hexar rf - any good? and at what price?

I have an M2, M3, M6, and Hexar RF. The Hexar is my daily carry-around camera. I wouldn't want it as my only camera because I can't trust electronics - I'm an old fart, but it is a quick and easy and satisfying camera to use. I've sold off several Bessa cameras that I've had, and now and I'm down to these (in 35mm RF type cameras).
 
I agree with mackigator. The Hexar RF weakness/common problem is RF misalignment and not being able to fix that. I figured that even if that happens to mine, I can still use it as a platform for my CV25 wide angle lens which is scale focused and not RF coupled anyway.
 
I own three of them. One is always with me (except for the odd day I feel sorry for my M7).

I think it is as close the perfect M rangefinder as there can be. I've had no problems with mine except for a separated viewfinder element that I think occurred in shipment to me. I had this repaired quickly and inexpensively -- either at DAG or at Precision Camera (here in Austin), I don't recall which for sure.

Mine probably averaged me between $550 and $600 each. I bought the lens kit each time and then sold the 50mm f/2 lens. These go for ~$400 these days.

If you can find one at a reasonable price, I see no reason to hesitate.
 
Well, the pair of Hexar RFs I use have been the backbone of my photography (both my own work and assorted gigs) for the last five years. For my rangefinder work (about 90-95% of my work, the rest being being handled by a sole SLR or small digicam), they've been just about everything I could ask for. That doesn't make them perfect, but for me, I can't think of shooting with anything else unless forced to. (When I need to have an "absolute silent-running" camera [where almost any camera with a motor would be intrusive], for the moment I use a much-older Konica Auto S3, though I'm on the lookout for a not-crazy-priced Minolta CLE.)


- Barrett
 
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a mint body went for $800 on ebay a while ago. that's just ridiculous for body only. the kit is still a great deal.
 
Igor there are a lot of threads here on the Hexar. I suggest you do a 'search' and read some of the various comments ranging from glowing positives to cries for help. Its all here ... somewhere. Good luck!
 
Hi Igor,

Count me as member of the cult. About four years ago I was looking for my first rangefinder. I read all the info I could find on the Web and took the plunge. Now I have two bodies and four Hexanon lenses. A wonderful kit.

Good luck with it.

Lou
 
it is too good,
hands down, i must have a great one, because in the 6 years of daily use as my main camera, it has server me so well..

Leica should have paid it more attenion befor emaking their M8...
 
Igor.Burshteyn said:
... Will do my homework on RFF search.
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That's never wrong, but the Hexar RF really is a try before you buy camera. You'll either love it or hate it, and there's no telling in advance based on reading on the web..
 
Count me as another of the Hexaholics Igor. First camera I bought when I returned to film from digital. Really great camera.

- John
 
jky said:
Last I checked the popular auction site, there's a Hexar RF (body only) with a BIN of $500.00 - don't recall the conditoin.
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Yeah, I bought that. Should arrive in a few days! The condition isn't mint, it's been well used but with the Hexar's titanium top and bottom plates I'm sure it'll still be fine! Paint doesn't stick so well to titanium so you often find them with little chips or scratches.
 
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