Konica Hexar question

[Pfreddee]

I am thinking of picking up a Konica Hexar from my local camera shop, and I have a question for anyone who has used one. Does the top shutter speed of 1/250th of a second pose any real limits on its usability? I would think it might limit the camera in some very bright environments, but I don't have any direct experience with it so I can't say.

Thank you to all who reply.

With best regards,

Pfreddee(Stephen)

 

[splitimageview]

You can always use an ND filter.

I found it limiting as the lens is so good at f/2.

 

[02Pilot]

Depends how you want to use the camera, and with what film. I haven't found it to be a major issue, but I haven't really used it with fast film in bright conditions much either. An ND filter, as noted, is the easy solution.

 

[ReeRay]

It's quite bright and sunny over here and I use my Hexar AF a lot, but you're sure to need an ND filter as others have said. Great camera, sparkling IQ. Go for it.

P.s. You'll need to download the manual as well to figure out all the hidden settings.

 

[crsantin]

Yes to the ND filter. Use slowest film possible if you are in a sunny location. I have to keep some basic instructions with me because I can't remember the incredibly strange and difficult menu system. The camera is a joy to use though and it gives stellar results-once you get used to its quirks. My eyesight is not the greatest as I get older and I find I really struggle now with manual focus. The snappy autofocus of the Konica is much appreciated. The camera is virtually silent even when stealth mode is not activated. With stealth mode activated I often do not know if i have taken a picture and I have to check the film counter. I've never been disappointed with the negatives this camera provides. Two big thumbs up!

 

[philosli]

The 1/250 top speed is not really a problem. And as suggested above, with a ND filter you'll be fine. I had once used it in bright sun light with snowy ground, without brining in the ND filter with me, with ISO400 speed film loaded. I remembered setting it to 1/250 + F22 the film was still overexposed by 1/2 or 1 stop. But since it's negative BW film it turned out fine.

The lens is very sharp, having very good contrast, wide open the OOF area has a very pleasing rendering. However, it has strong barrel distortion and does flare if it's pointed to strong sun light directly. I regarded the distortion to be more problematic, while as long as you're careful in shooting against the light, the flare can be controlled.

The focusing is blazingly fast and due to its design, works extremely well in low light.

I don't rely much on the complex control. I stick a DoF table at the bottom of the camera and use manual focusing distance setting to do zone focusing. This works pretty well.