2017
Konica AR 135 f3.2 - A close-focusing bargain
I also found this one at Fujiya camera, which really is one of the best shops in Tokyo for vintage lenses (I prefer it to Map Camera). This lens was only about 20 bucks, so even though I knew nothing about it, I just couldn't help myself. Well, it turns out it's an excellent performer, and I'd be happy paying much more to have it in my collection.
According to this great resource, the Konica AR 135mm f3.2 was produced for a short time sometime in the 70s. In Konica's 135mm line up, it sits between the smaller and cheaper f3.5 and the more expensive but bulky f2.5.
Konica AR 135mm f3.2 specs:
Build Quality/Handling (Very good/Very good)
This is an all-metal lens that's very well put-together with good focusing action. It's hard for me to comment on the aperture ring since mine appears to have a slight problem. I would assume that on a mint copy, the aperture action would be very good. The Konica comes with a very short built-in hood that works well mechanically but does little to help with flare.
The handling is good for a 135mm. The lens is much smaller and lighter than other 135s I've tried (such as Canon nFD 135 f2 and Pentax SMC 135 f2.5), but of course it is much slower at f3.2. It does, however, have the advantage of focusing closer (1m vs 1.3/1.5m on above lenses), so it's a good choice for close-up work.
Image Quality (Excellent)
The Konica AR 135mm f3.2 is surprisingly good, giving excellent performance at all apertures. Let's look at sharpness on the A7s and a6500 first (click for full resolution).
According to this great resource, the Konica AR 135mm f3.2 was produced for a short time sometime in the 70s. In Konica's 135mm line up, it sits between the smaller and cheaper f3.5 and the more expensive but bulky f2.5.
Konica AR 135mm f3.2 specs:
- 5 elements in 4 groups
- Weight - 390 grams
- Length - 95 mm (116mm with adapter)
- Filter size - 55 mm
- Min. focus distance - 1 m
- Aperture - 6 blades, f3.2 to f16 in full stops
Build Quality/Handling (Very good/Very good)
This is an all-metal lens that's very well put-together with good focusing action. It's hard for me to comment on the aperture ring since mine appears to have a slight problem. I would assume that on a mint copy, the aperture action would be very good. The Konica comes with a very short built-in hood that works well mechanically but does little to help with flare.
The handling is good for a 135mm. The lens is much smaller and lighter than other 135s I've tried (such as Canon nFD 135 f2 and Pentax SMC 135 f2.5), but of course it is much slower at f3.2. It does, however, have the advantage of focusing closer (1m vs 1.3/1.5m on above lenses), so it's a good choice for close-up work.
Image Quality (Excellent)
The Konica AR 135mm f3.2 is surprisingly good, giving excellent performance at all apertures. Let's look at sharpness on the A7s and a6500 first (click for full resolution).
A7s @ f3.2
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A7s @ f3.2
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a6500 @ f3.2
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a6500 @ f3.2
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a6500 @ f3.2 - f4 - f5.6 - f8
Things look really good wide open on the A7s, but as is usually the case with vintage lenses, not quite as good on the demanding sensor of the a6500. Still, even on the 24mp sensor, wide open sharpness is acceptable.
As the above samples already show, the bokeh produced by this lens is very nice and remains smooth even in challenging situations. Here are a few more samples.
As the above samples already show, the bokeh produced by this lens is very nice and remains smooth even in challenging situations. Here are a few more samples.
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Vignetting performance is good with only slight corner shading visible at f3.2.
Flare resistance is decent when shooting directly into the light (photo on the left). However, with the light source outside of the angle of view there's pronounced veiling (photo on the right). The tiny, built-in hood does nothing to help with flare.
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Distortion isn't noticeable and CA performance is better than on most other vintage lenses I've tried, especially longer focal lengths. Here are a couple of shots on the a6500 where some slight purple fringing is visible when shooting wide open. You can expect better CA performance on a full frame sensor.
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100% crop
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100% crop
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Conclusion
The Konica AR 135mm f3.2 is quite a good lens for the money (it can be had for as little as $50). Those looking for a medium-speed telephoto should be very happy with how this lens performs on mirrorless cameras. There's certainly little not to like about its optics and handling, and the 1m minimum-focus distance sets it apart from similar budget offerings, making the lens particularly useful for close-up work. Highly recommended!
Related reviews
Sample Images
The Konica AR 135mm f3.2 is quite a good lens for the money (it can be had for as little as $50). Those looking for a medium-speed telephoto should be very happy with how this lens performs on mirrorless cameras. There's certainly little not to like about its optics and handling, and the 1m minimum-focus distance sets it apart from similar budget offerings, making the lens particularly useful for close-up work. Highly recommended!
Related reviews
Sample Images
