time. Got hooked on Konica lenses immediately. I think it cost me around 18 pounds, and that was including a fully functioning Autoreflex TC body! Super compact and very capable package.
It's true, this little lens is really quite something!
Thanks for this video even though I'm rather late, viewing it in 2021. It's the only video I could find comparing the two lenses. My $100 Konica adapted to my Z7 is all I shoot mostly, I like it a lot but contrary to your comments, I do find it a little flat and lacking in contrast at times. So now I've been reading up and I'm thinking I should buy the Voigtlander for better rendering and contrast, just a tad more compact also, although like you said it's three times the money, and I have to get a new adapter. I've been thinking about the new AF adapter for m-mount, I'm hesitating a bit since it's another $300. Anyhow, good video, very informative.
Just bought the Hexanon 40mm for 40$ Can. Excellent sharpness and color. Thanks for you review, that really help my choice.
One of my favourite lenses - enjoy!
I bought 10 old cameras and some lenses for 400 dollars, and i did not know what I was doing, so I have to spend some time researching. Among the cameras was a Konica T3 with a Hexanon 40mm/1.8. I guess i have to find a used A7 now. Your pictures in this video are very good. I have to watch it again.
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!
@@zenography7923 Just found this about the lens. I dont know if its true:
Don Dan
Wide open it's really bad, f1.8, f2.8 garbage, f4 decent, f5.6, f8, f11 incredible. f5.6 is the sweetspot. Good for portraits, has nice creamy bokeh
@@jan-martinulvag1953 The guy who made those remarks probably has a faulty lens. F1.8 is usually ok, but don't expect miracles. Keep your subject close to the center of the image, and closer to your camera and you should be fine. At F2.8 my lens turns into beast mode - is absolutely razor sharp, at most distances and putting your subject at rule of thirds on the image. F4 and beyond is stellar, go wild and put your subject in corner if you want.
@@CvitanGrguricin Ok. Thanks
Another very interesting and informative video
Many thanks, glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you so much for your channel : I wondered if you sometimes shoot in raw? and how much you do your post processing works, if ever you do.
Glad..i got m y konica set years ago because they're a hidden gem brand and you're about to send the prices up hahahaha.Great video once again. Konica is so underrated.
Many thanks, glad you enjoyed it!
I love your channel, man.
That's great, glad you're enjoying it!
Welcome to our club. It's once again growing. :)
Great review. I just was given this Konica at a thrift store for free! When I get a mirror less Nikon z camera and adapter I can begin.
That Konica's a great lens - I think you'll enjoy it!
Yeah Man! Great to see that you got yourself a Konica kit together ;) The 40mm really is a tiny powerhouse.
It's fantastic!
If you get the opportunity you should try the Konica 50 1.4, probably my favourite vintage lens, the bokeh is fantastic
Thanks for the tip, I'll look out for one!
I have a number of the Konica's Hex series and they are okay, but I don't find myself reaching for them like the Taks. Maybe because sometimes the bokeh ball shapes get weird when not wide open. Maybe because they stake out the middle ground in terms of categories of character. The video did make me want to revisit the 40mm f1.8 though as I have cooled to the 35mm FL and 40mm is closer to the 50s I love.😅 Thanks for the inspiration. 👍
No worries, glad you enjoyed it!
I think I actually preferred the images from the Konica myself, although I find the Voigtlander much nicer to use. I like the focus tab. You inspired me to try to repair mine, both my Konica 40mm's arrived in lots, and both have fungus.
That should be easily fixable; the front and rear elements come out easily - if the fungus is directly behind either of these it won't be too difficult at all.
Zenography Thanks for the encouragement!
While I haven't tried the aforementioned 40mm f/1.8 I do own the Hexanon 28mm f/3.5, 50mm f/1.7, 135mm f/3.5, and also tested the Hexar 135mm f/3.5; I am also blown away by their capabilities and optical traits. Colours, resistance to flare, and a lot of things are spectacular.
I wish I had known more about this brand and their Hexanon lenses back in the early 1980s; I did consider them a brand to choose from but marketing and the availability of tests as the agent for the brand did little to promote Konica did little for the reputation in Sweden.
Then again; they are decidedly cheaper today and one of the lenses, the Hexanon 135mm f/3.5 I bought for £0.10; yes, ten pence! I don't know about you but I call that a bl**dy bargain!
A bargain indeed! Well done!
Cool as always
I have the little voigtlander and love its output.
Otherwise I'd certainly get this konica 40mm.
The Voigtlander's a beautiful bit of kit, especially with that focusing tab. The Konica amazes me by its bang for buck factor rhough!
I just added that classic Konica 40mm pancake lens to my collection after years of seeing other photos where they made beautiful street and everyday shots. Only cost me about 30 USD, I can't wait to give it a whirl~
It's a lovely lens for sure - hope you enjoy it!
👍🏻 Your channel is one of the few channels i like up front watching the video! 📸
Have you tried the “rare” Hexanon 35mm F2 yet?
I haven't but it sounds pretty nice! Glad you're enjoying the channel.
I've heard nice things about Konica but have only bought one lens thus far. The 135 f/3.2 and I see you've bought it too. Seems like a lovely Tele lens with a really nice mfd by 135mm standards. Great video as always! (I don't have a 40mm but I do like the Samyang 45mm which is a great little modern lens)
Yes, I have the 3.2 - going out to shoot it today, in fact! Should be fun...
If you get a chance try the 50 1.7 hexanon - it's as good or better then the 40 - and cheap too!
i tink i have one@@MrKikoboy
Great video as always! My dad just found his Konica and gave it to me. This lens is amazing. Have you ever tested the Super Danubia? It came with a few of them too
I don't know the super danubia - a third party lens perhaps? Enjoy that Konica - it's a great little lens!
@@zenography7923 I’ll check them out and leave a comment if there’re any good. Thanks a lot for your videos! I’m learning so much and getting really into this old lenses!
I just bought one, attached to a Konica FS-1.
I really enjoy these one lens reviews. I don't mind you comparing them against another lens. But keeping it simple it great! Too many lenses is too much info to process!
I'll bear that in mind, thanks!
Still have my original Konica FS1 and 40mm lens encouraged to use it again
It's well worth giving it a go. The camera is nice but the lens is really something - so much so that when I sold my Konica lenses recently, I kept the 40. That one won't be leaving my side anytime soon!
What a great channel.
Many thanks, glad you're enjoying it!
Would love your input on Topcor lenses ,I have became a fan of late.
Regarding the 40mm the Ultron F2 is special
I can't comment I'm afraid - I've never used any Topcors, though they do have a good reputation!
Are the images in the video from the Sony?
I was wondering if the blue/red differences in the lens were picked up by the Sony sensor.
That Konica camera from late 70's? DAMN, yes, but almost. It was introduced in 1979. You poked my curiosity a bit so I did some investigation, course until now to my knowledge, the first camera with internal film winding was the Canon T50, which was introduced in 1983. Boy was I wrong, how the hell did that slipped under my radar?
It seems Konica got there first, and the FS1 has an advantage over the T50 in that it doesn't fully rewind the film into the can, leaving the tongue free to be loaded into a daylight developing tank. A real bonus!
Superb review! / Ulf
Thanks Ulf, glad you enjoyed it!
I think the Canon FD lens system is vastly underrated compared to other lens systems. You can have a wide selection of lenses to choose from and best part is their affordable price compared to other lenses systems.
I couldn't agree more!
Yea, Ive got it too, very nice indeed.
It really is!
hey there, do u think the konica 40mm pancake can be put an oval inset at the aperture??? anamorfake thing~~~
Konica lens coatings are known for sometimes yellowing.
I just bought one in great condition, and it is on the way planning to use it with Xe1 , unfortunately needs fixing
I have a Canon Canonet mk1, which I have really bonded with.. the fixed 40mm is an excellent lens for all round photography.
There's just something that works about 40mm!
I listened to this video and after 2 weeks I found myself with 2 Autoreflex cameras and 4 hexanon primes :D
I hope you're enjoying them!
is it all about sharpness or character which vintage gives you both?
Dear Z, my findings are slightly different; at least with my lenses. At f1,8 Pancolar is sharper than Konica but from f4, my 40mm excels. Being a street and landscape photographer, I tested the lenses at infinity and medium distances, not for close subjects. In the field, the Konica, revealed also very good close distance performances. You are totally right about the α7 + 40mm combo, it is light, compact and delivers excellent quality. The Pancolar is a splendid vintage lens indeed; in terms of sharpness, my sample, is comparable with the Canon Fd 50mm f1,4 and Pentax 50mm f4 Macro of my collection.
My Pancolar is one of the sharpest vintage lenses I've shot - it's hard to say if it beats the Pentax macro, but there isn't much in it one way or the other!
is it all about sharpness or character which vintage gives you both? @zenography7923
My best street camera /lens is a Cosmic Symbol with it's great 40mm f4 lens. I sell these wonderful little quiet and discreet cameras for £20.
Great colour rendition at f5.6 /f8
I've yet to try one of those - are they a Pentacon camera?
@@zenography7923 Soviet Kmz I think
purpose. Ove my Konica 49. Ni,on 28/2.8 ☆Series E on an EM 9r zfG is surprisingly good.
The series e lenses are pretty nice - I have the 50 1.8.
2he 100 E was my concert lens for years. Preferred it to. My 102 Nikkor-- lighter. Had the rabbit ears installed so that it would fit my older znikons. Great lens!
This two lens on Olympus micro 4/3, works only manual, or we can work with autofocus on the body ?
I believe there are adaptors that will give some form of auto focus with vintage lenses, but they're quite expensive. Other than that, these lenses are manual focus only.
My 40mm lives on my Sony a6000! I just wish I had a full frame cam to try it on
I'm sure it works fine on your a6000, but if you do want to change to full frame in the future, the original a7 is now pretty cheap!
Question about the Konica Hexanon AR 40mm lens. How did you adapt the lens? I had to purchase a dedicated adapter for my canon Eos R. They are quite pricey!Is there another way?
A quick google of "konica ar to canon eos" yields four results, from £20 to £30!
@@zenography7923 unfortunately I am based in Spain, so we are not getting the same result. The one I found was two to three times the base price. I am looking for RF adapters, not EF. Thank you 🙏🏼
You should try to make ebay links (for the description) for the lenses you recommend, it could sponsor the channel.
Thanks for the suggestion; I'll look into it!
Nice review. One question: At which aperture the corners are really sharp? 5.6, 8, 11? Thank you
f/8 is the most sharp
@@maartenols4109 Thanks
I’d love to see a video on the same topic for crop sensors. I’m on micro4/3 so would need around 20mm to get the 40mm FF equivalent but don’t know much of vintage wide angle lenses. I’m tempted for a 28mm as I don’t tend to like getting close up to subjects anyway, but the 56mm FF might be a little tight. I could just get the modern Lumix G 20mm 1.7 used but always looking for a nice vintage haha. Cheers!
I'm going to do a video solely on micro four thirds soon - stay tuned!
@@zenography7923 Brilliant. Looking forward to it!
Try to get a 20mm Zeiss/Jena Flektogon from the seventies. The f4 is a bit slow and at a m4/3 sensor you loose some background blur due to physics. The IBIS on the other hand is an advantage.....
@@berndbanken3256 Ha thanks, I've not seen any of those and assuming it's pricey? I just splashed out on a 70's CZJ Flektogon 2/35 and it's really nice. A 20mm to go with it would be cool.
Picked one with a bit of cosmetic damage for $5. Needless to say, good first old glass purchase
That sounds like a bargain!
@@zenography7923 it seems to mate with my d3200 with no issue, no adapters. Probably not ideal but it works hahah
Didn't Konica merge with Minolta and thereby become part of Sony?
Yes indeed, as you can see with a very few cameras and lenses with the name Konica Minolta.
Konica and Minolta merged in 2003. But they kept loosing money, what was actually quite normal in those times of changing technologies, #digital technologies. Konica Minolta simply couldn't keep up. So 3 years later, in 2006, they sold their division of camera business to Sony. Mind you Konica Minolta still exists, but they do printers and copy machines, something they also did before...
Konica and Minolta merged and became "Konica Minolta" at that time Sony struggled to develop a professional Digital SLR so they enlisted "Konica Minolta" to manufacture the Sony Alpha series. Sony was now heading in the direction they sought. Shortley after the Alpha success "Konica Minolta" made a business decision to discontinue the consumer camera market and Sony seized the opportunity to purchase "Konica Minolta" camera division and bring it to where it is today.
Would you recommend 40mm konika for apsc?
On aps-c a 40mm lens will act, roughly speaking, as a 55mm (full frame equivalent) lens. If you specifically want a 40mm equivalent, a 28mm lens (on an aps-c body) will do that.
@@zenography7923 thanks!
Which mount do the Konicas use? Thanks.
it's the konica AR bayonet. Short flange distance, perfect to adapt on mirrorless, but troublesome on DSLRs
As Giaime said, it's the AR bayonet - should work fine on your Fuji!
@@giaimeginesu9889 Thanks!
@@zenography7923 Thanks!
The Konica 40mm is a great lens. I shoot with it on a Fujifilm X-T2 and it does not disappoint.
There's something about a 40mm lens that's just right somehow, and the Konica is one of my favourite lenses. A great piece of glass!
Are these lenses adaptable to Canon eos?
The Konica, as far as I can tell, won't mount to Canon EOS due to the flange distance. The Voigtlander is a rangefinder lens, so won't mount on ant SLR or DSLR.
@@zenography7923 Canon and their damned flange distance...gets ya every time!
Thank you!
I came here for the voice....
:)
His voice would be the best for audio books! 🤩
Oooh yes! Great idea!
Agree I pop Nigels videos on sometimes in the background when I'm working as its calming and interesting at the same time. His reviews are so descriptive and he's always spot on in a careful humble way. Best on utube.
Konica-Minolta then Sony
40mm is like the human centre eye focal degree.
wasn't Konica merged by Minolta ?
Yes, before being bought by sony later on...
Konica Minolta now call Sony camera
Konica-Minolta was bought by Sony, and their legacy probably lives on in Sony glass now
It would be interesting to know which, if any, of the older designs might have influenced modern Sony lenses...
Konica Hexanon range of lenses allow you to put together a set of primes for a reasonable price and not give up much in terms of quality and may give back in character, plus your wallet will be far better off.
I understand that the Voightlander 40mm f1.2 is much sharper, but also bigger and much more expensive than the f1.4.
I guess f1.2 never did come cheap...!