Hexar RF review

[Michiel Fokkema]

Hi,

I'm not sure if this is the right place to post this. So I do apologize when not.

I use two Leica M6 classics for mostly street photography. I was already thinking about something with AE. The M7 is however too expensive. The CLE is not reliable enough, I had two with problems, and also the vf doesn't match.

I fondled with the Hexar on the last rff meeting in Paris and already liked it a lot.
I found a nice camera in Germany and picked it up the same day. I know of course about all the supposed problems with the Leica lenses and vf alignment but I just took the risk.
The camera feels really solid and the finish seems to be very close in quality to my two M6 classics. I missed the lever only for a few frames. I've shot a few rolls now and the camera works very well. The AE is spot on. I have no problems with any of my Leica lenses. The focus is spot on with all of them and also with the supplied Hexanon 50. I even used the DR with glasses and that works perfect also. The VF is perfectly aligned, the camera has traveled already a few thousand kilometers in my car and still is perfect.
The sound is louder than the Leica. But in most circumstances it is not a problem. It is still much quieter than any SLR. The motor winding is actually a blessing. I've used the older Leica motors but these are just to big. AE is also a blessing. The greatest blessing however is the top speed of 1/4000th. This is still not implemented in any Leica M film camera. I hope for a Leica M9 film camera with the shutter of the M8. I can now continue to use 400 ISO throughout the day without having to shoot at f16. This basically means that I don't need two camera's anymore.
The vf has lower magnification compared to my M6 classic. I actually like that because I use the 28 a lot. The 28 lines are even without glasses hard to see on the M6. The RF patch on the Hexar does not flare like the one on the M6.
However the vf is dimmer than the Leica one. Also very annoying is the fact that you need to have your eye aligned in the right position. Otherwise the focus will be off. This takes time to get used to.The release button is not very clear in when you actually fire. Also the AE lock is not very well defined and really needs to get used to. I also experience a bit of shutter lag, but still much less than a SLR and the AE makes it faster in operation than the M6.
Conclusion until is now very positive. If Leica will make something like this with its superb vf it will be a winner for me.
Compared to the M7 it is better in every day use except for the VF. However the Hexar is a LOT cheaper and quality for the dollar is way better than for the M7.
Only when you need the quietest shutter around, work in very dim light or don't want to rely on batteries a Leica M7/6 is better.

Best regards,

Michiel Fokkema

 

[kully]

Nice write-up Michiel, I too liked Khaled's Hexar at the meet.

If you're going to be selling one of your M6's I have £23 in my Paypal account 😉

 

[Khaled]

Hi Michiel, I'm glad you got your Hexar (I should have insisted on trading mine for one of your M6's 🙂

I've been wanting an M6 or MP for a long time but everytime I feel the GAS, I remind myself of the good things the Hexar has. Then I start thinking about the things that I don't like (the eye alignment and the AE lock) so I try to make a balance and the Hexar always wins. The 1/4000 shutter, the easy film loading, the winder and the incredibly low power drain make it, for me, one of the best cameras ever made.

Enjoy it!

Khaled
www.chaka.fr

 

[pvdhaar]

It's been almost three years since I've last handled a Hexar RF now. But I do have a distinct recollection that the film leader sticks out when you do a mid-roll rewind and open the back when the film counter starts to flash. Neat feature for swapping partially used films of different ISO etc..

 

[jan normandale]

Lots of fans are around for that camera. I always get conflicted when thinking about going for something like it or an M5. Both have a cult status and hard core group of followers. You are now involved. Good luck!

 

[furcafe]

That's true. However, the Hexar doesn't have the customizable options that the Kyocera Contax G2 (its mechanical sibling underneath the skin) has, so you can't set the camera to always leave the leader out & have to remember to open the back before the rewind is complete.

But I do have a distinct recollection that the film leader sticks out when you do a mid-roll rewind and open the back when the film counter starts to flash. Neat feature for swapping partially used films of different ISO etc..

 

[nobbylon]

Michiel,
i'll swap you the 35 you placed a bid on, on marktplaats for one of your M6's!😀
small world! thx for bidding j

 

[Michiel Fokkema]

Hi John,

Small world indeed.

I never said I will sell my M6's. I only had the Hexar for a few weeks now. I dovery m uch like it but I might not get used to the vf after all. Too soon to say.

Cheers,

Michiel Fokkema

 

[RayPA]

I've got the Hexar RF and the Leica M7. I really like both, but I think he M7 is the better camera. I think the VF is better, too. I agree otherwise. The RF has great build quality, better battery consumption, and is very versatile, with its 1/4000 top shutter speed, 3 fps, and auto-advance. It's a pleasure to shoot with, but the M7 is a pure joy to shoot with. There's just something about it.

🙂