Upgrade to Hexar AF

[stephen_lumsden]

Hi

I used a Canonet QL17 III quite (great images) a lot but found the meter on it a bit off, so I am presently trying to get rid of it. Instead I use a Rollei afm35 these days (good images but not the bang of the QL17) in its place as its more automatic, faster and the meter is bang on. I miss the ability to set ISO speed and put filters on it though so am attracted to the Konica Hexar AF as something between the 2 models ( I plan to upgrade my Kiev to a Contax II for manual focussing stuff with differnet lenses...). I am not sure if I could justity keeping the Rollei but it is fun. Does anyone know how the lens on the Hexar compares to the Rollei. Is is worth upgrading on the lens quality alone?

Your thoughts would be appreciated.

regards

Stephen

[Todd.Hanz]

the Hexar AF is a stunning performer, lens is on par with the 4th version summicron, silent mode is honestly quiter than any Leica...get it and forget it!

Todd

[FrankS]

Had one, sold it, regret it!

[Finder]

Great camera. Great lens. The button controls are annoying at first, but you soon get past that.

[pesphoto]

Is there a difference between the silver and black models function-wise??

[Larry H-L]

The silent mode was "removed" on the Hexar Silver because of some patent issues. But it can be turned back on if you know how to program the camera. The information is widely available if you do a search.

[Michiel Fokkema]

Hi,

It is a great camera if you can get around it quirks. Biggest drawback for me was the highest speed of 1/250th. I always carried an ND4 filter with me to get that fixed.
In stealth mode it is the quitest camera I've ever heard. But as said, stealth mode is only standard available in the black version.
Cheers,

Michiel Fokkema

[foto_fool]

ErikFive has a real beauty listed in the classifieds. If you buy my slightly brassed black Hexar AF, I can buy his . I'd probably do it too - I love this camera, minor quirks, slow shutter speed and all.

OT - I have yet to see a Hexar AF with an original lens cap. The Leica 14231 E46 cap is a perfect fit.

- John

[Finder]

The Hexar Silver is quiet. The difference between that and my friend's black Hexar is very slight.

[daniel~]

Great camera! In normal mode my Hexar Silver is not perticularly quiet, but certianly not really loud either, in my experience.
Anyway, the point is that when in silent mode, it is so quiet, no matter it's black or silver. The silent mode does make a considerable difference.

As for the original lens cap, perhaps a clip-on one should work better, because the original add-on cap in my Hexar Silver kit is actually one thing I dislike. It's a big shiny metal cap in color silver, which is neither pretty nor practical... it tends to fall off to get some marks with each landing...

[daniel~]

Hello Stephen,
I just realised that my previous post was kind of OT to your question. So here's the more relevant:
I don't have Rollei AFM to compare, but I can confidently say that the image quality from my Hexar Silver is superb. Not just due to the great lens, the super-fast autofcus system contributes to it, too.
It never hunts around like my Contax G1 does sometimes. So your upgrade will be worthy on the AF+Silent Mode+Lens alone.

I also own a Canon QL-17. Love its solid build, but haven't been so impressed with its image quality. My Hexar outperforms it in about every practical aspect!

>> Some old pics from my Hexar

[iandg]

Hi does anyone know how to upgrade my black hexar to adjust focus for ir film i know it can be done but cant find a how on the web.Thanks

[pvdhaar]

Originally Posted by iandg

Hi does anyone know how to upgrade my black hexar to adjust focus for ir film i know it can be done but cant find a how on the web.Thanks

It's over here http://photo.net/photo/hexar.html

Scroll down to the posts on dec 2003. But also check the post on jan 2004, where another code at step 8 (i.e. D[FE]) unlocks bracketing too.

How all the advanced functions operate is listed in my post on April 2nd 2004.

[iandg]

Thanks Peter great help

[buzzardkid]

All Hexar AF's are IR-ready. The trick is to load a non-DX coded film, otherwise the IR-controls are not available. the IR-capabilities cannot be accessed without film in the camera either. If in doubt, cover a DX-coded film with Cellotape and see for yourself. The methods of engaging the IR-capabilities are to be found in the photo.net post.

Another neat trick concerning the lens cap: when you extend the built in hood, a 52mm N ikon clip-on lens cap easily fits into it and firmly grips the inside of the hood.

When in trouble with close focus and a filter, get yourself another 46mm filter, wrap it up in a towel and carefully knock the glass out. Easiest filter 'spacer' you can get. A 46mm filter that is mounted in its rim is even better, these can be unscrewed with some careful action, leaving an empty ring to fit between.

I am still looking for a good alternative for the Hexar neck strap, which is very narrow and thin. Only thing I have found so far that fits the strap lugs, is a Domke Gripper neck strap, not sure about the specific type.

The Hexar rules!