Konica Hexar v. Canon P v. Yashica G v. ?

christian.rudman · 07-27-2011

So the question I am trying to settle at this time is:

I am really wanting to have a decent user RF camera on hand and needing to explore Film photography more. What do I want to get?

I of course have love for Leicas, but my pockets are a little too slim to start down that path yet, and not that the Hexar is much cheaper, but it is cheaper. I want to check out all these cameras, but I am assuming that there are some users on here that could help me out with +/-'s on each, or their experiences with usage.

I'm not an all-manual guy yet, but I am ready to learn a little more past what I know to become a full-actualized user of whichever camera I go with. I know the Konica is great on AF, and I dont know terribly much about the Yashica besides them being "legendary," but the Canon P sounds like a solid camera too - even if all manual.

I'm at a loss, help!

regularchickens · 07-27-2011

Having used all three, I can comment here...

The Hexar is more specialized and smarter about its particular task (35mm f/2 street photography on film) than just about anything in the film world. The AF is near-instantaneous and the lens is smooth and spectacular. The VF is smart and bright (though coming from Leicas, the framelines are not as contrasty). If it does what you're interested in, there's very little reason not to get it. It's not a Leica, nor is it trying to be. It's a more specialized beast. Its caveats are the slow maximum shutter speed (1/250s) and fiddly, 90s-style, button-driven manual exposure and focus (don't even bother) controls.

The Canon P is nice and solid, but a bit heavy. Your results will mostly depend on the lenses you put on it, and between vintage LTM lenses and Voigtlanders, you can choose between low-contrast, "classic" lenses and modern lenses with excellent coatings. It's not a Leica either, but it definitely wants to be. You'll be able to move the lenses you buy for the P onto an eventual Leica.

The Yashica G-series have respectable optics, but they suffer from poor ergonomics, lack of manual control, 1970s consumer-grade build quality, aging electronics, and an odd battery. If you want to spend the least amount of money and are okay with their limitations, they'll make nice pictures, however I'd recommend a Konica Auto S2 as a roughly equivalent purchase with more versatility and better features.

Out of the above, I'd recommend the Hexar, just for what it delivers for its price (a lens you'd pay $1200+ for elsewhere, plus a nice body).

christian.rudman · 07-27-2011

Precisely the response i was looking for, thanks! Yeah, the Yashica I wasn't too fond of the everything auto, and the Canon P was about the heavy build and screw-mount that I could use Leica lenses with.

Sounds like the Hexar is going to be my best bet for what I am looking to do...

Appreciate the input regularchickens.

btgc · 07-27-2011

Talking about RF photography and then about Hexar AF instead of Hexar RF is puzzling, isn't it?

Electro is fine camera with nice lens but is quirky, at least before good CLA. Think about it as supplementary not main camera - because of ergonomics and Av-only exposure.

Red Robin · 07-27-2011

I own two easy to use Yashica electro 35's --well functioning both. The camera I use , well it's a Canon P. Described by some as heavy it is for me just right. The M-39 lenses come in a large variety of options and prices to fit most needs and most pocketbooks. It's a FULL manual camera. Just think NEVER BUY BATTERIES AGAIN !!! If you DO feel that need some time well . .. ... buy a Bessa R and all those M-39 lenses, well now they'll fit that too!!! No need for an adapter either! I do own three Konica's with the Hexanon lenses, a C35, an auto s2, and a EE-MATIC. Nicely made and very handy sizes for a pocket I just prefer my P's

Alex Krasotkin · 07-27-2011

I vote for Hexar AF!!!

Juan Valdenebro · 07-27-2011

Hexar AF will give you lots of wonderful images: it's that easy. To me it's the only case in photography where a camera can be as important as the photographer... And you can really trust that camera for autofocus and autoexposure... I carry it and use it for situations no other camera can handle that well: it's very silent and fast, and the best tool in low light.

It's great for common photography too... I carry it with an ND8 in my pocket always. No matter what camera I'm carrying, my HexAF is always with me. It's P mode works in a way no other camera can work... You have normal A and M modes too...

And the lens is a marvel...

It's got to be understood, as it's different from the rest of cameras... You have 1/250 as top shutter speed, and that kept me away from it for a long time... What a fool I was!

Really, when I have it on my hand, there's a feeling of trust and speed no other camera gives me, ever...

Cheers,

Juan

shadowfox · 07-27-2011

Hexar AF vs Electro 35 ??
no contest for me, the Hexar wins.

Given the choices, I'd get the Hexar to get my feet wet, then patiently wait for a clean copy of Canon P and Jupiter 8 to come along with a reasonable price tag. That will allow you to decide whether you are a 50mm or 35mm focal length guy.

flip · 07-27-2011

What they said. Forget the Electro. Then consider your goals more deeply. If you want to learn, Canon P. If you want to get good pictures cheaply and easily, the AF.

Red Robin · 07-28-2011

Opened up one of the "vaults" and re-discovered a Konica C35 AF W/ case. Sure it works well it's just that it is an auto and I'd rather shoot mechanical.