Hexar AF: A Tribute

[astrosecret]

I have gotten rid of all of my 35mm film cameras and glass: Yashica, leica, Pentax, nikon and more, in favor of the hexar. Over the past year that I've owned it I've realized it is the most effective camera I've ever come across and want for nothing else when I step out the door (when looking to shoot film). I could never have grabbed the countless images I've made over the past year, like this one, where I held the camera over my head and pointed at what I hoped to capture. Not to mention I had to go wide open with a slow shutter speed.

At a certain point I gave up the ego trip involved with manual focus and fiddling with camera mechanics and decided the best camera was the one that most efficiently facilitates getting the image in the bag with the best quality possible.

Here's to ending the search for the perfect setup.

 

[back alley]

it's so nice when we find what works well for us...

 

[jmilkins]

They really are a pinnacle of the design and intent when understood and appreciated aren't they?

 

[astrosecret]

They really are a pinnacle of the design and intent when understood and appreciated aren't they?

Exactly. Not only is it a technical apogee, but it has also brought me down from my high horse of manual camera superiority. And as always with P&S, it has taught me that my two feet are better than any zoom lens.

 

[DamenS]

It really is a beautiful camera. I just wish there were a closer digital approximation. I also wish all those arcane sequences required to set certain parameters were a bit more intuitive (or had direct controls), but this wouldn't be so much of a problem for someone who uses the camera regularly enough to not forget them !

 

[35mmdelux]

Great image of Walker retirement celebration. The Hexar is a great camera, no doubt about it.

 

[Mablo]

I sold mine but I admit regretting it now. Looking at my negs now it's easy to see that those from my Hexar AF were usually the very best in overall exposure, sharpness and contrast.

 

[Richard G]

Using my Hexar a lot. I think the X100 comes close, but nothing beats the clever exposure computation of the Hexar. The only decision I have to make at f2 is whether to use the usual P mode, or, fearing a need for a longer exposure, to use A mode instead. The autofocus Contax G2 has its staunch devotees too.

 

[monocles]

I feel the exact same, but in my case it's my GF1 + 20/1.7 that has ended up being my all time favourite. My previous favourite, was the Olympus Trip 35, which also sports a 40mm lens. But before realizing this, I've gone through a bunch different SLR, TLR, RF et cetera.

At least I'm pleased now. 🙂

 

[Moriturii]

Bring the Konica hexar engineers back!

 

[JayM]

Sometimes I think about selling my 35mm lens and replacing it with a Hexar AF. Very tempting 🙂

 

[ReeRay]

Sitting on my table right now is my Hexar AF and my Contax G2 with 21mm. Perfect set up for my street walkabouts.

 

[bucs]

I've had an hexar af for months now and so far it has prevented me from wanting any other camera. though i have not processed exposed film worth 6 months taken by the hexar. hopefully i will get to process them this holiday season.

sometimes my copy though won't fire after pre-focusing. methinks it's the shutter button problem.

 

[FrankS]

Almost the perfect camera. I just wish that it was easier to use in manual focus and manual exposure mode.

 

[roboflick]

I've had an hexar af for months now and so far it has prevented me from wanting any other camera. though i have not processed exposed film worth 6 months taken by the hexar. hopefully i will get to process them this holiday season.

sometimes my copy though won't fire after pre-focusing. methinks it's the shutter button problem.

I also love my Hexar AF, super sharp lens and very quick and easy to use, my copy had some issues, I sent it to Mark Hama and got back what looked like a new camera functioning perfectly. Great for travel.

Nik

 

[filmfan]

Hexar = #1 ?

 

[astrosecret]

I just recently acquired a Fuji X100. Now, I am seriously in a quandary about what to bring with me on outings. Both have 35mm effective FOV but w/the Fuji I don't have to worry about film/developing. Before, it was easy--my d700 stayed at home because it was for work and its ginormous. but the X100, though it's autofocus is lacking, is very good in comparison to the Hexar, with the added benefit of not having to deal with film. I just don't know! as the author of this thread I fear this new year with my x100 will have me committing photographic adultery. I don't mean to pit digital vs. film, as I still shoot film primarily in MF, but I really love the form-factor and images coming from my x100.

My prediction is that the Hexar will stay with me simply because it's AF is so brilliant, far more accurate and less cumbersome than the x100, which sometimes makes me jump through hoops. I've read all the AFL/AEL MF/AFS/AFC tricks, but let's be honest here, the X100 NEVER would have nabbed me the shot that I began this thread with had I been in the same situation with it.

 

[analogpics]

Yeah, i'm realizing the hexar AF is one of the best camera investments i've ever made 🙂 Well, that and my mamiya 7 which is in the shop 😛 but seriously...best AF in any camera, ever. Well, at least that i've used. I can't think of a better street camera too...very unassuming, deadly silent, amazing AF for the hip shots, yeah...maybe i should get a second one....just wish they made one in 50mm...

 

[LukeT]

My prediction is that the Hexar will stay with me simply because it's AF is so brilliant, far more accurate and less cumbersome than the x100, which sometimes makes me jump through hoops.

Totally agree.

On Sunday I spent 2 hours with both the X100 and Hexar while on a photo walk/explore with a friend of mine.

All I can say is, after using the X100 for a while, then slinging the Hexar around my neck and creating a photo... it was so refreshing and nice compared to the X100.

Not only is the viewfinder nicer to look through, the AF speed and convenience of the smart P mode is just awesome (I normally use aperture priority on the X100).

The Hexar just feels fast and more powerful compared to the laggy X100.
I felt as though if I only had a split second to create the image (ie: decisive moment), I would want the Hexar at hand instead of the X100

I've only owned the Hexar for a month, but I'm totally in love with it and don't see myself getting rid of it any time soon!

 

[Spyro]

It really is a beautiful camera. I just wish there were a closer digital approximation.

all it really takes is something like the x100 with active infrared focusing. Unfortunately nobody is interested in making something like that as very few would understand and buy it, most would just whinge about single point AF and not as fast as XYZ mirrorless camera (in bright light). Speed is more important than certainty and reliability these days, it's just easier to explain to the masses. diferrent times, different priorities.