Hexar AF: A Tribute

[DamenS]

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.

Yes - and I keep arguing the active IR AF can't be that expensive to implement - damn it, I want my golden egg and I want it NOW !! I keep arguing that my priorities should supersede Market Research and other people's desires ... Thank God I don't run ANY company is all I can say !! 😉

 

[Paul T.]

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!

thanks for posting this.

The HExar has always been my favourite camera for taking photos (maybe the leicas are my favourite ones to handle, if that makes sense)... and recently, for more work related things, I've started taking it out again; found somewhere new to process it, and now I have to find new sources of TriX. It's so far ahead of my (more expensive) GF1 that it's untrue.

I've pointed out on one of the Fuji threads how we've been short-changed with recent cameras, that don't do as good a job as active IR autofocus. I"m disappointed, but not surprised, to hear that's borne out when you have the X100 and the Hexar in the hand. .
I'd been thinkin about the Fuji... but I think you've stopped me jonesing. I'll give it a couple more years until someone gets nearer. Meantime I'll use this more... more practice.

 

[Spyro]

Thank God I don't run ANY company is all I can say !! 😉

I know! Sometimes in my mind I build the camera of my dreams - like normal people count sheep to fall asleep 😀
and I keep running from design dead end to commercial dead end and back... could only materialise if there is no expectation for profit or recovering manufacturing costs 🙁

 

[LukeT]

thanks for posting this.

The HExar has always been my favourite camera for taking photos (maybe the leicas are my favourite ones to handle, if that makes sense)... and recently, for more work related things, I've started taking it out again; found somewhere new to process it, and now I have to find new sources of TriX. It's so far ahead of my (more expensive) GF1 that it's untrue.

I've pointed out on one of the Fuji threads how we've been short-changed with recent cameras, that don't do as good a job as active IR autofocus. I"m disappointed, but not surprised, to hear that's borne out when you have the X100 and the Hexar in the hand. .
I'd been thinkin about the Fuji... but I think you've stopped me jonesing. I'll give it a couple more years until someone gets nearer. Meantime I'll use this more... more practice.

No worries 🙂

Though I haven't owned or even held a Leica, I can imagine the Hexar would feel a bit toy-camera'ish in comparison... even though the Hexar is built like a tank.

Before I got the Hexar (mid December), I was looking at getting a good rangefinder, maybe a M6 classic and a 35 Summicron - but it was little out of my price range.
My X100 which I bought back in August was really opening me up to the range-finder world and made me want to shoot with film.

Then I discovered the Hexar and the images it was capable of creating - not to mention it had auto-focus and other modern-day luxuries at a reasonable price.

Though the idea of the manual controls of the Leica really seduced me, I knew the Hexar would suit my style quite well and just let me take photo's (even with it's quirky menu system, which really isn't that bad in the real world).

I think if I discovered the range-finder world previous to owning the X100, I may not have bought it...

 

[filmfan]

I think I want one again. I currently use a Leica M6 (which I sold my Hexar AF to help fund) but the Hexar AF is calling my name again...

 

[filmfan]

aaaannnndddd i did it.

 

[j.scooter]

aaaannnndddd i did it.

Good stuff!! You really made some nice pictures with the Hexar.

 

[tpier]

Hello,
My first post to say Hexar AF is my favorite camera 🙂