First day with the Hexar RF Limited

P

pukupi

Guest
What started out as an opportunity to buy a 50/1.2 Hexanon evolved into a major GAS attack and after the dust had settled, I was the proud owner of the full Hexar RF Limited kit.

I picked it up yesterday and here is my first impression:

  • Build: I've never owned a Leica but fondled plenty and the Hexar RF is also every bit a work of quality precision engineering. It's boxier than a Leica but still a joy to hold.
  • Ergonomics: The layout of controls are intuitive and easy to work with without the need to take your eye off the viewfinder.
  • Viewfinder: The viewfinder is bright but the RF patch is a little small. The 0.6 magnification takes some getting used to after the 1.0 viewfinder of my Bessa R3a. There is plenty of space to frame your shot at 50mm and the 28mm frame lines are easily visible. The current and recommend exposures are very easy to read.
  • Automation: I liked AE in my R3a and I like it in the Hexar RF too. The motor drive is nice but I could easily live without it. The absence of a film advance lever makes this a good camera for lefties. There has been a lot of discussion about its reliance on batteries but a couple of spare CR-2s take up very little space: less than a roll of film.
  • Noise: The exposure and motor drive are relatively quiet but still not as stealthy as a non-RF Hexar or Leica M.
  • 50/1.2 Lens: Like the Leica Noctilux and Canon Dream, this is a big lens that encroaches into the 50mm frame lines; even more so with lens hood attached. The lens cover cannot be used with the lens hood and given the size of the hood, I'm tempted to leave this in my bag. Combined with the 1/4000 top shutter speed allows for plenty of DOF play outdoors. I've read many comments from Hexar aficionados that this lens is equal or better than the Noctilux but I'm unfortunately lacking the resources and photographic talent to test these claims.
  • Colour: I am not a fan of the titanium finish on the limited edition: the white markings on my black Bessa are much easier to read.
  • GAS: Gear Acquisition Syndrome has been abated but probably not cured.
 
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let's see some pictures: of both the camera and what the lens is capable of :)
 
And don't forget to post also some pics OF the camera and lens (and coffee), we're a bit gearhead sometimes and also you must keep with the tradition, you know... ;)
 
Here is the Hexar RF Limited in the presentation box. When you first see the blue velvet box, you're not sure whether you're getting a camera or diamond tiara: absolutely gorgeous. Not shown is a handmade camera cover which I suspect only comes with the Japanese release.
 
Here are some photos taken on a night out at the local tachinomiya. All on Fuji NPZ and most wide open.

Note: A tachinomiya is a standing bar. They are cheap, can be a little rough and are always full of interesting characters.
 
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