How (un)reliable is Konica Hexar RF?

[lawrence]

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

I've had mine for a few years now and the only issue is that when changing lenses the frame lines can be a bit sticky and not immediately switch to the FoV of the new lens. Easy to fix just by flicking the frame selector on the front and certainly not a major issue. It's a great camera and I see I'm not the only one who prefers it to the M7.

 

[SolaresLarrave]

I too was wondering why nobody had mentioned the Zeiss. But now that it's done the universe can continue its route.

 

[valdas]

Well well well, to my own surprise I ended up buying the same model of Bessa (R2A). There was a deal locally - R2A with Super Wide Heliar 15mm+ 15mm finder+ J8 + two LMT->M adapters (500 EUR all together) and I could not resist it... But thanks everybody for your input.

 

[dct]

Well well well, to my own surprise I ended up buying the same model of Bessa (R2A). There was a deal locally - R2A with Super Wide Heliar 15mm+ 15mm finder+ J8 (500 EUR all together) and I could not resist it...

Good choice. Years ago I also had a good deal with a Bessa-L + 15/4.5 + 15 VF. It became my standard wide angle tool for cityscapes.

(And still... I use my 1st Hexar RF mostly for 28 and 50mm lenses, since many years without a flaw. But: I have a spare one, mint, just in case... With today's prices it doesn't make sense going for repair if there is an electronic problem.)

 

[Evan Bedford]

My "used" Hexar RF just arrived in the mail today from Japan. Looked so pristine that I probably could've dusted it for fingerprints and came away with nothing. Anyways, no problems on this one. I ran a roll of Delta 100 through it, processed it, and except for the 4 exposures when I forgot to take off the lens cap (DUH!!!), everything came out amazingly well. I love it!

 

[Huss]

and except for the 4 exposures when I forgot to take off the lens cap (DUH!!!)

but but isn't it an AE camera? You didn't notice the shutter speeds in the VF, or the several seconds exposure time? Or were you going commando and running manual?

 

[Evan Bedford]

but but isn't it an AE camera? You didn't notice the shutter speeds in the VF, or the several seconds exposure time? Or were you going commando and running manual?

I had a flash attachment on for some of the shots, so I just put the shutter speed at 125 and worried about the different flash settings (forgetting about the cap).

I should also note that I shot some exposures wide open and aimed at my favorite bookshelf (my long-time test pattern for various cameras and lenses), so I can say with a fair degree of certainty that the rangefinder was accurate.

 

[PRJ]

I think the Hexar RF has had a bad rap. Most cameras that were built back in the day had some issues (M7 iso for example), but the Hexar issues couldn't be fixed due to changing companies. Unfortunate really. I decided to take a chance on a Hexar RF about 10 years ago and have been using the camera I bought ever since. I've worn off the paint over the shutter release and most of the corners (Titanium covers!) and it still keeps on goin'. When I first got it I had heard about the rangefinder going out of alignment, so I popped the top and put a small drop of Canada Balsam on the alignment wheel. Haven't touched it since! I figure I will wear it out eventually. Best bang for the buck camera there is IMO. The Bessas don't even come close and they cost the same money. From a functional standpoint it is the best rangefinder there is.

 

[Huss]

The RF is super easy to adjust as it is like the one in the Xpan series.
My worry about the camera is with the electronics - error codes 10, 11, 20 etc that some have reported. With no parts left to repair it.

 

[Scrambler]

Have one, love it, happy to sell though coz finances etc.

These are all 15 or so years old - so the occasional issue not too surprising but really, most are still running fine. Mine has/is.

Hexar RF is quite a different camera to the AF Hexar.

CLE - more problematic now, mostly due to being older.

Bessas - the mechanical ones are fairly straightforward, don't know enough about the electronic ones.

The "problem" really is that they aren't Leicas, so the cost of repair is considered "too much" - really you will lose more money walking out of a Leica shop holding a camera than you will owning a Hexar RF even if you have to bin the Hexar and buy another.

Of the three camera mentioned (and I've owned all), only the CLE has given me any issues - and that is resolvable without professional intervention, for now.

 

[Scrambler]

Best bang for the buck camera there is IMO. The Bessas don't even come close and they cost the same money. From a functional standpoint it is the best rangefinder there is.

x2, and I've owned a Bessa.