Konica's flagship AR normal — the 57mm f/1.2 Hexanon, the fastest and most collectible in the line.
The Konica Hexanon AR 57mm f/1.2 was the fastest standard prime for the Konica AR bayonet, the top-tier normal of the Autoreflex system. As a full f/1.2 lens it was a flagship optic, one of the most sought-after and collectible lenses in the entire AR range.
This manual-focus Konica AR lens has a 57mm focal length and a maximum aperture of f/1.2, making it one of the brightest normals of its era. It gathers a great deal of light for its class. Element count, filter thread and minimum focus distance are not verified here and are left out rather than guessed.
At f/1.2 the 57mm produces a very shallow plane of focus with strong subject separation and a soft, rounded background, which is why it is prized for portraits and available-light work. Its slightly long normal focal length flatters faces, and it remains usable wide open in dim conditions where slower lenses cannot follow.
The 57mm f/1.2 is the most collectible Konica lens and commands the highest prices in the AR line, so buy carefully. Inspect the large elements thoroughly for haze, separation and coating scratches, confirm the diaphragm is oil-free, and check the heavy helicoid feel. It is a prized lens to adapt to mirrorless via an AR adapter.