AE choice wanted

FrankS

FrankS

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I'm almost done.

All I want is the option of AE for times when it may be more appropriate than the all-mechanical cameras I currently have, some with, some without meters.

To that end, I am buying Kevin's Hexar RF camera to cover this need in 35mm with M-mount.

Also in the acquistion process is a MF camera with AE, a Bronica rf645.

After that, maybe a faster 35: the CV Nokton, down the road when finances allow.

Then I'm done.
 
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good moves frank.

the zi has truly spoiled me with a accurate ae.

the hexar rf looks like a swell toy to play with to me, i'd like one for awhile.
the lure of medium format is gone for me though.
i certainly enjoyed my mamiya 6's and loved the big neg but...

that big fast cv 35 is calling me too.
and then i too might be done.

joe
 
It seems to be some macho thing to operate all mechanical cameras. To me, they are a pain in the a**. I have used RFs since 1960 when I bought my first M3 while stationed in Germany. I know the basics. When I was shooting transparencies in that Golden Age of Kodachrome, I had to be precise with exposure.

These days, shooting chrome is not viable or affordable for me. With negative film it's like being on vacation, exposure-wise. Anything in the ballpark will render a useable image. So why micro adjust the manual controls when I can shoot carefree with AE? In special circumstances I can bias the AE to compensate.

For me AE is the best thing to happen to rangefinders in a long time. So, Frank, relax and enjoy!
 
I, for one like manual better because it forces me to think about each shot.

BTW, what does "Then I'm done" mean? LOL

😀😀😀😀
I think if you have GAS, it means you have passed away. Frank don't do it!!!
 
FrankS said:
I'm almost done.

All I want is the option of AE for times when it may be more appropriate than the all-mechanical cameras I currently have, some with, some without meters.

To that end, I am buying Kevin's Hexar RF camera to cover this need in 35mm with M-mount.

Also in the acquistion process is a MF camera with AE, a Bronica rf645.

After that, maybe a faster 35: the CV Nokton, down the road when finances allow.

Then I'm done.
Click to expand...

Done what??? LOL

You are hooked, pal.

"Hi, I am Bob and I'm a photog".
 
i predict you may (eventually) regret getting the Hexar RF - although Greb Webber is great and generally able to repair most issues with the RF, as time moves on servicing this otherwise fantastic camera will become a PIA... i'm speaking from experience... although it not nearly as well build, my R2A does everything the RF did and the batteries cost a lot less...;P

you may want to consider the R2A as well Frank... and save some aggravation...
 
That is true. I hadn't really considered the R2A, and I'm not sure why not.

I used to have the Konica AF and I have a Konica FS slr. I really like their feel and hope the RF is the same.
 
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Eh, I predict you will be fine. The thing most likely to go wrong with the Hexar RF is the viewfinder alignment, which any RF repair person can fix. If in 10+ years the electronics fail, well at least it was a sub-1000 dollar camera, not a super-expensive one.

Anyway, as for AE, it can be really helpful. I have an M7 and it is almost always in AE. That said, when I am using my MP I don't often miss it. It is weird...it's great when you have it, but I don't really miss it when it's gone...I guess it is because I am usually not in extremely dynamic situations. If I shot sports or something I might have a different feeling.
 
StuartR said:
Eh, I predict you will be fine. The thing most likely to go wrong with the Hexar RF is the viewfinder alignment, which any RF repair person can fix. If in 10+ years the electronics fail, well at least it was a sub-1000 dollar camera, not a super-expensive one.

Anyway, as for AE, it can be really helpful. I have an M7 and it is almost always in AE. That said, when I am using my MP I don't often miss it. It is weird...it's great when you have it, but I don't really miss it when it's gone...I guess it is because I am usually not in extremely dynamic situations. If I shot sports or something I might have a different feeling.
Click to expand...

actually, the main circuit board in the RF is known to pooch... happened to mine but also recently read about someone else who's RF mainboard died and was unable to find a replacement board (KM no longer has parts and Greg Webber was unable to fix it due to lack of parts)... even if you can fix it, it'll cost $300+... you can find a used R2A for that price...

i've owned and used both and even if the RF didn't pooch on me i'd still prefer the RF (which only advantage is the auto film advance - which is loud)... the VFs are on par, the metering systems are both accurate... the R2A accepts cable release but IIRC the RF did not... don't get me wrong, the RF is a great camera but relatively expensive and unsupported.... the R2A is the best AE optioned RF camera available... M7 just isn't worth the extra pennies...

FrankS - if you like i'm happy to show you my R2A next time we have a Toronto meetup...
 
monochromejrnl said:
actually, the main circuit board in the RF is known to pooch... happened to mine but also recently read about someone else who's RF mainboard died and was unable to find a replacement board (KM no longer has parts and Greg Webber was unable to fix it due to lack of parts)... even if you can fix it, it'll cost $300+... you can find a used R2A for that price...

i've owned and used both and even if the RF didn't pooch on me i'd still prefer the RF (which only advantage is the auto film advance - which is loud)... the VFs are on par, the metering systems are both accurate... the R2A accepts cable release but IIRC the RF did not... don't get me wrong, the RF is a great camera but relatively expensive and unsupported.... the R2A is the best AE optioned RF camera available... M7 just isn't worth the extra pennies...

FrankS - if you like i'm happy to show you my R2A next time we have a Toronto meetup...
Click to expand...

Please don't take this the wrong way, but two people's experiences with circuit board failures do not constitute a common error. I don't know what they are going for now, but I bought mine for 650 dollars in near mint condition two years ago. I sold it for the same a year ago when I got an M7. That's not much more than the R2A, and the Hexar RF is certainly a better camera when taken in terms of features, build quality and performance. It has more advantages than just the film advance (a higher shutter speed, higher build quality, DX-coding, self-timer, automatic frameline selection and a much larger rangefinder baselength are some other advantages) Oh, and by the way, it does have a spot for a manual cable release. It is on the left side of the camera. But anyway, I would rather take my chances and get a few good years out of the Hexar RF than use a R2a. This is not to say the R2a is a bad camera...it is not, but in my opinion it is not nearly as good.

But anyway, peace and love etc.
 
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