mtargz
Established
I've recently purchased a nearly-new Hexar RF with a CV 35/2.5II.
It took me exactly a blink of an eye to realize that the huge, clear finder is exactly what I've been looking for. Leicas might have better finders, but for a third of the price, I can also enjoy all sorts of creature-comforts: The 1/4000 shutter, the eyeglasses-friendly eyepiece, and the fast (re-)winding are all things I've been missing in my manual SLRs and occasional fixed-lens RFs. Without the (excellent) hood, it's even nearly pocketable - but I prefer to keep it shaded and filtered. The hood vents line up perfectly with the finder, minimizing blockage almost completely.
Ran a quick roll of Superia 400 I had lying around through it, and picked it up today:
My god, the lens just oozes character, and focusing a rangefinder is such a breeze compared to SLRs - even ones with split-image aids.
Now I only need a portrait-length lens and a fast 50ish lens for the night - and then my SLR outfit can officially retire.
It took me exactly a blink of an eye to realize that the huge, clear finder is exactly what I've been looking for. Leicas might have better finders, but for a third of the price, I can also enjoy all sorts of creature-comforts: The 1/4000 shutter, the eyeglasses-friendly eyepiece, and the fast (re-)winding are all things I've been missing in my manual SLRs and occasional fixed-lens RFs. Without the (excellent) hood, it's even nearly pocketable - but I prefer to keep it shaded and filtered. The hood vents line up perfectly with the finder, minimizing blockage almost completely.
Ran a quick roll of Superia 400 I had lying around through it, and picked it up today:
My god, the lens just oozes character, and focusing a rangefinder is such a breeze compared to SLRs - even ones with split-image aids.
Now I only need a portrait-length lens and a fast 50ish lens for the night - and then my SLR outfit can officially retire.
