Hexar RF Error Code 20 - Solutions?

[Apra]

I've got a Hexar RF that's acting up. When I hit the shutter release, the shutter fires, but then I get a blinking "20" on the film counter window. At this point, the camera is locked up until I've removed the batteries for a while. When I reinsert the batteries, hit the shutter release, then it's a blinking "20" again. I've tried with shutter speed set to B, 2000, 30 - it's always the same problem.

I've done a few searches and know that the "20" corresponds to a "Still on X in [H]" error, which may or may not mean that the set shutter speed and actual speed differ. However, I haven't seen any info on how to get rid of it beyond removing the batteries and film, which I've tried a few times now.

Has anyone had experience with this problem??

 

[Apra]

I have a little more detail to add after playing with it a while longer.

Viewing from the film side...
- The first shutter curtain doesn't seem to be firing (i.e. I don't see any daylight after depressing the release button).
- The second curtain (or is it the same curtain?) moves into place at the correct time indicated by the shutter speed dial.
- The blinking "20" appears after the second curtain moves into place.
- The second curtain (or second position) only moves out of place after the batteries have been removed, the blinking "20" goes away (after 30 seconds), the batteries have been reinserted, and the power switch has been cycled from off->on.
- Self-timer is working.

Anyone know how what mechanism fires the first curtain?

 

[Apra]

One last note since this post is now coming up at the top of search results for "hexar error 20" but it isn't very useful is it?

A correction from my previous post:
- The hexar rf doesn't have curtains does it? So instead of saying the first curtain doesn't fire, let me instead say the shutter doesn't ever reset to its "resting" position. There doesn't seem to be any physical impediment.

Clearly I have no idea how this shutter mechanism works so I'm at a loss about what to do. Is my only option to send it to Dirk at Japan Exposures?

 

[Issy]

I am not aware that any of the "number errors" are user-recoverable, certainly not a 10 or 11. Not sure about a 20.

Dirk, or Precision Camera may be your only options (and Japan, based on anecdotal info, seems to be faster)

b

 

[stanoops]

hexar rf

hexar rf

Hi do you find any solution to the problem ?
I have the same issue with my hexar ..

thank you

 

[Paul T.]

I have had great experience buying items from Dirk - but if you're in the US, I would definitely try Greg Weber first, he's the standout Konica tech.

 

[stanoops]

hexar rf error code 20

hexar rf error code 20

I also have great experince with Dirk, buying from him an eyepiece
magnifyer. Actually my problem is that 20 code error on my hexar, and I would like to know a routine to solve it. As I understand it is not an hardware problem but a kind of software thing..

thanks

 

[stanoops]

hexar rf error

hexar rf error

Tehre is somebody how knows how to fis error code 20 on the hexar rf camera ?

thanks

 

[Archlich]

The almighty Chinese technicians I had been visiting recently diagnosed my "for parts only" Hexar RF (disabled by the error code 20): a certain cocking gear was broken. The front curtain can't move into position, and without the grey metering pattern the meter was performing erratic.

So, at least in this case, it's not electronic-related. He replaced the gear and it's all working again!

 

[djnato10]

Check out http://www.webercamera.com
He specializes in Konica camera repair. Do keep in mind the address he has listed on the site is NOT the address he uses anymore, he moved a couple of years ago and just never updated the site.

Email him and see what he says. I have a Konica RF lens that has a loose cam and he emailed me back right away with potential cost and time frame as well as his new address.

 

[rjstep3]

If I don't use the Hexar RF for a little while and have taken the batteries out, it returns a error code 20 on the first use. I take the batteries out, let it discharge, put the batteries back in and it is fine again. Maybe one day it will lock up completely, but for the moment, it is fine like that.