Konica Macro-Hexanon AR 105 mm / F4

Konica Macro-Hexanon AR 105 mm / F4

Front view Konica Macro-Hexanon AR 105 mm / F4

Konica Macro-Hexanon AR 105 mm / F4
Front view

Konica Macro-Hexanon AR 105 mm / F4

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The Macro-Hexanon AR 105 mm / F4 is a dedicated macro lens, designed for exclusive use on bellows or extension rings. It has no own helicoid for focusing and is, without bellows or extension rings, too close to the film plane to obtain a sharp image. Therefore, the lens cannot be mounted directly on the camera body without further accessories.

To be able to use the lens directly on a camera body – without bellows or extension rings – you need the internal linkAuto Helicoid AR, which was available as a separate accessory. It is a helicoid adapter which provides the possibility for focusing as well as establishing the necessary distance to the film plane.

The Macro-Hexanon AR 105 mm / F4 was introduced contemporary to the internal linkAutoreflex T3, when the Konica SLR lenses already had their final appearance with the checkered rubber focusing ring. Because it had a smallest aperture of 22 right from the beginning, there was no need to change it later – as far as I know, only one variation of this lens exists.

As a dedicated macro lens, it is optimized mainly for sharpness in close distances. Because the depth-of-field is extremely shallow with the small distances of macro shots and these are mostly made stopped-down from a tripod anyway, lens speed is not as important as with general use lenses – the impressing sharpness is partly achieved by the small glass elements and the resulting slow speed.

Minimum distance without the Auto Helicoid AR depends on bellows extension. Used with the Auto Helicoid AR, a maximum magnification of 0.23x or 1:4.35 can be achieved – the image on film is a bit smaller than a quarter of life-size.

Image quality is very good – the lens renders very sharp and contrasty, distortion-free images with good colour rendition. It is not very sensitive against stray light, even if used without a lens hood.

The Macro-Hexanon 105 mm / F4 was supplied in a matching leather case. It also came with a standard front and rear cap.

Leather case Macro-Hexanon AR 105 mm / F4

Macro-Hexanon AR 105 mm / F4
leather case

Front cap Macro-Hexanon AR 105 mm / F4

Macro-Hexanon AR 105 mm / F4
Front cap



The set-up with Auto Helicoid AR looks like this:

Macro-Hexanon AR 105 mm / F4 with Auto Helicoid AR and Autoreflex T3N

Macro-Hexanon AR 105 mm / F4
with Auto Helicoid AR and Autoreflex T3N

The Macro-Hexanon AR 105 mm / F4 is being offered once in a while and can be bought for reasonable prices, if you have some patience. But the Auto Helicoid AR is quite a rare accessory and difficult to get on its own. If you plan to use your Macro-Hexanon AR 105 mm / F4 without bellows, go for one that already comes with the matching helicoid adapter.

Lens data
Angle of view: 23°
Construction: 5 elements in 3 groups
Aperture: Fully automatic AE, smallest aperture 22
Closest focusing: Depending on bellows extension
Filter thread: 55 mm
Length: 47 mm (17/8")
Weight: 230 g (81/8 oz)
Lens hood: 55 mm, round, screw-in
Maximum magnification ratio: 1.35:1 (with Auto Bellows AR)
1.45:1 (with Auto Bellows AR and retro adapter in retro position)
1:4.35 (with Auto Helicoid AR)
Lens diagram: Lens diagram Macro-Hexanon 105 mm / F4
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