The Konica AR 1.8/50mm was the last normal lens introduced for the Konica AR system. It is a much lighter (145 g) than the previous AR 1,7/50mm (205 g), much smaller and mostly made from plastics instead of metal. The bayonet mount as well as the focusing threads, however, are made from metal.

Some details such as the release button for the AE switch are identical to other late AR lenses (2.8/21, 2.8/24 II, 2.8/35 II), indicating that the AR 1.8/50mm was made by Tokina. The lens barrel of the AR 1.8/50mm feels "plasticky", and focusing isn't as precise as with earlier AR lenses mad by Konica, but when weight and size is a priority, the lens certainly has its advantages.

Most outer marks are printed onto the plastic surface, and not engraved. The front ring is an exception, but it is made from plastics too.

On 43 MP FF, the lens performs quite OK, but not as good as the AR 1.7/50mm. The corners are still a bit soft at f5.6 (unlike with the 1.7/50 which is excellent at f5.6), and the lens should be stopped down to f11 for best performance.

Patent: JP 1982-108817 Example 1

		KONICA HEXANON 50mm 1:1.8               (6 Linsen / 5 Glieder)