Hexanon 60mm f/1.2 — original Leica screw mount.
This high-speed lens was the pride of Konishiroku Photo Industry Co., Ltd., released in 1955. Designed by Tomokazu Kazemaki, it features a sophisticated 6-group, 8-element design incorporating air-spaced elements. A historically significant lens in the context of postwar Japanese camera development.
Production numbers are extremely limited—estimated at no more than 300 units—making this an exceptionally rare piece. It was one of the Four Heavenly Kings domestic ultra-fast lenses that suddenly appeared in the mid-1950s, boasting apertures around f/1.
When first sold, it came as a complete set including a dedicated hood, viewfinder, and three filters, all housed in a special presentation case. In 1958, the original retail price was ¥78,000.
For comparison, that same year:
Fujinon 50mm f/1.2: ¥75,000 (with hood)
Zunow 50mm f/1.1: ¥95,000 (hood sold separately)
At our shop, we affectionately refer to the Zunow 50mm f/1.1, Nikkor 50mm f/1.1, Fujinon 50mm f/1.2, and Hexanon 60mm f/1.2 as the Four Heavenly Kings of Japan’s postwar ultra-fast lenses.
This lens appears to have seen plenty of use over the years, with small scratches, scuffs, and areas of paint loss visible throughout. However, there are no dents or major damage.
It was overhauled in 2025, and both the aperture and helicoid rings now operate smoothly.
At the minimum focusing distance of 3.5 feet (1 meter), there is a slight back focus of about 2 cm, but rangefinder coupling is accurate throughout the rest of the focusing range. On our Leica M240, the rangefinder patch slightly overshoots at infinity, but it aligns perfectly on the M10-P.
The front element shows numerous cleaning marks and some coating degradation, but the inner elements are in surprisingly good condition for a Hexanon. The coatings on all surfaces are still largely intact.
Test results were excellent. Sample images are available in our gallery. The lens delivers the unique rendering that only a Hexanon can offer—sharp focus even at wide open, paired with beautiful bokeh and a distinctive glow.
Includes a non-original but highly functional lens hood.
