Hexar RF : Chrome or Black Durability?

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angeloks

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Hi,

Which finish tends to be the most durable? I know that the black tends to peel off easily, but what about the chrome from the limited edition?

Thanks,
 
I think the 'chrome' actually is pure titanium. It might have a glossy coat, but I doubt it would show as much as the titanium showing on the black RF.

The titanium body is very durable and tough, no matter what coat of paint is on it.

Personal note: I would surely go for the black RF, even with chips off it it will be more stealthily than the titanium edition. A worn black RF has an old look to it, which doesn't ring as much alarm bells with your subject when shooting.
 
I would also consider the age of the Hexar cameras. A silver version would be newer and also more reliable.
 
The black Hexars have an epoxy finish. Contrary to the comment about "peeling", I find the finish to be particularly robust. While I admit I don't bang my Hex bodies around like the guy in Apocalypse Now, they have taken some hits, and at worst have just a few small nicks and scratches (the most obvious signs of wear on both bodies is worn paint on the on/off power collar-switch surrounding the shutter release, one sort of "wear" I'm rather proud of :)).

One other nice thing about the epoxy finish is that, unlike other finishes, it's warm to the touch, something that comes in handy around this time of year.


- Barrett
 
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I'd go for a Chrome one, but only because I have 3 black ones already, so it would be a nice change, plus would go with my other chrome lenses. Otherwise, I think black one is a more popular and typical choice. Plus black ones tend to sell for a bit less too.
 
Krosya said:
I'd go for a Chrome one, but only because I have 3 black ones already, so it would be a nice change, plus would go with my other chrome lenses. Otherwise, I think black one is a more popular and typical choice. Plus black ones tend to sell for a bit less too.
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Why does a person need three Hexars Krosya ... do tell! :D
 
Well, I dont know, Keith. I suppose easy answer is - one for colour print film, one for slides and one for B&W. But I dont use them that way. Nevertheless - there they are. I suppose I could sell one, but I just love darn things so much and in case one breaks - I will have backups.
 
Krosya said:
Well, I dont know, Keith. I suppose easy answer is - one for colour print film, one for slides and one for B&W. But I dont use them that way. Nevertheless - there they are. I suppose I could sell one, but I just love darn things so much and in case one breaks - I will have backups.
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Hell, I love mine to pieces, too. I got two of them early on because that tends to be how I work with a given camera system. Was thinking about a third one, but I lucked into an M2 instead, so that's how it stands now. :)


- Barrett
 
Oh, I have M5 and RD1S too, but the way Hexars work and fit the way I shoot, plus features they offer just hard to beat. So, I have 3 and am thinking to add a chrome one one day, however I may sell one of the black ones to do so.
 
I do miss mine I must admit ... can't for the life of me remember why I sold it. I think I was pretty broke at the time and it was the Hexar or the Ikon to keep eating! :p
 
Keith: Know the feeling. At this point, there are a few things I'd sell off before the Hexars if I had to. (And I'm anything but loaded.) But, you're not doing bad at all with the ZI!


- Barrett
 
I think if I'd kept the Hexar I may have used it more than I do the Ikon ... I was reluctant to part with the Zeiss because of that incredible finder but it gets little use in spite of that!

I think if I ever get another Hexar it would be a silver one!

On the bright side I still have the excellent 35mm and 50mm Hexanons I bought at the time ... fabulously competent lenses!
 
Sometimes, I would like a finder more adapted with my 50mm.
It's the reason why I sell my hexar (I onlu use a 50mm). But I'm not sure I would like the zeiss ikon like the hexar.
 
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