HELP!!!! Hexar RF or Bessa R2a

[SaraZoloft]

I need some help-

I want a Leica M7 - but I cannot dish out over 2 grand right now for just the camera.

So - It's either the Konica Hexar RF or the Bessa R4a
(or the Zeiss Ikon???)

I currently have a Contax G1 with the 35 f2 and the 45 f2. I have my eye on the Zeiss ZM's and the new Nokton 35 f1.4 I love to shoot wide (out West landscapes & street photography, event photography) . I'd also want a new 28mm lens for which ever one I get.

My requirements are Aperture Priority (hence the final 2 hence why I'm lusting for the M7) and although my G1 is a great performer, but I want a TRUE RF with real MF for absolute preciseness and MOODY results from those other terrific lenses (do I go Summicron?)

THANK YOU!

 

[capitalK]

Never used a Hexar, unfortunately but I purchased an R2A early in the summer and it was my go-to camera all season. Tonight I am shooting hockey and not looking really forward to using the DSLR again.

I don't rely on the AE very often, but it's nice to have when I need it.

 

[Larry H-L]

Both are good. To motor, or not to motor, that is the question for you.

 

[SaraZoloft]

Thanks for the tip, Aaron23/endustry - I've seen your stuff on Flickr before 🙂 but r2a or r4a for wide????

 

[JRG]

"but r2a or r4a for wide????"

Well, if you're going to be using 35mm or wider lenses all or most of the time, the R4A starts to look pretty nice!

 

[aizan]

the r4a has 28mm framelines. the 35mm framelines will be a little small, so you'll probably want an r2a soon. i would save a bit of money and get the zeiss ikon instead.

 

[KoNickon]

Well, if you had the two side by side you would not believe what a beautiful piece of work the Hexar is. I've owned an R3A and it's nice, but the Hexar is in another league.

 

[SaraZoloft]

But now someone's thrown the Zeiss Ikon into the mix - Lordy! I can get one new as opposed to the Hexar. It's gorgeous looking....The Hexar's a looker, too, though.

 

[KoNickon]

I believe the Ikon has aperture priority, yes.

Be aware that the Hexar has a .58 magnification finder, which is great for glasses wearers like me -- the 28mm frameline is easy to see. I believe the Zeiss Ikon is a .72magnification, so 28mm is out at the edges and tough to see. The Bessa only goes as wide as 35mm, I think.

 

[Gary Sandhu]

I have a hexar rf and had an epson rd-1, which I understand is pretty much a Bessa. The hexar rf has better build quality, a better viewfinder, better controls, nice weight, size, and is a higher spec camera. I've had an M7, and have a M6 and M3 and the Hexar RF is the one that gets to eat all the film.

 

[retnull]

Hexar RF forever! It is a thing of grace and beauty.

 

[rpsawin]

The Hexar RF is a wonderful camera...well built, lots of features and a joy to use. My only caution is that it's difficult to find repair parts and not many people can work on them.

Bob

 

[TMLee]

I have the Hexar RF. Sold my M6 classic. Just got a Zeiss Ikon. Like you I prefer the AE.
The Hexar RF is a great camera but I agree with others here, parts and repair a problem.
The Zeiss Ikon VF is terrific as others here will attest.
For me the 28mm framelines are no problem seeing and I wear glasses.

 

[kevin m]

My only caution is that it's difficult to find repair parts and not many people can work on them.

That's the only reason I parted with mine. It's the perfect RF camera, if such a thing is possible. It's a serious camera that's fun to use. 😀

 

[amateriat]

I've been using a pair of Hexar RFs as my main cameras for six years now. Can't say enough about them. Repair issues have been rather big (thankfully, I've had only one glitch with either camera, but that was while KM was still in the game, and under extended warranty to boot), but a few independent servicers have indicated (via their websites) that they can handle repairs for these cameras, but I haven't checked them out. I, for one, won't part with mine till they're deemed truly unrepairable. That's how good I think they are.


- Barrett

 

[wintoid]

I've had the following cameras in order: R3a, R2a, M4, Ikon, M6, MP, R2m

I prefer the Bessa 0.7x viewfinder over all except the MP, which is much better in low light. The Leicas and Ikon feel better made, but the Bessas win for ease of use and comfort in the hand. I am now content to have "just" an R2m. Best metering I've ever had, and it fits me like a glove.

Don't overlook the Bessas because they're cheaper, or because they have less of a fan club. If you want to take pictures, I think they're the best.

 

[BillBingham2]

The thing that always scared me about the Hexar is parts. The other thing is it's a lot more fun to get something new sometimes.

Go R2a and get a winder.

B2 (;->

 

[Krosya]

I have a hexar rf and had an epson rd-1, which I understand is pretty much a Bessa. The hexar rf has better build quality, a better viewfinder, better controls, nice weight, size, and is a higher spec camera. I've had an M7, and have a M6 and M3 and the Hexar RF is the one that gets to eat all the film.

I couldnt say better myself! I too had M3, M6 and now only have Hexar and Bessa R2M. Hexar is by far the best RF camera I used. Not to say others were bad.
Let me address the repair issue. I think many people are Waaaaay too paranoid about it when it comes to Hexar RF. I use my on regular bases and never had a single problem. OTOH I spent a bunch of money on repaier and CLA of M3 and M6, and they still didnt please me as much as Hexar.
And if it does ever break, well, I can find another for about as much as I paid to CLA Leica. So.....I see no reason to worry about it. Or I could get a Bessa. Meanwhile, I dont see why deprive yourself of a great camera just because it may possibly break....Keep in mind, Leicas, when sent to repair/CLA are gone far too long usually, it's almost easier to buy a new camera. So, I prefer to use it and not worry about "what ifs".
Same goes for Hexanon lenses - superb glass, mechanics and often good price.

 

[acall]

I love my Hexar as well... I got a new old stock one about 8 months ago and it has been the only camera I have been shooting with... until today when the diopter fell off while shooting in Acadia National Park. I searched the threads here for possible replacements, but it looks like short of finding the original, or the DIY route... I have a nice paperweight.
bummed,
Alan

 

[infrequent]

for an AE RF, there is simply nothing that's better than the Hexar.