Konica Hexar RF compaired to Leica gear?

[dpitt]

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Hi,

 

I saw a Konica Hexar RF with a set of lenses 28 2.8/50 2.0/90 2.8.

I am now using a Digilux 2, but would like to step up in the future to a M8 or M9.

Meanhile I was looking for a good M6 or so with a nice lens.

 

This would be my first RF camera. So I would like some advice from you about the Konica. Preferably from someone who has both the Konica and a Leica M.

 

How does it compare with an M6?

 

Also, how do the lenses compare?

 

Thanks,

Dirk

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[UliWer]

If you follow this link:

rangefinder issues

 

and scroll down to the chapter "The Third Golden Age of Rangefinder" you will find something about the Hexar and also about the lenses further down.

[dpattinson]

I've used a Hexar RF alongside a M7. I didn't use the Konica lenses as I already had Leica ones.

 

I really enjoyed using the camera, especially the 1/4000 top shutter speed is very handy. My particular camera had a slightly off shutter button, if I didn't press it straight down, occasionally I would miss a shot. This doesn't appear to be a general problem though.

 

Compared to the M6, you are getting 2 stops faster shutter, aperture priority auto exposure, and (if you care) auto film loading and advance.

 

Personally, If I had to choose between a M6 and Hexar RF I would definitely buy the Hexar.

 

The lenses have a very good reputation, and I'd have no hesitation in buying them.

[fingerprinz]

Get it. Excellent set. You will love the camera, and the lenses. Have the very same set. If you can, try to find the Hexanon 35mm/2 - beautiful lens too.

[Rona!d]

If it works with your Leica lenses (search the forum about this issue), it´s wonderful. I loved it.

[adan]

I had a Konica Hexar RF body the first couple of years I used Leica M - it helped me wean myself off the automation of my previous Contax G system: autowind/rewind, AE, nice numerical display of shutter speeds in finder, faster max. shutter speed and sync speed than classic film Ms.

 

The only real issue I had with it was that I wear glasses, and with the extra spacing behind the viewfinder, the secondary image in the RF patch tended to move around depending on how well my eye was centered behind the finder. An RF image that moves for any reason other than turning the focus ring is not conducive to accurate focus with anything above 35mm at larger apertures - way too variable for a 75/90/135.

 

Without glasses the RF image was too fuzzy (for me) to use, but at least didn't wobble around, so if you don't wear glasses or can track down a Konica-sized diopter lens, it may work fine.

 

The rumor mills had it that Konica had set the lens-flange-to-film-plane distance to 28mm exactly, instead of Leica's 27.97mm, and that this was the source of focusing problems - but I think it was really just the wobbly RF image that gave the RF a bad rap for focus accuracy.

 

The lower .62x finder magnification probably contributed to focusing problems, too - but it is the one Leica-M-mount body that can legitimately be used to frame with a 24mm lens using the "whole finder" outside the 28mm lines.

 

The motor wind in single exposure mode makes a rather irritating Woody Woodpecker ah-ah-ah-AAA-ah chirp. In continuous mode it is quieter if you have a fast finger off the shutter button.

 

The lenses are very good - I didn't own any but tried the 28/50/90 at one point or other. At the time, the 90 was the weakest, but that was because it was going up against what was Leica's sharpest M tele at the time, the late 90 f/2.8, and Zeiss's Contax G Sonnar, which cut like a knife.

 

Hexar RF negs are easy to tell from other cameras', because Konica thoughtfully put a little half-moon cutout on the side of the film gate, sort of like Hasselblad's double-> notches. But if you print full-frame-black-border, it may be a pain.

 

Ultimately I swapped mine for a second Leica body.

[phovsho]

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I looked at buying one but decided against it because of the dim viewer. That's what I recall anyway.

M

[Focus]

I recently purchased a RF. Great camera, very quick using AE and motor. The main difference I found compared to Leica is, different type of shutter button, a bit noisier with the motor ( not at all noticable in streets) and the magnification of the viewfinder. It has excellent build quality. I havent tried the lenses. I also missed a couple of shots because of the button, but thats probably a matter of getting used.

[Guest JWB.]

If it works with your Leica lenses (search the forum about this issue), it´s wonderful. I loved it.

 

 

And why have you sold them?

(Do I have properly in reminding)?

[dpitt]

If you follow this link:

rangefinder issues

 

and scroll down to the chapter "The Third Golden Age of Rangefinder" you will find something about the Hexar and also about the lenses further down.

Thanks for this link.

 

Although I can see that it is a fine set in its own right, I decided not to go for it.

The main reason is that I want to use the lenses on a digital M later on, and Erwin Puts advices is not to mix Leica and Konica gear.

 

Seems like a used M3 or later will be a better stepping stone to digital M for me.

 

Thanks to all contributors for their advice.

[Focus]

If I would choose between a RF and a M3 I would go for the M3

[garygsandhu]

I have hexar rf, and leica m6, mp, m3 and at one time an m7: the rf is the best picture taking machine. The MP is the most appealing camera. Get it?

[Michiel Fokkema]

I used a Konica for some months and did like the high top speed.

I didn't like the shutterlag, and the vf. You must have your eye in exactly the right position, otherwise you'll have a focus error.

Also the built quality is not even close to a leica and according to my repairman the inside is a mess too.

I traded it for a M7 now and never looked back.

Just get the real thing right away. You'll want it end anyhow.

But I do miss the high shutter speed.

 

Cheers,

 

Michiel Fokkema

[viramati]

Have just bought one of these for £400. Just wanting to experiment with film again. Here hoping!! any tips on any lenses with problems on it appreciated

[Xmas]

Erwin Puts advices is not to mix Leica and Konica gear.

 

I'd not accept that Erwin is too technical, and the Konica lenses are normally state of the art, as are CV or Leica lenses.

 

I'd recommend M2 as starter unless you never use 35mm, and any of the lens manufacturers, - use a hood as well - unless your tripod is heavy weight and you use slow film you wont see much difference. The M2 (or M4-2) is the cheapest option, but the M2 is so smooth, you will put the M4-2 down immediately, if you are a 'tactile' sort of person, (note I can tolerate a M4-2.)

 

You may be more worried about the ease of the lens controls than their MTF performance, dependent on hand finger size/dexterity.

 

If you shoot into Fresnel and profiles then you may have to go for the Leica lenses that are flare free, the premium is then necessary.

 

Noel