How (un)reliable is Konica Hexar RF?

[valdas]

I have just sold my Bessa R2A because wanted fully mechanical M mount camera (in addition to M6). Initially I was considering Bessa R4M (my deal with Cameraquest did not go through as they only ship to US) then I was thinking maybe M2 or second M6, but then I have read about Hexar RF. 1/4000 speed is a big deal, price is ok, but I have also read about some issues (error10 or something). How frequent is this? I am very tempted by this camera, but this reliability issue raises some doubts. Or should I come back to my initial idea of R4M or M2 or M6. Lenses I use are 28/35/50/90 (so I know M2 is not ideal for 28).

 

[Scapevision]

you realize it's a full 180 from your initial "fully mechanical camera"?

 

[valdas]

you realize it's a full 180 from your initial "fully mechanical camera"?

Yes, I do... But maybe I can find a good reason for this 180?

 

[aizan]

a couple guys here have had lemons, but mine was rock solid. long-term repairability might be an issue, so I traded it in. great camera, though.

 

[Huss]

Yeah, those error messages bricking the camera and lcd bleed/fade w/ no replacement parts scared me away.
Shame cuz I would love to have 1/4000 sec with M lenses in a film camera.

 

[Larry Cloetta]

Only a sample size of one, so worth no more than that, but never had a second's problem with mine. Has been lovely to use, and, yes, as you note, 1/4000 is a big deal in terms of usefulness. Metering is very nice, AE lock is helpful, solidly put together, etc.

 

[krötenblender]

Mine was okay and worked like a charm, but I traded it, because I found, it wasn't a joy to use. To be honest, it was a PITA... Too loud, too unpleasant.

 

[FrankS]

I really like mine. Very solid feeling, AE and built in winder - it's a no nonsense tool. I've had no issues with mine. My only quibble is a very slight shutter lag when pushing the go button. It's not much of a lag but just noticeable. The price is right especially compared to a Leica M7 which is its closest competitor.

 

[Huss]

My only quibble is a very slight shutter lag when pushing the go button. It's not much of a lag but just noticeable.

That would drive me crazy! I hate lag, worst I've experienced in a non P&S camera is on the Leica R7.

No lag with an M7, whether u use the miserable power winder or not.

 

[FrankS]

Very slight lag. Some may not notice.

 

[wjlapier]

Very slight lag. Some may not notice.

I didn't notice it.

My two Hexar's worked flawlessly. Built solid. Great meter. Lack of parts for repair I sold them.

 

[Lou Iaquinto]

Hi Valdas,

I've had two since about 2003 with no issues. I recently traded one towards the purchase of an M9 but I am keeping one. You might find the motor noise unpleasant.

Good luck,

Lou

 

[lawrence]

I bought one off e$ay and returned it because there was a problem with the frame counter. I also didn't like the viewfinder which seemed to distort in some strange way compared to the Leica finders I have tried (0.58 and 0.72). Nice concept though.

 

[CameraQuest]

I have just sold my Bessa R2A because wanted fully mechanical M mount camera (in addition to M6). Initially I was considering Bessa R4M (my deal with Cameraquest did not go through as they only ship to US) then I was thinking maybe M2 or second M6, but then I have read about Hexar RF. 1/4000 speed is a big deal, price is ok, but I have also read about some issues (error10 or something). How frequent is this? I am very tempted by this camera, but this reliability issue raises some doubts. Or should I come back to my initial idea of R4M or M2 or M6. Lenses I use are 28/35/50/90 (so I know M2 is not ideal for 28).

Its generally a reliable camera, but it might turn into a nice doorstop if you need it repaired.
Complicated and electronic, I am not aware of any repair shops offering Hexar RF repairs.

 

[lonemantis]

What about an R2M? That would get you a fully repairable mechanical shutter, a good meter, and 1/2000th shutter for a very reasonable price. Not a 4000th, but still better still a full stop better than an M. (1 and a third stops, if you consider most mechanical M's are only getting you about a 700th at that speed) Unless you use a 21mm religiously, an R4M is a bit detrimental to longer focal lengths.

 

[enasniearth]

Hexar rf

Hexar rf

I purchased a hexar rf brand new , body only many years ago .
I shot with it about 5 years .
It was then that an error code 11 shutter motor occurred .
Minolta bought konica ,
Sony bought minolta ,
There was no backup support or parts availible for the camera .
Everywhere I turned it was no no no.
It's better now , however I think the parts are limited as well as who
Does repairs .
At one point you had to send it to Hong Kong ,
After 4 years of attempting to find someone to address the problem I sold it as a source of parts on ebay .
I cried big tears .
It was my favorite camera , but the lack of support was frustrating .

 

[valdas]

Thanks everybody, based on this small sample of responses I will probably stick with my initial idea about fully mechanical camera. Considering the widest lens I use is 28mm what would be your recommendations? I only have experience with M6 (0.72). I really like it, but with 28mm lens it's a bit problematic (I wear glasses) - seeing 28 mm frames fully is not easy. Will any other camera will give me an easier life with this lens?

 

[vnukov_pk]

I use my hexar rf for 5 years. I had mechanical issues (rangefinder alignment) solved very quickly in UK. Apart from that - no problems at all. Nice, reliable, stable instrument.

 

[doubledan]

how (un)reliable is konica hexar rf?

how (un)reliable is konica hexar rf?

I bought a Hexar rf last year and liked it, but returned it to dealer when it quickly developed the frame-counter / film advance issue. If you use diopters, that can also be an issue with the Hexar. Hard to find the right one.
I'm surprised that no one seems to have mentioned two other cameras: the Zeiss Ikon, made by Cosina; and Minolta CLE.
The ZI can be found for $800-1000, and in my experience it's a better camera in actual use than the M7. Best viewfinder ever, uncluttered framelines, high eye relief, 1/2000 shutter speed, and auto exposure or ae lock when needed. And it's quiet.
The Minolta CLE is an older camera but still a marvel -- very light and compact, and probably the best 28mm frameline of any rangefinder. I had one as a backup, sold it, and still regret it.

 

[valdas]

I bought a Hexar rf last year and liked it, but returned it to dealer when it quickly developed the frame-counter / film advance issue. If you use diopters, that can also be an issue with the Hexar. Hard to find the right one.
I'm surprised that no one seems to have mentioned two other cameras: the Zeiss Ikon, made by Cosina; and Minolta CLE.
The ZI can be found for $800-1000, and in my experience it's a better camera in actual use than the M7. Best viewfinder ever, uncluttered framelines, high eye relief, 1/2000 shutter speed, and auto exposure or ae lock when needed. And it's quiet.
The Minolta CLE is an older camera but still a marvel -- very light and compact, and probably the best 28mm frameline of any rangefinder. I had one as a backup, sold it, and still regret it.

Yes, ZI actually came to my mind. Again - battery dependent, but I have not heard of any significant issues... Are there any?