Hexanon 28mm f3.5 New or Old????

[Zeeke]

Hello!
I wonder how much difference there is in sharpness between the older and the newer version of Hexanon 28mm f3.5. Is the new one a bad lens? I like the the small size of the new but if the old is much better I'll probably choose that one.
Grateful for answers

[konicamera]

The larger ones are considered to be slightly better in terms of sharpness. Their construction is 7/7, and they come in four versions: High gloss finish with an aluminum ring [1965-1967], satin finish with aluminum ring (1967-1970); satin finish all-metal black [1970-1973], and all black with a rubber covered focusing ring. As coatings also evolved during that time, the last one of those [1973-1978] is likely to have the best ones. They are very solidly built lenses and many of them have half-aperture stops, which may be significant if you shoot manually. The compact version was made from 1976 till 1981 and perhaps later. It is a different lens altogether, not just a more compact version of the previous ones. Its construction is 5/5. In addition to its light weight, its advantages include probably even better coatings than the last of the larger 28/3.5s, and the f22 aperture setting. Which is better depends on your shooting priorities. My opinion about them, and about many other such comparisons, is that you are not likely to see differences between them unless you set out to shoot with this specific aim in mind.

[Attila]

I have I think all kind of Konica 28mm f3.5 , my favorite oldest with aluminium ring, others are good one too. I don't think so anybody ever met with bad Hexanons.

[DR.JUAN]

All hexanon 28 are very good lenses. Of you use little sensor, the difference should be almost negligible. The older, the sharp; the newer, the more contrast

[Excalibur]

[Zeeke]

Okay thanks for the reply.
Then I'll try the smaller AE version that still can be found at really low prices

[guardian]

I agree all good while older might be a bit sharper. However:

For digital cameras especially, the better coatings built into the newer versions are desirable. I collect across this series without much bias, seeking to benefit from the best characteristics of the various versions.

[Zeeke]

Got my hexanone 28mm f3.5 five elements and took a few quick test shots on the way home from work.The lens has a smooth format and
Sharpness is good in the center but worse towards the edges (f5,6) which surprised me a bit when i took the pictures with a m4 / 3 camera
and can only imagine what it would look like on FF.Will try to stopp down to f8 and see if it offers better edge sharpness.

[Attila]

This lens was mass produced 'budget' lens don't expect much at edges, also possible your lens has an assembly issue.

[iangreenhalgh1]

My copy is fine on the edges, hard to see much difference to the older 7 element version.

[Zeeke]

My lens is slightly sharper when i step down to f8 but compared to the Olympus kit lens att 28mm i see no reason to use the Hexanone as center sharpness is equal and the kitt is better at the edges.