Hexar AF, filters, and close focus

[sanmich]

Hi all

I just wanted to share the following info:

For years, I have used my Hex AF with B+W filters, and had the close focus issue: when focusing too close, the lens front element would touch the filter, resulting in a jammed camera.
When this happened, I was running the usual drill:
Unscrew the filter just a bit
focus to release the lens
re-tighten the filter
curse about the three great frames you just missed.

Until...
Until, completely by chance, I had to use a Hoya filter on the camera.
No problems since then...
Apparently, depending on the company, the glass is placed a bit differently.

Cheers

 

[ampguy]

yikes. The best thing about this camera is its lens. If you can't find a shim or spacer, then definitely use a brand and type of filter that does not cause the jam. If you insist on using a filter for added flare, anyways.

 

[pvdhaar]

When Konica was still in the camera business, you could drop off your Hexar-AF for modification to the lens barrel that allowed filters to be mounted. I had that done to mine at the same time I had the extra functions installed. After that I could use the same filters that would jam the camera before without a problem.

The instruction booklet (a Dutch book that really explained the Hexar) indicated that while the modification was possible and performed by Konica, that nonetheless they didn't recommend use of filters because of degradation of the lens' performance.

 

[Vobluda]

Exactly the same here, no problem with Hoya while I try several other brands (BW, Soligor, Hama to name few) which results with jammed camera.
Even happens with Konica yellow filter.

Hi all

I just wanted to share the following info:

For years, I have used my Hex AF with B+W filters, and had the close focus issue: when focusing too close, the lens front element would touch the filter, resulting in a jammed camera.
When this happened, I was running the usual drill:
Unscrew the filter just a bit
focus to release the lens
re-tighten the filter
curse about the three great frames you just missed.

Until...
Until, completely by chance, I had to use a Hoya filter on the camera.
No problems since then...
Apparently, depending on the company, the glass is placed a bit differently.

Cheers

 

[sanmich]

yikes. The best thing about this camera is its lens. If you can't find a shim or spacer, then definitely use a brand and type of filter that does not cause the jam. If you insist on using a filter for added flare, anyways.

Funny, Ted
first thing I see on your blog is a picture taken through a "clean window" 😀
I don't think multi-coated Hoyas are that bad. The coating just don't last like on B&W filters.

 

[Krosya]

yikes. The best thing about this camera is its lens. If you can't find a shim or spacer, then definitely use a brand and type of filter that does not cause the jam. If you insist on using a filter for added flare, anyways.

As far as filters introducing flare, etc. - while possible, - I rarely had this problem and with a fixed lens camera - I rather use a filter than risk damaging a lens that I cant replace - may be different for a camera with an interchangable lenses. After all - I do take camera outside, not just use it for the indoor cat shots. 😉

Exactly the same here, no problem with Hoya while I try several other brands (BW, Soligor, Hama to name few) which results with jammed camera.
Even happens with Konica yellow filter.

Yep - you just need to find the brand that fits.