Konica Hexar AF auto-focusing question

MIkhail

MIkhail

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Hello.
I have a question regarding Konica Hexar AF. It is a great point-and-shoot camera, and lens are smooth yet sharp. But one thing I noticed. I like to use manual focus, but it's a really tricky option on this camera, so I try to auto-focus and then recompose, while holding the button down halfway (usual way). What happens with this camera- I recompose, press the button all the way down, and camera tries to auto-focus again, does it and then fires! So essentially the area in focus is always in the middle of a shot... This sucks. Tell me please, is this normal for this camera? I never had this issue before, but then I never had point-and-shoot cameras before...
If it's a problem, where can it be fixed?
Thanks a million!
 
NO, not normal, usually holding the shutter halfway down and then recomposing works perfectly. THe only time I've ever had problems is when very, very drunk
 
Paul T. said:
NO, not normal, usually holding the shutter halfway down and then recomposing works perfectly. THe only time I've ever had problems is when very, very drunk
Click to expand...

I am not drunk that often...
I figure, then, it's a button connectivity problem. Lens itself focuses quite well. Can anybody advice a good repairman for this camera?
 
It has happens to me at times when I don't realize that my finger is not totally over the shutter button and thus not applying enough pressure for the focus to lock.
 
filmfan said:
It has happens to me at times when I don't realize that my finger is not totally over the shutter button and thus not applying enough pressure for the focus to lock.
Click to expand...

I guess some "operator's error" may be present, but it does it every time!

The link that Ming gave me (above) is pretty good, but I think I will still look for the repairman, since I am not too good in soldering...
 
FrankS said:
This fix can be accomplished without soldering, I've read.
Click to expand...

Using the link above, it seems to me that I would need to remove the switch assembly in order to clean it. How can I do that without soldering the contacts?
main.php
 
I'm just trying to be helpful by telling you what I read somewhere. Do some research by googling Hexar AF and reading through the sites.
 
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This is great information - thanks for the link, Ming! I've had the same issue as the OP and in general have felt completely uncomfortable with focusing this camera, for the same reasons, but never was able to find any similar issue out there on the Internet. Will work up the nerve to try this sometime!

Cheers,
Tim
 
No soldering required. The shot of the tactical switch is just in the story in case you have to replace it.

I sold Hexars on eBay for a while and serviced all of them before I shipped them out. I did at least 15 of them, never a problem.

Success!
 
CLE-RF said:
No soldering required. The shot of the tactical switch is just in the story in case you have to replace it.

I sold Hexars on eBay for a while and serviced all of them before I shipped them out. I did at least 15 of them, never a problem.

Success!
Click to expand...


Well, I just tried, and failed😡. I opened everything, all came apart pretty easy, but when it came to taking off the metal cover, it just would not budge...
I am talking about this, top right
main.php


Maybe I don't have proper tools, but I just cannot lift it up, and I am afraid to pull hard... This whole assembly looks deceivingly large on pictures, in reality it's as big as pinky nail. So I put it back together (it still works) and I am considering sending it out for overhaul, including the fix of AF issue... When I find a shop, that is.
Thanks, everybody!
 
Update: camera is still not fixed... Nobody wants to take it, no shops have spare parts for repair...
Something to think about when you are ready to buy this camera. Great lenses though...
 
I did this repair as well, without soldering. It is indeed difficult to take the cover off, but not impossible! I used the smallest jewellers screwdriver I could find, and stuck it in between the plastic and the metal cover from the side. That worked. My camera is working perfect now. Do not despair!
 
douwe said:
I did this repair as well, without soldering. It is indeed difficult to take the cover off, but not impossible! I used the smallest jewellers screwdriver I could find, and stuck it in between the plastic and the metal cover from the side. That worked. My camera is working perfect now. Do not despair!
Click to expand...


I guess I have nothing to lose now, having tried and failed to get somebody else to do that. I'lll try again one of these days ;-)
 
My Hexar was inactive for a year and I had the same problem when shooting a roll last week. I didn't fire at all, lost AF. As with all electronic contacts it gets "dirty" from oxides over time, so I just had the camera shut off and exercised the button for ten minutes or so. Both to AE lock position and to the bottom. After that no problems at all. Try that first.
 
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