G1 vs Konica Hexar AF

[abdul_tom]

Being a man of impulse, I recently bought both these cameras online to try them out, planning to sell on the one I didn't want to keep (don't say I'll end up keeping both, I'm avoiding that truth).

Interestingly a G1 in mint condition with a Planar 45mm lens was cheaper than a Hexar AF (black version), and it occurred to me that excepting the interchangeable lenses these cameras are in many ways directly comparable (primarily AF, similar size and weight).

This is particularly interesting since originally their new prices were far apart, and many of the great reviews of the Hexar revolved around it being a "bargain". Now with a G1 + 45mm Planar at GBP 225 vs. GBP 252 for the Hexar (the prices I paid) surely the G1 represents much better value?

No stealth mode, but interchangeable lenses, much wider range of shutter speeds, simpler manual controls.

Abdul.

 

[jdos2]

Having been a G system afficianado for the past several years, I completely agree.

I could see where a nearly silent camera (and the G's AREN'T) would be valuable, though.

 

[Todd.Hanz]

I don't have either, but have considered both. I guess I would have to consider whether or not I would buy the other lenses for the G1 or not, they are pricey but really nice. If not then I think I would keep the Hexar, only based on what I have read about the camera, I like the idea of the stealth mode. You probably won't go wrong either way.

Todd

 

[digitalox]

I don't know much about the Hexar. I own and love the G1, but one thing that may be a drawback is its significant shutter lag. It does cause some off the cuff shots to be missed.

 

[Taipei-metro]

I've own a Hexar Silver for more than 2 years,excellent lens,never bothered by 1/250 max speed.If I need a 1/4000 speed,I'll go for my Eos.Shooting indoor or outdoors I wish the shutter noise be a bit louder,not that I am hard of hearing but without the stealth,the Silver is still VERY quiet,I have to check the frame counter almost everytime to comfirm a shot.
Before buying the Silver,I held a G1 in my hand many many times,first the auto focusing is noisy,2nd,the viewfinder is very very small,too small.
The only lenses I'd buy with G1 are 35 and 28.I have too many 50s,Fd Nikkor,Rokkor,Fujinon,Pentax,f1.4,1.8,1.9,2...and NEVER used them.Anything longer then 50,I'll do with SLRs,put a 90 on G1 and view into the finder, it's unreal.
At this time of my photo journey,35 or 28 are on my cameras,and once you've owned an Ebc Fujinon(not Fujinar) 28mm,there is no need to prove that Distagon is better then my Fujinon.
Everybody has his own favor,for me,Contax is a Japanese body with German brand.I have a cap with HEXAR writting on it,everyone ask me what the hell is Hexar?

 

[Doug]

Hexar = maybe a magic spell on the camera to assure good pictures? 🙂

 

[SolaresLarrave]

My experience differs: surely the G1 has a considerable shutter lag, and the AF can be noisy, but nothing beats the Zeiss optics and the ease of use. IIRC, the problem with the Hexar is that if you haven't memorized the functions, all those little buttons say very little of importance to you. The G1, however, is pretty intuitive. You turn the little gizmo on, and play with the Exposure compensation dial, the shutter speed dial and the focusing one (not worth disengaging the AF system, I warn you) and the manual will only confirm what you already had figured out.

Besides... the size difference is somehow significant. At least to me. The G1 is smaller (at least, to me) than the Hexar, but not only that: the Contax has a titanium body (a bit heavy, granted), while the Hexar is plastic.

Now, if you're interested in a silent camera... well, that's another story.

Sell the Konica, keep the Contax G1.

 

[SolaresLarrave]

By the way... I did go to a store and handled a Hexar AF, so I am speaking with some experience to back me here. In fact, I had been considering buying the camera for a long time, but when I had it in my hands I was really disappointed.

By then, mind you, I already had two Zeiss lenses and the TLR140 flash for my G1, so maybe I really am biased...