Happy Konica Hexar AF USers?

I believe Konica Minolta in NJ will still service it, at least, until they don't exist in a few months. But other places like CRISCAM are likely to still service it for quite some time, depending on spare parts.

I have my second Hexar AF. The first time I was a little intimidated by it's features, but this time I'm very much enjoying it. The Program mode is incredibly "smart" and democratic--trying to meet the aperture you set as closely as possible within the shutter speed range of 250 to whatever you set the low end to be (and handholding 1/15 is possible with this).

It almost makes the Aperture Priority mode redundant...because if the camera can take the picture at f/4 in P mode, it will. If not, it will keep the aperture as open as it can becuase that's your preference. Ditto that for f/22--it'll keep the aperture as closed as possible. Very cool!
 
dreilly,
Thanks for the reply...how often would you say you use it? also, I dont plan on using flash much but how is the flash system? also does it have a good long exposure mode?

Thanks again
 
Flip,
I look forward to using it in the sense that I know I'll take some good pics without having to work too hard. In other words, the camera won't get in the way of me having fun.
 
I just got it last week, but I shot it all weekend on a trip to Washington, DC. I have a flash for it (came with it) but I never, ever use flash. Just not my kind of photography. Someone else will have to step up and answer that.

Long exposures can be set on the Manual mode, looks like up to 30 seconds but I remember somewhere reading that longer was possible?
 
For flash work, I use a Nikon speedflash, sb25. I have the original flash but I find it too limited in power and features. In low light, I use the sb in automatic mode and the camera in manual. I don't like ghosting so I don't use the flash with the camera in AP mode.
 
I have an Hexar silver.
Too many cameras so i do not use it that much.
Yes, the controls of the hexar are too obscure!
Lost a back part of the viewfinder, it screw in. Anybody with a broken Hexar ?
Cannot get it from Konica!!

Good point : flash synchro is the same as minolta so a big minolta flash 360PX
can be used in manual at 1/4 , 1/8 , or 1/16 with the hexar on P mode.

This combo is great when you need a flashgun because the way the hexar works on P mode is "flashmatic" GN of the flash / aperture / distance so no problems with mirror, white dress of the bride or black tuxedo.

Now for outdoors, i find the speed limit too low, as i tend to use 400 iso.
 
I don't know if you have seen this, but there is a very extensive review of the Hexar on PN. Scroll down to the responses to see how to reprogram the camera (if you are getting the original black) to get the newer features like GN flash, etc.

I absolutely love my hexar, and use it frequently. As has been mentioned, the lens is very sharp even wide open. It does exhibit some distortion close up if you try it for portraiture, much like the 4th version cron.
 
Just something to add... I really love my hexar AF. It's my take-with-me camera whenever I have a jacket on, since it will fit in my jacket pocket. (otherwise in the summer and such I take a yashica T4 for my pants pocket).

One thing I love about it that hasn't been mentioned, is that it can be used completely with one hand, as long as you're using AF or a pre-set MF distance. You just grip it with your right hand, and your index finger easily controls the aperture dial and your thumb the exposure compensation buttons, letting you control the photograph completely in one hand.

Maybe that's why they made the buttons so small and crammed in on the right? One-handed operation....
 
1. Is the 250th of second shutter speed too limiting?

I use slower film with the camera, so this is not a problem for me. The lens has a max aperture of 2.0, which allows the use of slower film.

2. How is the spot meter?

It is highly accurate.

3. Is the camera really a quite as I have read on other photo sites?

I reprogrammed my Silver Hexar to be very quiet indeed. I don't want it any
more quiet.


4. Have you expierienced any electronic problems with the camera.

Sor far, all is fine with the camera.

5. Also do you think the camera is worth 450+??

Yes. The 35mm/2 lens alone is worth this money.

6. Do you think the lens is compareable to the big 2 (leica) and (contax or zeiss)??

The lens is as sharp as you can find.
 
flipflop said:
Read the Pnet review and all the post pluss all the post on www.photographyreview.com

I really just wanted some RFF members comments...
Click to expand...

Ok, let me put it this way. If you decide to pass on that mint black hexar for $450, let me know and I will get it as a second body. That's how much I like it. ;)
 
i am a former owner of an original black HAF with the quiet mode. it is one of the very few cameras that I truly regret selling. IMO, it is really unique, and extremely well suited for street photography and stealth use. In quiet mode, or even in standard mode, it is astoundingly quiet. The lens is incredibly sharp and produces very pleasant images. I did encounter some slight vignetting under certain conditions. My gripes about it are the fiddly buttons, the goofy control sequences to get at certain functions, and the lack of a true manual focusing capability (no focusing aids in the viewfinder).

It is almost the same size and heft as a Leica M series. I once had my HAF and a M2 w/35mm in a side by side comparison.

Hope that helps,

Warren
 
I feel that a Silver Hexar would be a better buy since it is newer than the Black Hexar and there are now posted steps to get the stealth mode, if needed. Repair is becoming a problem since such cameras are not produced anymore and they were not widely sold in the USA.
 
I have a black Hexar AF, as well as Hexar RF, Bessa R2 and R3A. For me, AF great for after dark and indoors but inability to open up wide in daylight an annoyance. In Australia I think you can still get them repaired, indeed I had mine upgraded to stealth only last year.

I'm really liking the simplicity of the R2 at the moment!
 
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