Getting an Hexar

angeloks · 12-15-2009

I'm about to get a Konica Hexar. But after reading this tread, I got scared! There must be some Hexar working properly out there? Anything specific to the Hexar that I should be checking when I'll have the camera in my hands? Is it still a camera worth getting?

I played a bit with the Ikon and I didn't like it. The M6 is expensive and lacks some features key of the Hexar (AE, easy loading, x0.60 finder, etc...). What do you guys think?

Krosya · 12-15-2009

I have been using Hexars RF for several years now and never had a problem. I take mine on trips and they work out just fine. i think its a fine camera. Like anything - it can break. Reason you hear about it - there are a lot less hexar Rf users (and hexar cameras) compared to leica, so when it happens, it's immediately posted online. Yet , if you read carefully, many people have a lot more issues with Leicas, Hassy's, etc. - new and used - thats why all those mandatory cLAs, etc. i used to have Leica M3 and m6 and still have M5 - and while fine cameras - I had more problems with them, vs hexars. I only had one problem with one of my 3 hexars - had to adjust RF alignment, which I did myself and its been fine. Just scan and see how many people had issues with M8, M7 and MP and had to send them back leica. And those are far more expensive and new cameras!
I think if you have a chance to run a roll through the camera and it works fine - odds are you have a good camera. Of course - you never know, but thats the thing about any camera. It's just its harder to find a good service for a Hexar anymore. Is it a risk worth taking? For me it was and it worked out well so far.

wgerrard · 12-15-2009

Buying anything with old and obsolete electronics carries some risk. You don't repair a circuit board. You replace it. No spares, no replacement.

DennisPT · 12-15-2009

Well said Krosya. I have no problem with the RF. The only thing to get use to is the viewfinder and indicator; but is only a habbit thing.

RayPA · 12-15-2009

It's a great camera, wonderful ergos and the motordrive is hoot. I think it's still worth getting. I bought mine new about four years ago. It was brand spanking new in the plush box, w/lens, flash, etc. I've been very happy with it.

In my quest to get one, I bought one off of FLEABAY about 4 1/2 years ago and it didn't work. Very frustrating, because there really isn't much you can do about it. The HRF is an battery-dependent camera. Dead battery? Dead camera.

I haven't been looking, but I think you can still find NOS offerings.

/

angeloks · 12-15-2009

Thanks for your replies, especially Krosya. I hope that my Hexar will be fine and that I will appreciate it!

amateriat · 12-16-2009

Julien: Assuming the one you're getting checks out (I'm betting it will), I think you'll like it just fine, to put it mildly.

- Barrett

mmmel · 12-16-2009

i've got one and its really a great camera. hesitate no further!

35mmdelux · 12-16-2009

My experience was a great disappointment. The camera has many nice features but lacks the industrial built of a Leica. The shutter dial is whimpy.

Krosya · 12-16-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by 35mmdelux

My experience was a great disappointment. The camera has many nice features but lacks the industrial built of a Leica. The shutter dial is whimpy.

Really? Hmmm. I dont think so. But than again, I dont use mine to hammer nails in either. My Hexars been on the travels to many countries and under different conditions. Never a problem. Plus it's body is made from titanium, if I'm not mistaken. I think it's a very sturdy camera. The only drawback - it does depend on batteries (so does ZI), but if you remeber to turn it off - batteries will last a very long time. Plus, unlike Leicas - no worries about burning holes in your shutters or using a fast lens wide open during the day as it's shutter goes to 1/4000sec. So, to me - it works out much better than most other choices.

raid · 12-16-2009

I like mine. So far so good.

jonmanjiro · 12-16-2009

If you're more a shooter than a fondler, I suggest reconsidering the Zeiss Ikon.

I was not impressed the first time I held one either. Took another 18 months before I finally bought one.

Now I have two and have no regrets whatsoever. Really easy camera to use, and the finder is brilliant!

sepiareverb · 12-17-2009

If you can accept that the camera is likely done if it breaks go for it. The hassles of repair were too much for me.

principe azul · 12-17-2009

Yes, the Hexar RF can die. But a Leica can need a 300 dollar repair, you can lose a Voigtlander, someone can steal a Zeiss Ikon.

If mine dies, I'll get another one... or just use another rangefinder and carry on shooting with the lenses I have. I'd be pissed off - it's a really fine camera - but it wouldn't be the end of the world.

Like Krosya, any worries about potential failure are outweighed by the advantages (for me, 1/4000, AE when I want it, shutter that doesn't burn in the sun, LED display).

My digital camera was more expensive than my Hexar. If that dies after manufacturer support has ended, that will be an unrepairable, unsellable paperweight too - but it didn't stop me buying it.

Get the camera that you like and that makes you want to go out and shoot - though I sense you know this already.

Gary Sandhu · 12-20-2009

You'll likely get a lot of photos before it breaks. Mine has been working great since bought NOS 4 years ago.

sepiareverb · 12-21-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary Sandhu

You'll likely get a lot of photos before it breaks. Mine has been working great since bought NOS 4 years ago.

True, and cheap in comparison to other M mount cameras, so if it does die you're not out a ton of money.

angeloks · 12-22-2009

Well, I got my Hexar yesturday from a very friendly RFF member! I looks and feels amazing in my hands. I love it so far. I'll develop my first rolls tomorrow!

Beemermark · 12-22-2009

I had one and used it to (almost) death. A very tough camera, the tops are titanium. The only thing I never liked about it was the VF/RF. If you wear progressive lenses it is very hard to get the patches to line up horizontally and I could never see the speeds on the left edge of the VF.

However I hung on to it until I got the M7. I do miss the built in motor drive.

amateriat · 12-22-2009

I used one of mine a few days ago on a theater project. Really, I can't think too hard about using anything else.

Bonnie, Playback Theater, December 19, 2009

(Technical: Hexar RF, 50 f/2 M-Hexanon, Ilford XP-2 Super)

- Barrett