Contemplating a Hexar AF....some questions

[stillshunter]

Been loving my reintroduction into film with the Canonet QL17-L. The next logical step would/should be an interchangeable RF like a Leica M2 or M3 or maybe a Bessa. But I'm sort of hung up on the images I've seen (must say md2008's "Hexar AF Journal" is no help in this regard 😉) and the feel of the Hexar AF (and, no, the guy whose camera I handled is not willing to sell....EVER being his exact words).

While I continue hunting around for a good working copy - and they seem to range anywhere from $300-800. I was hoping to get some advice on what to look out for. I've heard about the shutter button issue, etc., so would be keen on the common things to look out for and how best to test them. In addition, I know it's shallow but I do prefer the earlier black model - but considering the age is there more sense in going for the silver - which could see a few years more use out of the ageing electronics? Finally, do you know whether the Konica house in Japan is still servicing them?

I know there's a lot of questions there, but any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Paul T.]

Interesting to see how enthusiasm for the hexar has grown in the last 20 months. going to make it harder to get a backup...

I haven't had the shutter button problem, but I believe it's pretty easy to detect; just check for normal focusing when you press the shutter halfway - you will also hear a very quiet 'zzup' as the lens moves into position - and that the shutter fires when the button is pressed fully.

Check that the eyepiece is present, too - they often unscrew.

My rewind button occasionally latches up, so it's perhaps worth checking that. But mostly I'd just check on general condition, to make sure it hasn't been abused.

I would also favor one with a flash - many people don't use them, of course, but they work well and have been a life saver for me on a couple of occasions, for instance to get lovely portraits of a group of guys laughing around a pub table at night in almost total darkness: http://www.trynka.net/trynka.net/Bowie_places.html#6

 

[stillshunter]

Thanks Paul. Well I agree it's going to prove difficult to find a back-up as it's hard enough for a newbie to hunt down a primary...really not that many on the market.

Noted your considerations and will keep them in mind during my searches. I'll also have to conceive of a way to have a remote seller do these physical checks as it looks more likely that I'll have to buy off the Bay or the suchlike.

Great shot! The expression on their faces is priceless!!!!