Konica Hexanon AR 40mm f1.8 Pancake Prime Lens Front Rear Caps Tested

Description

The Konica Hexanon AR 40mm f/1.8 is a legendary, ultra-compact "pancake" prime lens manufactured in Japan for Konica AR mount 35mm SLR film cameras. Famed for its exceptional optical sharpness even wide open, this lens features a 6-element in 5-group optical design that delivers high contrast, outstanding central resolution, and beautiful background rendering. Encased in an extremely lightweight and slim barrel, it includes a fast f/1.8 maximum aperture, AE (Auto Exposure) lock position on the aperture ring for shutter-priority auto bodies, 0.45m close-focusing distance, and a standard 55mm front filter thread. Serial number 710921. Complete with original Konica front cap and rear AR mount cap.

Condition

Overall Condition: Very Good

Cosmetically in very good pre-owned vintage condition with clean black anodised barrel surfaces and bright, crisp distance/aperture markings. The rubber focus ring rotates smoothly and evenly across the full focus range. The aperture ring clicks positively at each stop, the AE lock button functions correctly, and the aperture blades are clean, oil-free, and quick to respond. Optics are clear and bright with anti-reflective coatings intact, free from fungus, severe haze, or glass scratches, containing only minor internal micro-dust specks typical for vintage optics. Metal bayonet mount is clean and mounts securely. Serial number 710921. Fully tested and operational.

Included

• Konica Hexanon AR 40mm f/1.8 Pancake Lens (Serial No. 710921)
• Konica Front Slip-On Lens Cap
• Rear Konica AR Mount Lens Cap

Key Features

• Ultra-compact "pancake" physical profile extending under 30mm from the camera body
• Fast f/1.8 maximum aperture for excellent low-light performance and shallow depth-of-field control
• Renowned 6-element in 5-group Hexanon optical construction delivering class-leading sharpness
• AE setting lock for automatic exposure on Konica Autoreflex series SLR bodies
• Standard 55mm front filter thread size
• Native Konica AR Mount compatible with classic Konica film SLRs and adapted mirrorless digital cameras

Collector's Notes

The Konica 40mm f/1.8 Hexanon is widely regarded as one of the sharpest standard lenses ever produced for 35mm SLRs. Originally introduced alongside the Konica FS-1, its versatile 40mm focal length sits right in the sweet spot between traditional wide-angle (35mm) and standard (50mm) field-of-view perspectives. Due to its flat profile, fast f/1.8 aperture, and incredible optical performance, it remains a favorite choice for street photographers adapting vintage glass onto modern mirrorless camera systems.

Keywords

Konica Hexanon 40mm f1.8, Konica Pancake Lens, Konica AR Mount Prime, Vintage Sharp Lens, Konica Autoreflex Lens, 40mm Standard Prime, Tested Konica Optics