Got a Hexar RF YAY!

[Bobfrance]

Just had to tell somebody. :)

Unfortunately I don't have any lenses for it yet.

Any tips or reccomendations on (economical) lens choices from fellow Hexar users?

Bob.

[Chris Lynch]

i've got a 40mm M-Rokkor (CLE version) on mine, and it whoops up- great performer, and looks good on it too.


Although a nice cheap Jupiter 8 is good too :)

[Krosya]

Well, but of course the Hexanon lenses!

[rpsawin]

The Hexanon lenses can be found at very reasonable prices and CV lenses represent an excellent value as well. You are really limited by budget.

Best regards,

Bob

[popstar]

Congratulations on the camera. You have reason to be happy!

[Bobfrance]

Thanks for the input guys!

A Hexanon lens would be very nice, but whilst cheaper than Leica glass they seem to be getting dearer/more popular.

Kuvvy (RFF member) has just lent me a 40mm Rokkor. I'm looking forward to giving that a go.

I'm currently stalking ebay, but I may well keep my powder dry and, if nothing tempting comes up, go for a new CV lens.

How much are leica screw mount adaptors? A jupiter 8 may well be an interesting short-term option.

[mackigator]

Many of my favorite shots come from one lens. The M-Hexanon 50/f2.0. That's where I'd start:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Konica-M-Hexanon-50mm-f2-lens-for-Leica_W0QQitemZ170141394239QQihZ007QQcategoryZ3006 3QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[jaffa_777]

Ohhhh get the Konica Hexar 50mm f1.2

[FrankS]

You'll love this camera. The AE is seductive however, and I find that it turns me into a lazy photographer. :)

On my Hexar RF, the lenses I use most on it are:

Elmar 50f3.5 (or FSU equivalent) collapses into camera
CV 50f2.5 compact
CV 40f1.4 low light capable (altered to bring up 35mm framelines)
Canon 28 f3.5 compact

[oscroft]

How much are leica screw mount adaptors?
The ones made by Voigtlander cost £29 plus VAT from Robert White (http://www.robertwhite.co.uk/voigtlander.htm#adapt), or $55 from CameraQuest (http://cameraquest.com/adaptltm.htm).

[foto_fool]

Ohhhh get the Konica Hexar 50mm f1.2

HA!!!! Yes, this is the most likely lens you will find for the Hexar RF - NOT! What about the Konica 60/1.2? Or the Pentax 43/1.9? Right, I thought so.

Recommendations for less expensive glass: Any of the Canon LTM's with adapter (though the 35/1.5 and 50/0.95 are pricey), a clean M-Summarit, but most of all the Hexanon 50/2, or the CV 40/1.4 if you need more speed.

What is my Hexar wearing right now? The ZM Sonnar C. If you can get a properly-adjusted Jupiter 3 and LTM adapter it will run you about about 20% of the cost of the new Sonnar and get you most of the performance (less contrast and flare resistance).

- John

[jaffa_777]

I know John, sorry not practical. But I saw this today (http://cgi.ebay.com/Konica-Hexar-RF-50mm-1-2-limited-fit-leica-noctilux_W0QQitemZ320149369470QQihZ011QQcategoryZ3 0063QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem) and started drooling.

[kevin m]

I miss my RF. I think Frank has it now, so I know it has a good home. :angel:

The Hexanon lenses are really good, but some are becoming a bit 'collectible' and their price/performance ratio is going away a bit. (I'm thinking of the Hexanon 35/2 I had, in particular.) The lens I had a LOT of fun shooting with the RF was the VC 21/4. The autowind and huge depth of field made for a quick shooting set up.

[furcafe]

Congrats.

For me, because the Hexar RF has such a low magnification VF (0.6x), 28mm & 35mm lenses are the natural choices. The Cosina Voigtlander 28 & 35 Ultrons come to mind as economical & excellent-performing choices.

Just had to tell somebody. :)

Unfortunately I don't have any lenses for it yet.

Any tips or reccomendations on (economical) lens choices from fellow Hexar users?

Bob.

[alan davus]

If you've got US$870 to spare grab one of the Hex 35 UC ltm's from Matsuiyastore. There's one on their website "brand new no used". The CV 35 Ultron is another excellent lens. Or why not be one of the first to purchase a new Summarit. ( It's great fun spending other peoples money.) By the way the Hexar is a great camera. Most of the pundits of doom never had one. Just hope it doesn't break down. But it definitely is a quality product.

[principe azul]

I do like the 35 Ultron, too. I'd like to justify a Nokton, but I'd want to keep my Ultron, too. I gather they're similar performers from f/1.7...

Enjoy your RF, Bob. And a shutter capable of f/2.8 with Acros in full sunlight - or shooting a Noctilux wide open in the shade. Framelines for 35 are just shy of the M4, which, along with the M2, has more accurate 35 framelines than later Ms - one of the reasons I went for an M4 over an M6.

[Peter_Jones]

Nice one, Bob.

A J8 with adaptor won't break the bank and should give respectable results and time to find some more exotic lenses. :)

[hofrench@mac.co]

A sample image from the Hexanon 50 f/2 shot with the Hexar. I love this camera and lens combo, and there are many more images taken with it here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/aglimpseoftheworld/968747062/

[mfunnell]

I like the M-Hexanon lenses on a Hexar RF:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1426/1235891086_11c2a7985c_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mfunnell/1235891086/)

The 50 is relatively easy to find and not too expensive but the others seem harder to come by at a good price. (The only M-Hex 35 I've seen is the one I picked up from a forum member.) I think the 50 can produce a decent result:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1183/1213131947_77f3e8a0bb_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mfunnell/1213131947/)

...Mike

[Bobfrance]

Nice shots guys.

I can't see any Jupiter 8 Lenses on ebay at the moment. Are there any other sources for them?

I'm currently watching a CV 35mm Skopar Pancake lens on ebay. This attaracts me due to it's slimness and the fact that the 35mm lines are just right in the finder for a glasses wearer. I could probably afford to buy one of these new to get me up and running.

I also fancy something like a 50/1.5 Nokton for low light stuff. I've got my eye on a Canon 50/1.4 at the moment, but it's screw mount so I'll need an adaptor for it.

Now I have such high shutter speeds avaialabe I'm really looking forward to shooting wide open in daylight. :)

[kuvvy]

Bob
Why not consider buying a Zorki 4 / 4k. These tend to come with the Jupiter 8 at decent prices. that way you get two toys for the price of one.

Paul

[aizan]

that's a nice one, mr. funnell. what film did you use?

[mfunnell]

that's a nice one, mr. funnell. what film did you use?Thanks! The street scene was Kodak Porta 800. I'd not used it before - and I rather like it. I've been unimpressed with other colour 800 film I've tried (Fuji Pro800Z being the best of a bad lot). The lens shot was ( :o ) digital.

...Mike

[Bobfrance]

Well I took it out for a little test-run this weekend.

I certainly enjoyed using it. The camera has a nice feel apart from the lugs for the strap being in the wrong place. Still got quite a few exposures left on the roll so no pics yet I'm afraid.

A quick question. Does anybody know if it is possible to obtain replacement rear glass for the viewfinder? I notice it screws out and mine's al little scratched (not that it affect visibility at all).

[amateriat]

A quick question. Does anybody know if it is possible to obtain replacement rear glass for the viewfinder? I notice it screws out and mine's al little scratched (not that it affect visibility at all). Replacement eyepieces tend to be rather thin on the ground, unfortunately. They have turned up here and there, though.

Congrats on getting that Hexar. I think you'll like it "lots."


- Barrett

[mfunnell]

Well I took it out for a little test-run this weekend.What lens did you use?

...Mike

[Bobfrance]

What lens did you use?

...Mike

Kuvvy (RFF member) has kindly lent me a 40/1:2 Rokkor.
Seems like a nice little lens. Just a shame the Hexar doesn't have the correct framelines to match it.

[FrankS]

Bob, the Hexar's 35mm framelines are a VERY close match. I've altered my CV40f1.4 lens to bring up the 35 rather than the 50mm framelines. Check with Kuvvy before filing away at his lens' mount though! :)

[Bobfrance]

Haha!

I'll tell him you said it was okay Frank ;)

[Issy]

A quick question. Does anybody know if it is possible to obtain replacement rear glass for the viewfinder? I notice it screws out and mine's al little scratched (not that it affect visibility at all).

Hold on to it like gold, do whatever to keep it on the body....very rare.

Lose it, and you'll either have to scrouge for a close value diopter, or do this:
http://www.1point4photography.com/blog/diy-hexar-rf-eyepiece/

Bill

[Bobfrance]

A cautionary tale. Thanks Issy,

I just checked mine was tighly screwed in.

[Issy]

As Matt points out on his blog, the eyepiece is not just flat optical glass, but a lens; lose it, and you also lose the viewfinder image.

Yeah, bummer on the strap lugs, huh? She just doesn't want to hang well around the neck. :(

Also, make it a habit to infinity check your RF from time to time (i.e. focus on something at infinity, and make sure the lens confirms the distance.)

Great camera though --- I, personally, love Ap. The M7 I could never afford. Very different animal from your G2, although, supposedly, the guts came from the same place.

Bill

[Krosya]

On a separate, yet related note - isn't it about time we got our own Hexar RF section here? Bassa has one, Leica has one, Zeiss does too. I think we have enough people that have, use and love Hexar Rf cameras and lenses to have a separate section for us as well. What do you think?

[amateriat]

On a separate, yet related note - isn't it about time we got our own Hexar RF section here? Bassa has one, Leica has one, Zeiss does too. I think we have enough people that have, use and love Hexar Rf cameras and lenses to have a separate section for us as well. What do you think? I believe I asked for one as long as three years ago. Nothing happened. No matter: I hardly needed a separate forum to validate my experience with this camera, but it would've been nice to compare notes in an uncluttered manner. ;)

And, yes, add that wee bit of beeswax or Loctite to keep those eyepieces in place, if you still have 'em. (Thankfully, both my Hexars still have theirs.)


- Barrett

[mfunnell]

On a separate, yet related note - isn't it about time we got our own Hexar RF section here? Bassa has one, Leica has one, Zeiss does too. I think we have enough people that have, use and love Hexar Rf cameras and lenses to have a separate section for us as well. What do you think?I don't see why not except, of course, that nobody's making 'em anymore whereas Leica, Zeiss and CV still are. Not sure if that makes any difference...

...Mike

[Krosya]

I don't see why not except, of course, that nobody's making 'em anymore whereas Leica, Zeiss and CV still are. Not sure if that makes any difference...

...Mike
They don't make most if not all FSU, barnack, Canon, X-pan,Contax, Folding cameras, etc either.
I only want to have a separate section so it's easier to discuss, look for , etc Hexar related issues and topics. Otherwise - it's all over the place.

I also think it's a very important/significant camera from RF history stand point to have a separate section for it.

[Doug]

A cautionary tale. Thanks Issy,
I just checked mine was tighly screwed in.I just tightened mine a skosh too! Thanks for the heads-up.

I too have been using the C-Sonnar-ZM on mine, for its first roll. :)

[alan davus]

Yes, guard your eyepiece finder like gold. I lost mine walking up the Hooker Valley in Mt. Cook N.P. a couple of years ago. Fortunately I had a CV 21 with me with its separate finder so I was able to still use the camera. And luckily the owner of the camera store in Adelaide where I bought the Hexar uses one also so he had a couple of spares in stock. I religiously tweak mine now to make sure it's tight. Love the titanium top and bottom plates.

[Bobfrance]

I tried Ilford XP2 partly for conveniece and also to see what C41 processes B&W is like.
It wasn't bad not as grainy as I expected. Though I think the next roll I put through will be good old 100asa B&W.

The camera performed brilliantly. It felt great and has proved to be very fast and instinctive to use.
I think I'm getting the hang of zone focusing and was pleased to see most shots were in focus. The speed and silence with which I've been able to use it compared to my G1 has made me a lot more confident of grabbing shots in public.

I really like using lenses with focusing tabs and the CV 50mm Skopar I used on it mostly, worked a treat.
I have invested in a 35mm CV Pancake lens but haven't had much chance to use it yet. And to be honest, 50mm feels so right to me that perhaps I'll sell it and upgrade to a better 50mm.

I do miss the lenses on my Contax G1. perhaps a 50mm Ziess Sonnar would work well on it. ;)

My only bugbears are the position of the lugs for the straps and the fact that, when slung over my shoulder, the AEL lock seems to keep being enabled.

All in all - I think this camera is ace!

[Doug]

I tried Ilford XP2 partly for conveniece and also to see what C41 processes B&W is like. It wasn't bad not as grainy as I expected.I've been using this film for a couple decades and it's a favorite. It does not like underexposure, despite the claims, getting muddy and grainy in the shadows. The highlights are bulletproof, may get blown out in the machine lab prints, but the detail's there in the neg. I find that the film "likes" a bit of overexposure, picking up a creamy smoothness, and rich shadow tonality given an extra stop or so. I usually just set my meter to 250.

I really like using lenses with focusing tabs and the CV 50mm Skopar I used on it mostly, worked a treat.
I have invested in a 35mm CV Pancake lens but haven't had much chance to use it yet. And to be honest, 50mm feels so right to me that perhaps I'll sell it and upgrade to a better 50mm.I have used a Zeiss C-Sonnar on my HRF, but I've found nothing to complain about with the 50 Skopar. Both are "personality lenses" that can be a bit controversial, subject to preferences. Is there something you dislike about your 50 Skopar? Not the fastest 50 around of course, yet in consideration of its modest sale value you might choose to keep it as an option among others. :)

[Bobfrance]

I have used a Zeiss C-Sonnar on my HRF, but I've found nothing to complain about with the 50 Skopar. Both are "personality lenses" that can be a bit controversial, subject to preferences. Is there something you dislike about your 50 Skopar? Not the fastest 50 around of course, yet in consideration of its modest sale value you might choose to keep it as an option among others. :)

You're quite right Doug.
I've not really used my Skopar enough to get to know it yet and I've got no problems with the results so far. I think I yearn for Zeiss glass due to my Contax G1. I like usng the Hexar more but I do miss having the zeiss lenses. They have a certain crispness that I've become accustomed to.
I shouldn't really try to make a comparison at this early stage though - I need to shoot more film first!

[szekiat]

try shooting the hexanon. I think u will find it is crisp sharp too!

[KoNickon]

I guess I have never noticed anything to complain about with the strap lugs. First time I've heard mention of that.

Keep an eye out for the Hexanons, of course, but the 50 Skopar is a really nice lens. I can also recommend for a nice short tele the Voigtlander 75/2.5.