Konica Hexar RF camera - Users reviews

[fluffthecat]

Hi,

Does anyone have experience in using the Hexar RF camera? Anyone tried using Leica lenses on this camera?

Any comments welcome, Thanks.

Fluff

[rover]

how about this thread?

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/foru...ad.php?t=11260

[ghost]

i've had a hexar rf for two years. i tried a 35/2 asph once, it focused fine. my 50/1.4 nikkor ltm focuses fine, too. it's probably best to avoid low serial numbers. i estimate that #1445xxx is a good cutoff mark.

build quality is the same as the leica mp/m7. titanium covers over aluminum chassis. same weight. even the frameline preview lever and shutter speed dial feel the same. you can easily turn the shutter speed dial with your eye to the viewfinder because it's in the rear corner. the shutter button is easier to gently release, with no need for softies. very precise response and positive feedback. easiest film loading available. along with the minolta cle, it is the only modern m-mount camera with a self-timer. the softcase is also the best one ever made for an m-mount camera.

some people gripe about the motor wind, but it hasn't been a problem for me. leicas aren't quiet enough to make a difference when it counts. only a hexar af or other leaf shutter camera can do the job right. the shutter sounds very different compared to the single bladed zeiss ikon and double bladed voigtlander r3a. it's not metallic or loud, but dull, short, and quieter than a well used m3, even. the weight of the body must dampen the volume compared to the zeiss ikon. i have high hopes that the digital m8 will be the quietest leica ever, by a hair.

i wear glasses so the .6x viewfinder is perfect to use 28mm and 35mm lenses. i'd like a .72x body for 50mm lenses and to not have to switch lenses, though it's not a must have. the multicoated viewfinder is brighter than any m3/m2/m4/m5 i've ever seen, but the m6/mp/m7 are brighter. the m6 sacrificed a condensor to achieve its brightness, making it flare easier, but the mp/m7 have multicoated viewfinders so they put the condensor back in.

tom abrahamsson says the hexar rf is notorious for its meter display disappearing in bright sunlight, but it's never happened to me. *shrug*
http://cameraquest.com/rf2005.htm

that said, i think i'll eventually get a .72 m7 for a second body. i like the occult rituals associated with the leica m.

[KoNickon]

I agree with ghost; I have never had the meter display on my RF disappear in bright sunlight. It's over on the left side, so sometimes I have to look for it, but it's not a problem to read. (Don't get me started about the R3A display, on the other hand.) It is very easy to focus this camera, even though it's a .58 viewfinder, and as a glasses wearer I really appreciate being able to see the 28mm framelines.

I could go on at length about the things I like about it (and the Hexanon lenses) but I won't unless somebody really wants me to. It's a great camera -- a real shame it's been discontinued (I'd have loved a 1.0x viewfinder version!).

[Dfndr90]

I just picked up an entire Hexar RF kit brand new and love it. I have the 28mm 50 mm and 90mm. I have put about 10 rolls through it and have been amazed with every aspect of it. I originally intended the RF to be a back up to my M6 TTL, but since the RF came I have not taken the M6 out very much. I read a lot of the reviews that stated that the Leica stuff will not work on the RF, but so far I have not had any problems. I have used Hexars on the M6 and Crons on the RF and they work perfectly. I have not had any flare problems at all, I get more flare off the M6 TTL .085. I have been petitioning for a Hexar Forum, but so far nothing.

Matt...

[JohnM]

I had the Hexar for a year or so and then sold it.

Likes - It is beautifully made. Konica did not skimp on materials or workmanship - first rate all the way around. The LED readouts are very nice - easier to see than the CV R3A's under almost any circumstance. 1/4000th top speed was a nice improvement over the M cameras. Metered manual, automation and ergonomics all really nice in practice.

Dislikes - Basically, it came down to the viewfinder for me. At the time, I was all about the 50 and 90 focal lengths. I just had trouble getting accurate focus with the faster 50s and 90s and I just did not enjoy that tiny 90mm frameline.

I thought it was a brilliant camera, but it just was not for me. I sold it to a friend who still has it, still uses it and still loves it.

The 50/2 Hexar that came with it is a terrific lens. It might be the biggest steal off all the M-mount lenses out there on the used market.