View Full Version : Hexar AF Camera and the Hexar RF Camera
The Hexar AF is a fixed lens AF camera with a hellish sharp 35mm/2 and other nice properties. Still, it is a fixed lens camera with a max 1/250 shutter speed. It can be programmed for a "silent" shutter for the SILVER model while the BLACK model is "silent".
The Hexar RF camera is an M-mount camera with AE and 1/4000 max shutter speed. It has automatic film advance, like the Hexar AF camera.
How do users of either camera feel about their cameras. I am particulalrly interested in features you find as being negative. They may be elusive and not known to others. The positives seem to be plenty with either of these two cameras.
How would you compare the Hexar RF with an M mount Bessa R(.) camera?
Thanks.
Hexar AF is just fantastic if you do appreciate AF and 35mm...lighter than a M, it feels right by itself and less "precious" compared to it. It only asks fr being kept around anywhere. All functions can be added to any version of it... (I actually have a silver with silent mode added) In fact a few functions are a bit annoying to activate as it takes combination of button press (manuel focusing / de-coupling AF and AE, etc...) But in fact I mostly do not use them... set on P mode, minimum speed set, manual ASA + AE compensation... is the way to go... Adding a grey filter to turn 400 to 100 asa if you might feel limited...
It is the most silent and fastest RF camera I know... other negative aspects ??? No, as long as the shutter button works fine...
Hexar RF is much diffrent and can be seen as a M7 contestor... (I had one, but unluckily its shutter died for no reason... sold it as it was ) great ergonomics, a bit noisy compared to a Leica M but not that much, and very intuitive to use... more on the Leica M type of weight in the hands...
Thanks for your input, Ghiom. I wonder how frequent such a shutter death occurs.
I sold my Silver Hexar AF and I got a Hexar RF camera.
It just happened this way and it was not planned.
I've had both. Still have the RF and will keep it until there is nobody left to fix it. That said, I haven't had a single problem in the 9 years I've owned it.
I have two complaints about the Hexar RF. One - the viewfinder: it's not as big and bright as the Zeiss Ikon's. I don't shoot wides, so the 0.6 magnification is not an advantage. I have a 1.25x HK Supplies magnifier semi-permanently attached. With the mag on I can't see the shutter speed indicator in the left of the window. Two - the shutter button: the travel is too long and soft, and I wish there was a detent to indicate the point of exposure lock. More often than I want I will squeeze off a shot when all I wanted to do was set the exposure. The relatively short RF baselength has not been a limitation, and I have never missed a shot due to a delay in shutter actuation.
The AF was a different story. Don't get me wrong - the AF is a great and very capable camera with a fantastic lens. But the 1/250th limit meant I couldn't carry the camera outdoors when I had 400 speed film in it - not interested in carrying a ND filter with me. It was otherwise a seriously overachieving point-and-shoot. Then along came my Panasonic LX-2 digital. The Hexar AF was so much bigger that I just stopped carrying it for p&s work.
fixbones
09-12-2009, 13:23
The Hexar AF is SO silent and the lens is just faultless.
My only beef is that the max shutter is 1/250. Thought i could live with that but its proving to be a bit more difficult than i imagined :( I feel that it'll have to go soon.....
PatrickT
09-12-2009, 13:28
I've been reading about these recently also (AF). Does anyone know if the Silver version can be upgraded with Silent Mode? The cameraquest article on them says that they can't, but I've heard that they can. Anyone have a link to instructions?
Also, what do these go for in decent condition (AF)? I'm REALLY tempted to pick one up...
Patrick
I've been reading about these recently also (AF). Does anyone know if the Silver version can be upgraded with Silent Mode? The cameraquest article on them says that they can't, but I've heard that they can. Anyone have a link to instructions?
Also, what do these go for in decent condition (AF)? I'm REALLY tempted to pick one up...
Patrick
Patrick, yes, the Silver version can definitely be programmed with the Silent Mode. I've done it to mine and it works fine. Don't recall now where I found the instructions for doing so (I have them printed out at home) but they are posted on the net somewhere.
As for price, I bought mine for about $450 two years ago with all the original packaging, etc. I'm not using it much (too many other cameras to play with) so would be willing to let it go for what I paid for it. Also bought a good neutral density filter for it so I could have more film speed latitude that I could throw into the deal.
-Randy
buzzardkid
09-12-2009, 13:45
This article (http://portretteur.nl/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=54:the-ultimate-compact-camera&catid=40:rangefinders&Itemid=61)on my website provides basic info on the Hexar AF and links to more extensive write-ups, including a link to the Silent Mode Hack.
I sold the Hexar AF (well, in fact I sold many, but also my own) in favour of a Konica L-Hexanon 35mm f2.0 which is the Hexar AF's lens in screw mount.
But, would have kept my Titanium Hexar AF if I could have afforded it, killer camera!
I sold my Silver AF for $350a few days ago. I programmed it for silent mode.
I bought the Hexar AF from Raid to replace the one I sold to Blake. ($400 or 450, including flash and orig. leather case)
I like both AF and RF. :)
Michiel Fokkema
09-12-2009, 13:48
I had both and sold them in the end.
The AF is just too big for a one lens camera. Also the 1/250 top speed is very limiting. I replaced i with a Leica CM.
The RF haad too much shutterlag and the focus patch drove me crazy. I replaced it for a Leica M7.
Cheers,
Michiel Fokkema
Yep, Johan, that looks the instructions I followed. Thanks and my apologies for not remembering that you were the source for them.
-Randy
I have two complaints about the Hexar RF. One - the viewfinder: it's not as big and bright as the Zeiss Ikon's. I don't shoot wides, so the 0.6 magnification is not an advantage. I have a 1.25x HK Supplies magnifier semi-permanently attached. With the mag on I can't see the shutter speed indicator in the left of the window. Two - the shutter button: the travel is too long and soft, and I wish there was a detent to indicate the point of exposure lock. More often than I want I will squeeze off a shot when all I wanted to do was set the exposure. The relatively short RF baselength has not been a limitation, and I have never missed a shot due to a delay in shutter actuation.
John,
The first point is obvious since the 0.60 magnification makes it more difficult to focus fast lenses. If you cannot see the selected shutter speeds in the window when using a magnifyer, then this is also not a good thing.
The shutter button is a good point. I am just now trying to use this camera.
This article (http://portretteur.nl/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=54:the-ultimate-compact-camera&catid=40:rangefinders&Itemid=61)on my website provides basic info on the Hexar AF and links to more extensive write-ups, including a link to the Silent Mode Hack.
I sold the Hexar AF (well, in fact I sold many, but also my own) in favour of a Konica L-Hexanon 35mm f2.0 which is the Hexar AF's lens in screw mount.
But, would have kept my Titanium Hexar AF if I could have afforded it, killer camera!
What's special about a Titanium Hexar AF, Johan?
I don't use my cameras in a way that would require extra robustness.
About the shutter death of the hexar RF, I cannot say... I have never heard anyone else having the trouble... (I really got unlucky I guess)...
I do not know how do the Hexar RF command age with use, but I could see one with the "on/off to single or multiple shot" shift getting a bit loose ... Then I would also add that the rangefinder has tendancy to get unaligned quite easily compared to Leica M... a slight shock is sometimes enough. I have seen somewhere on the net how to re-adjust it easily... (which is not that simple with Leica's...) Apart the flaws I had, I really think it is a great camera, especially for its current price, and the fact that Sony is still doing its maintenance a great news (I then really regretted mine)...
About upgrading the Hexar Silver with the silent mode, yes it is possible (mine was), check the following link (down the page): http://photo.net/photo/hexar.html
I really consider the Hexar AF to be a fantastic camera for those who like 35mm... Sold mine and bought another 6 months later... not to mention that for its price, you hardly get 1/2 of a summicron 35... that makes it my back up / fixed 35mm body...
(And I really do not mind the 250th top speed which is not an issue for my use...)
mfunnell
09-12-2009, 15:23
With the Hexar AF I have only two problems/concerns: the first is the maximum 1/250th shutter speed, which is fairly easily addressed with an ND filter while the 2nd is a problem with all AF/viewfinder cameras: sometimes I focus it on things I didn't intend (without visual confirmation of exactly what you've focused on it can be hard to tell if it's focused where you think it is).
Nonetheless, I find it to be a great camera and it gets a good deal of use, especially as a night/indoor camera. Notwithstanding the above, it can focus in low light better than I can manually and better than most AF SLRs can. Where needed, it has a nice set of flash modes as well.
As for the Hexar RF: I like it well enough that I have two, just in case one breaks. I wouldn't want to be without one. It's downsides:
. its finder isn't as bright as a Leica or (so I'm told) a ZI finder
. you have to centre your eye in the VF fairly well to get RF patch alignment right
I like the low-magnification finder. I like using 28mm lenses from time to time, and I can see the framelines in the finder even wearing glasses. I often prefer to have plenty of room around the framelines, which I find aids me in composition, so find the Hexar RF 35mm and 50/75mm framelines occupy a pleasing portion of the viewfinder (as they would in a Leica .58x finder).
While focus of long/fast lenses may be a little more tricky than with a higher magnification finder, I've had no insurmountable difficulty focusing, say, a 75 Summilux wide open (http://fc07.deviantart.com/fs25/f/2008/137/2/f/Pitt_Street_Clown_2_by_mfunnell.jpg).
Shutter/motor-wind noise makes the Hexar RF a bit louder than a Leica (and a lot louder than a Hexar AF) but I've never found it to be a real problem. I've never experienced anything resembling "shutter lag" as reported by some. Either I'm simply an insensitive and undiscerning individual or something else is going on there. I suspect this is really more to do with the physical feel of a mechanical vs electromechanical shutter release. But what would I know? I'm insensitive and undiscerning.
...Mike
Pherdinand
09-12-2009, 15:59
the lens on the AF is sharp, but it vignettes considerably.
The 1/250s max speed can be very limiting.
Otherwise, it's an excellent camera.
In addition to what's been said, the RF has some very minor niggles:
1 - The battery indicator says you're full until you're empty. I just learned this. That said, batteries last forever on it.
2 - The speed dial sometimes rolls from AE to AEL and back during use.
3 - The rubber gasket on the eyepiece is easily lost.
I have both cameras & my take on them is very similar to Mike's below. I use the RF as my low-magnification body for wides (a nice low-cost alternative to the M6 TTL 0.58 I used to have), but have had no problems focusing the Noctilux or 75 Summilux.
I would add some of my own minor criticisms:
AF: I don't like the lack of shutter speed information in the VF. Having it on the LCD on top of the camera is pretty pointless, IMHO, unless it's on a tripod all the time.
RF: I would have preferred an additional auto-exposure lock switch like its AF sibling, the Kyocera Contax G2, as I use my thumb to release the shutter when shooting vertically. However, that's a gripe that I have w/the M7 (& M8), too. Having the ability to set custom functions, again like on the G2, would have been nice as well. Finally, I would have preferred a simple digital shutter speed readout rather than the illuminated scale, which can be difficult to see & isn't as precise.
With the Hexar AF I have only two problems/concerns: the first is the maximum 1/250th shutter speed, which is fairly easily addressed with an ND filter while the 2nd is a problem with all AF/viewfinder cameras: sometimes I focus it on things I didn't intend (without visual confirmation of exactly what you've focused on it can be hard to tell if it's focused where you think it is).
Nonetheless, I find it to be a great camera and it gets a good deal of use, especially as a night/indoor camera. Notwithstanding the above, it can focus in low light better than I can manually and better than most AF SLRs can. Where needed, it has a nice set of flash modes as well.
As for the Hexar RF: I like it well enough that I have two, just in case one breaks. I wouldn't want to be without one. It's downsides:
. its finder isn't as bright as a Leica or (so I'm told) a ZI finder
. you have to centre your eye in the VF fairly well to get RF patch alignment right
I like the low-magnification finder. I like using 28mm lenses from time to time, and I can see the framelines in the finder even wearing glasses. I often prefer to have plenty of room around the framelines, which I find aids me in composition, so find the Hexar RF 35mm and 50/75mm framelines occupy a pleasing portion of the viewfinder (as they would in a Leica .58x finder).
While focus of long/fast lenses may be a little more tricky than with a higher magnification finder, I've had no insurmountable difficulty focusing, say, a 75 Summilux wide open (http://fc07.deviantart.com/fs25/f/2008/137/2/f/Pitt_Street_Clown_2_by_mfunnell.jpg).
Shutter/motor-wind noise makes the Hexar RF a bit louder than a Leica (and a lot louder than a Hexar AF) but I've never found it to be a real problem. I've never experienced anything resembling "shutter lag" as reported by some. Either I'm simply an insensitive and undiscerning individual or something else is going on there. I suspect this is really more to do with the physical feel of a mechanical vs electromechanical shutter release. But what would I know? I'm insensitive and undiscerning.
...Mike
The previous owner of the Hexar RF camera lost the original eye piece. Has anyone here experienced such a thing, and is it still possible to get a replacement eye piece? For the time being, optical glass has been adapted as an eye piece for accurate focusing. The view is somewhat distorted though.
I super-glued the Megaperls (now Japan Exposures) Hexar eyepiece magnifier adapter to the eyepiece on my RF - now I don't worry about losing anything. The adapter does not impede the view at all when I remove the magnifier.
I super-glued the Megaperls (now Japan Exposures) Hexar eyepiece magnifier adapter to the eyepiece on my RF - now I don't worry about losing anything. The adapter does not impede the view at all when I remove the magnifier.
John,
In my case, wouldn't the replacement eye piece still show distortion? With a magnifier, the distortion may appear less prominent? Maybe.
Raid - I think you have to have the original eyepiece to glue the adapter to. If your eyepiece is missing I'm not sure where you are going to find a replacment. Maybe Don Goldberg?
John,
I have emailed Don already. Maybe he has one set aside.
PM sent with possible solution.
Thanks a lot, Frank.
You are a life saver.
If I use a 40mm lens, which frame lines will the Hexar display?
The CV 40mm lenses, the Leitz and Minolta 40mm lenses for the CL are designed to bring up 50mm framelines. You know about the modification with a file to the bayonette to bring up the 35mm framelines.
I did not recall this fact about the Rokkor/Summicron lenses. Thanks for reminding me. I will not file anything except my finger nails.
buzzardkid
09-13-2009, 14:27
What's special about a Titanium Hexar AF, Johan?
I don't use my cameras in a way that would require extra robustness.
It was a limited production (1,000 pieces, specially numbered) camera, the titanium matched the Hexar RF Limited color. I owned both for a short while and have shots with them side by side.
I'm not sure though if the top plate was solid titanium, like on the Hexar RF Limited.
In the end it had to go, it was left at home too much when taking a bag with Leica gear. It took me like forever to find the Hexar AF lens in the screw mount, since that is a limited production too (in chrome this time, would have made a nice combo with a Hexar RF Limited when in titanium!) There's an article on my current lens in the Camera Gear - Lenses on my site.
Ming The Merciless
09-13-2009, 15:17
I own both the AF Black with silent mode and the silver version without silent mode. I love these cameras. They are great for street shooting. The black version has a problem with the shutter release so I will have to take it somewhere to have it fixed. I hope it can be fixed since it is such a beautiful camera.
There is good info on these cameras on this site: http://silvergrain.com/labs/index.php/Konica_Hexar
Ming, your issue is probably a dirty switch, and not that difficult to fix.
principe azul
09-13-2009, 17:12
How would you compare the Hexar RF with an M mount Bessa R(.) camera?
A stop faster shutter speed on the RF, and a stop slower on the other end in AE, for those who like this. Me.
Easier film loading on the RF, for the klutzy. Me.
Higher quality finish on the RF, for the fondlers. Not me.
Given the RF's longer effective baselength than the Bessas, maybe it'd be more obvious to compare it with a Leica M7 or the Zeiss Ikon? It still holds its own. It was designed as an electronic answer to the Leica M6, and even nearly ten years on, it's still a remarkably good design.
As for drawbacks, a more precise meter display would be nice. But I don't find this a problem when photographing, and the meter is accurate.
I am just now trying to use this camera.
I can't see there'd be a problem. Using the camera is simplicity itself.
Frank Petronio
09-13-2009, 17:23
I may get another Hexar AF, the last time I got frustrated with mine because it was so silent that I didn't know when I made a shot in a noisy environment.
The sticky shutter problem is a concern but I suppose most decent camera repair people can clean them up and/or replace the switches.
I've owned four of them off and on now. I don't mind either the black or the silvers, the data back is what I avoid -- stupid inventions.
Just get a strong 46mm ND to deal with the 1/250th speed. The only other issue is that the strap lugs are a tiny bit too tight for a Domke strap but you can shave the strap and melt the frayed Nylon.
PatrickT
09-13-2009, 18:29
One more question about the af silver vs. black. Now that I've read that the silver can be upgraded with the silent mode, I've also "heard" that the silver's "quiet" mode is louder than the black version. True? I LOVE the look of the silver one but also want the quietest camera possible. Thanks!
Frank Petronio
09-13-2009, 18:31
Even in non-silent mode both are very quiet. I never noticed a difference in loudness between the silver or black models.
Tom Diaz
09-13-2009, 18:45
The Hexar AF is a fixed lens AF camera with a hellish sharp 35mm/2 and other nice properties. Still, it is a fixed lens camera with a max 1/250 shutter speed. It can be programmed for a "silent" shutter for the SILVER model while the BLACK model is "silent".
The Hexar RF camera is an M-mount camera with AE and 1/4000 max shutter speed. It has automatic film advance, like the Hexar AF camera.
How do users of either camera feel about their cameras. I am particulalrly interested in features you find as being negative. They may be elusive and not known to others. The positives seem to be plenty with either of these two cameras.
How would you compare the Hexar RF with an M mount Bessa R(.) camera?
Thanks.
I have long thought that RFF should have a Hexar AF forum. The camera is such a piece of work, there's really nothing else like it. I have made this suggestion but nothing has happened and I've gotten no answer. So: RFF powers that be please consider doing it.
I have a Hexar Rhodium AF, which I think will be the one film camera I will never part with. (Other than its being a beautiful finish there is nothing special about the rhodium except that it came originally programmed for silent mode and so on. However, you have learned that any AF can be programmed for all the features.) I have actually not found the 1/250 speed too much of a problem--I usually shoot Portra 160 or something like that with it, meaning the bright light exposure is still almost always less than 1/250th at f/16.
Its incomprehensible controls are legendary, although once you teach yourself what each of them does, it is a fast camera to operate. I have also had some fun shooting infrared film with it. I admit I was encouraged by the idea that its AF system has an infrared setting, and from that, one thing led to another.
I have an M6TTL that I am equally besotted with, but I can imagine parting with that, on the grounds that it will be replaced with newer Leica Ms, if Leica stays afloat, and I may need to sell it to afford a new M body. No danger of the AF being superseded by a better model!
The AF is probably the one classic fixed-lens RF-like camera that I would recommend to any enthusiastic photographer who doesn't have one. I have others, a Fed and so on and on, but that's because of my damaged DNA. The AF is a very practical and excellent picture taking machine in addition to being a curious photographic artifact.
Tom
I am particularly interested in features you find as being negative.
I had both and sold both.
Sold the AF even though the lens is every bit as good as folks say.
AF had awful finder; not remotely accurate even for a viewfinder camera which of course is never really accurate. Did not like the build or the metering.
The RF had a rangefinder that was impossible to keep aligned. I think I sent it to Konica (back when there was a Konica to send it to) 2 or 3 times and each time the return shipping would knock the RF out of alignment (assuming they actually did fix it). Did not like the finder magnification and I DO shoot wides. This camera is made to be used on AE and while you can use it on manual, it's a pain. And I shoot 99% manual.
I now use all Leica M6 and M4p for my RF film work and I'm very happy. I suspect I would dislike the M7, and, of course, the Ikon. Did not like the CLE either, by the way.
So these are just my personal and very opinionated (based on a lot of use) preferences.
I prefer total manual control of the exposures and in an uncluttered and uncomplicated way. Here, a camera such as the Konica III or a Canon P excels for my needs. The Hexar AF seems to be a very good camera, but I am not into AF cameras at all. Add AE, and I am unhappy. I sold the AF to raise cash for the Summilux, and then I stumbled into Matt's ad for his Hexar RF. It was not planned. I could see there was room for a Hexar RF in my set of cameras for my photography needs when I travel.
Maybe I will sell it after a while if I don't feel comfortable with it.
only thing i can think of is long term repairability.
Tom Diaz
09-13-2009, 20:27
only thing i can think of is long term repairability.
Speaking of repairs, who does any? Mine is in fine working order but could use a cleaning.
Tom
PS This question exemplfies the need for a Hexar AF forum, not to beat a dead horse, you understand.
One more question about the af silver vs. black. Now that I've read that the silver can be upgraded with the silent mode, I've also "heard" that the silver's "quiet" mode is louder than the black version. True? I LOVE the look of the silver one but also want the quietest camera possible. Thanks!
I have handled several black AFs simultaneously and found that each sounds slightly different. It's an issue of how they individually age, I think.
I have the Silver AF and have the stealth mode too. This used to be the only camera i would take when travelling as I never really needed more. The only thing was, that other than travelling the camera hardly saw any use inbetween, so I'd say it was only used three time a year. Don't know why I've never used it more as the lens is superb and the AF very fast and accurate.
Recently, I find I'm not shooting any film at all and the hexar along with it's HX-14 flash will be going for sale soon. Also, my Minolta CLE is to go for the same reason. Shame as they are both such great cameras in their own right.
AF: I don't like the lack of shutter speed information in the VF. Having it on the LCD on top of the camera is pretty pointless, IMHO, unless it's on a tripod all the time.
Exactly. It would've been much better displayed in VF. Anyway I'm learning to forget about it, otherwise I'd keep taking my eyes off from VF to top panel for info.
I have actually not found the 1/250 speed too much of a problem--I usually shoot Portra 160 or something like that with it, meaning the bright light exposure is still almost always less than 1/250th at f/16.
Unfortunately, rarely do I want to shoot at f/16--it's more like being forced to. Yes, ND filter is a cure, if reluctant. Now what else to complain about my Hexar... :rolleyes: OK I find the original silver cap awkward and bound to fall out(it's been safe in a drawer now & for good), and those printed numbers & letters gradually wears off. At that price, at least they could have the name HEXAR engraved, right?
Well that's all I can complain about Hexar AF. With its killer combination of phenomenal optics and features, Hexar is definitely one of my all-time favourite.
I have long thought that RFF should have a Hexar AF forum. The camera is such a piece of work, there's really nothing else like it. I have made this suggestion but nothing has happened and I've gotten no answer. So: RFF powers that be please consider doing it.
Got your point. I always feel kind of unfair to call Hexar AF a "p&s"... just I think a general "Konica" sub forum would be even better, as it'd also cover classic RF such as C35, Auto S3, Konica III, etc. Konica, with its long respectable history as film & camera maker, certainly deserves its own, when there are Olympus RF/Yashica RF forums.
But then again, don't you think there are already Too Many sub forums in the menu??
I agree with Daniel on having a separate forum for Konica RF cameras. I have these already:
Konica I
Konica II [art deco look]
Konica III [great lens]
Konica IIIM [100% VF]
Konica Auto S [not functioning]
Konica Auto S2 [superb lens]
Konica Auto S3. [superb lens]
Add to the above the Hexar AF and the Hexar RF, plus the C35 tiny camera.
The mechanical Konica RF cameras were ahead of their time. The lenses are awesome. Some of the VF's are better than Leica VF's.
Let's ask Stephen and the powers in charge to add such a forum for us.
Tom Diaz
09-14-2009, 08:10
The mechanical Konica RF cameras were ahead of their time. The lenses are awesome. Some of the VF's are better than Leica VF's.
Let's ask Stephen and the powers in charge to add such a forum for us.
Yeah, I'll definitely settle for an all-Konica forum. Even some Koni-Omega users probably will show up there. The company really made some interesting cameras over the years.
To answer Daniel's point: I don't think there are too many forums already. Right now I have to hunt around for Hexar posts. I would rather look up the forum even if it's a long table of forums--that's what tables are for.
Tom
Tom Diaz
09-14-2009, 08:15
... OK I find the original silver cap awkward and bound to fall out(it's been safe in a drawer now & for good), and those printed numbers & letters gradually wears off. At that price, at least they could have the name HEXAR engraved, right?
Ewww, I didn't know about the printed numbers rubbing off; hasn't happened to me yet. On the other hand, my lovely rhodium-plated lens cap also stays at home most of the time, because it makes an amazing bell-like sound when it hits a sidewalk, which it often does. The only blemish on my Hexar is a ding on the beautiful but accident-prone lens cap.
I lost my lens cap many times, until one day, it fell under my parked car at the beach, and I only remembered a day later that the lens cap was gone. Since then, each time we park at that same parking lot, I jokingly pretend to look for the lens hood there.
I used a snap on Nikon lens hood instead, and I sold the Silver AF with that hood.
24mgdriver
09-30-2009, 11:17
I have one question : What about the framelines and other lenses on the RF, if you take a lens on the hexar , could you tell the camera what lens it is or must the lenses be coded like leica lenses, so that the camera put the right frames on ?
buzzardkid
09-30-2009, 11:29
The camera acts like a 'regular' Leica, when a lens is mounted, the camera shows the matching frame in the viewfinder. No coding like on the M8, no lever selector like on older Canons, just stick a lens to it and you're done!
johnny9fingers
09-30-2009, 11:55
Is it just me or is everyone missing the point focusing on the max 250 shutter speed. This is a fantastic available light camera, a true night stalkers delight built to take wonderful pictures with slow film. And if you venture out into the light with half a roll of Pan F, just note the last frame shot, rewind and put in the film of your choice...... This hands down is my favorite camera....in fact I have 2 black Hexars and would like to get a silver if I can find one in really good shape...
amateriat
09-30-2009, 12:46
I had a Hexar AF (black/stealth/date back) for seven years (1995-2002). Loved it "lots." Traded it, together with my both my Minolta 9xi SLRs and lenses, for my Hex RF setup (two bodies, 28/50/90 M-Hex glass) in early '02, and that's what I've been using ever since.
Several hundred rolls of film later, here's my little report:
- Haven't lost eyepiece or rubber ring on either body...yet. (I periodically check for a tight fit.)
- One body (possibly the first one) stopped cold with an error code early on (10, I think). Sent out to Konica/Minolta, together with HRF #2 to make certain both bodies had proper FR alignment (I didn't detect a problem, but with all the chatter about it at the time I decided to play it safe). No glitches of the sort since.
- The shutter-lag issue with the HRF is, IMO, negligible in single-frame mode; in Continuous mode, it doesn't exist, period. For people who habitually jab at the shutter release, that teensy bit of lag could even aid in avoiding camera-shake blur. It never got in the way of my nailing the "moment."
- Shutter noise is very quiet, motorized film-advance somewhat less so. It's no Hexar AF, however. (But, really, what is?)
- Metering is just plain excellent, with fairly tight center-weighting.
- I appreciate the fact that while this is seriously tech-enriched camera, it doesn't wear its tech on its sleeve; other than the small and highly-useful LCD on the top plate (which, for me, does a very good job with battery info...never had either camera surprise me by becoming an instant paperweight without a heads-up), it goes about its business in an unassuming manner. The fact that the number of on-camera controls are concentrated, well-placed, and kept to a bare minimum is also a plus.
- VF, for all intents and purposes, is adequately bright. Yes, it helps to keep your eye centered for accurate focusing. Same deal with the ZI, by the way.
- Confuses the hell out of some M8 shooters when meeting up. ;)
- Reliably squeezes at least 37 frames from a 36-exposure roll, sometimes 38. Irritating when cutting six-frame strips for scanning, but nice for that out-of-nowhere grab shot.
- Things I wish they'd included? Just one: date back that imprints between frames, á la Contax RTS III/Pentax ZM-S. The Hex has contacts for some sort of back, but nothing was ever released, to the best of my knowledge. Maybe TTL flash, too, although in practice, I haven't exactly missed it.
- The M-Hexanon glass is really, really good.
On a somewhat related note, I can now say that, after five months and a fair amount of film put through it, I can safely say that my new-to-me Contax Tvs has eased whatever remaining pangs I've had about letting go of my Hex autofocus so long ago. It quickly became my daily-driver camera, and rides shotgun with my Hexars regularly, loaded with b/w when the Hexen have color film in them, and vice-versa.
- Because of all this, my scanners rarely get a break. :D
- Barrett
Is it just me or is everyone missing the point focusing on the max 250 shutter speed. This is a fantastic available light camera, a true night stalkers delight built to take wonderful pictures with slow film. And if you venture out into the light with half a roll of Pan F, just note the last frame shot, rewind and put in the film of your choice...... This hands down is my favorite camera....in fact I have 2 black Hexars and would like to get a silver if I can find one in really good shape...
FYI johnny9fingers, I just sent you a pm about my silver Hexar AF in case you're interested.
-Randy
Dante_Stella
09-30-2009, 13:27
I've taken a Hexar AF all over the world. The 1/250 is not really a problem even with 400-speed film. Just shoot at f/16 or f/22 until the roll is done and then switch to 100-speed (you can actually change mid-roll very easily). The RF actually has the same leader-out-pause feature.
The one thing not to lose track of is that when you compare a 35/2 UC-Hexanon and the AF lens is this: the Hexar AF automatically adjusts focus to account for spherical aberration as you stop down. That means that it maintains the correct focus point at all apertures up to f/5.6 and beyond.
The LTM version does not have this, so stopping down at f/2.8-4, the focus drifts very slightly backwards - and no rangefinder takes that into account. It doesn't have a huge effect; it's pretty subtle, but you get cheated out of some of the depth of field you would otherwise expect. Of course, if you shoot all low-light shots wide-open and everything else at small apertures (as happens in the real world), this will never be of any concern.
The other thing is that the LTM lens only has whole click-stops; the AF can set half-apertures. I don't see that as a huge thing, but some people might care.
Dante
sepiareverb
09-30-2009, 13:34
If anything goes wrong with your Hexar RF I'd vote for sending it to Greg Weber for an attempt at a fix, if he can't fix it: bury it. The "official" repair place (Precision in CT) is absolutely hopeless and should be avoided at all costs. I'll never own another Hexar as I could never trust in using it long term.
Frank sent me an original eye piece for the Hexar RF, and I now see clearly through the VF. I managed to easily focus with the Summilux 35 1.4 @ 1.4, so the Hexar RF is OK after all.
amateriat
09-30-2009, 19:12
I have long thought that RFF should have a Hexar AF forum. The camera is such a piece of work, there's really nothing else like it. I have made this suggestion but nothing has happened and I've gotten no answer. So: RFF powers that be please consider doing it.
We've got this (http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=133), which comes relatively close. :)
- Barrett
Tom Diaz
09-30-2009, 19:22
We've got this (http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=133), which comes relatively close. :)
- Barrett
Need a real forum. C'mon.
TD
ChrisPlatt
10-05-2009, 06:50
KEH listed a half dozen Hexar AF cameras for months; suddenly they're all gone.
Most models have become scarcer and higher priced on eBay recently as well.
I wonder if the numerous Hexar threads here lately have contributed to this?
Chris
januaryman
10-05-2009, 08:28
I got mine from them after deciding I wanted one... this forum surely fueled my desire. So, I guess, yeah. Mine was as near like new as possible, complete with all documentation, flash with case, serial number card, quick reference cards and the damn bags the camera and flash were originally sealed in. The strap had never been unsealed or used! I was very happy. Tried it out at once.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3477/3948606337_35df199974.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/januaryman/3948606337/)
The flash... eh. Not so happy, as the recycling time kills me. Besides, I never use a flash.
I recently bought both cameras - a RF and an AF black as tools for street photography. I like the fact that both offer AE modes (I'm coming back from digital as there's no appropriate street photography offering for low-light situations other than the prohibitively priced Leica M9).
I'm thrilled of the AF's silent mode. OTOH, I am impressed how the Hexar AF camera designers managed to obtain such poor ergonomics for the AF lock function. I haven't yet found an easy hand/finger position to safely and blindly activate this function without accidentally exposing an unwanted frame. I like the manual focus setting function as it lends itself well for operation together with a DOF calculation ruler (google DOFmaster).
I love my Hexar RF. Very intuitive to use, and everything I always wanted in an analog camera. Maybe a tad loud for some situations (but that's what I have the AF for).
Both cameras will definitely keep my scanner busy, while my DSLR will stay at home more often.
Now I'm looking for information on how to optimize my BW film developing process for best scanning results (making full use of my scanner's density range).
http://www.ipernity.com/doc/tschnitzlein/album/32490
januaryman
11-05-2009, 04:11
Arjay - I scan all my own negatives but never develop myself. Too messy, too time consuming. But with the Nikon Coolscan and Vuescan software, I have to say there is hardly 1 in 1,000 negatives that don't give me a decent, if not great image. For those lacking, I can still do wonders tweaking with Lightroom. I wouldn't worry overly about developing the film perfectly. I do remember that when I did my own chemistry, my biggest fault was not allowing enough time to get all the fixer washed completely away. This was a bigger concern with my prints, but the negatives, too.
Welcome to the "reel" world! ;)
I've only ran one roll of film through my Hexar AF so far, but I'm already loving it. Got it at a bargain price and in fantastic condition. It focuses quickly and reliably, and the P mode is smart, so I can take a break from all the manual focusing and rotating dials and rings. The lens is fantastic too.
The only non-obvious complaint I have is that the AF does not lock in indefinitely, sometimes I pre-focus and wait for that perfect moment, then when it comes, the camera stopped locking onto the focus point. Oh and I still haven't found a good strap for it!
I have run 2 rolls on new to me black Hexar AF. Camera it self is in perfect condition, even still have protection on the base plate.
But I have experience one problem: when shooting with filter and trying to focus close like 1m or less I am getting error and the camera is blocked. Need to take out the battery to restart the camera. I took glass out of older filter to make spacer of it, but even when putting first spacer than filter it is still the same.
Focusing on close distances without filter is not evoking the error.
Any hint?
januaryman
11-05-2009, 08:19
Oh and I still haven't found a good strap for it!
Try this one - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000928KII/ref=ox_ya_oh_product --works for me.
That was a known problem on some of the hexars.
The lens block is knocking against the filter and freezes the camera.
At a certain point, konica sent a short spacer to bypass the problem.
You could use an empty 46mm filter ring...(careful on vignetting though)
I have run 2 rolls on new to me black Hexar AF. Camera it self is in perfect condition, even still have protection on the base plate.
But I have experience one problem: when shooting with filter and trying to focus close like 1m or less I am getting error and the camera is blocked. Need to take out the battery to restart the camera. I took glass out of older filter to make spacer of it, but even when putting first spacer than filter it is still the same.
Focusing on close distances without filter is not evoking the error.
Any hint?
I experience freez with filter ring as well.
That was a known problem on some of the hexars.
The lens block is knocking against the filter and freezes the camera.
At a certain point, konica sent a short spacer to bypass the problem.
You could use an empty 46mm filter ring...(careful on vignetting though)
I experience freez with filter ring as well.
Maybe the ring is not thin enough and still stops the lens block?
GoneSavage
11-05-2009, 09:59
I love my AF. Its vibration-less shutter allows me to reliably shoot at 1/8 of a second if I am well braced, an its autofocus is incredibly fast and reliable. If not for its barrel distortion and slightly awkward framelines, I would rarely use other cameras (I've always had an issue composing with framelines that aren't symmetrical, athough in the hexar's case, they do provide framing that is DEADLY accurate).
The HexarAF has an awesome lens, but I was not using the camera often, so I sold it here. Instead, I got a Hexar RF. I enjoy using many different RF lenses, so the RF is better suited for my needs than the AF.
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