mpve
Member
Hi All,
Some time ago I decided I wanted to have a longer baselength RF next to my Bessa R4m. This because I wanted to be able to use 75/90 mm lenses and the R4m is not able to do that.
The choice was to buy a used camera because I wanted a high quality camera. I found the EBL for the R2 and R3 Bessa's to be too limiting for possible future lenses to use so I made a shortlist consisting of Leica M6 TTL .85, M6 .72, ZI. All based on available used stock at my local camera shop.
Yesterday I got there and saw they also had a demo Konica Hexar RF in a kit with the 50/2.0 and a flash (you know, the red plush box with the gear in it). Plus the 90 mm Hexanon in demo. I decided to take that camera into the choice as well.
And so I was standing there having the best of RF's made in the world in my hands to choose from. What a feeling! And also, what a choice...
My findings:
As the 35 mm is my favorite lens and I could not oversee the 35 mm frame in the M6 .85 (I am wearing glasses) this, for me, ruled out the M6 .85. I found the VF to be very narrow.
Then I found the ZI to look cheap and plasticy in comparison to the M6 and the Hexar RF. The VF was a marvel though! And the shutter noise was not all that much more then the M6. I found that discussion to be greatly exaggerated.
The M6 had had a good bit of use and it showed. I found it a very nice camera and a really good choice. It ruled out, for me, the ZI as a competitor. Also here I found the VF to be narrower then the ZI and the Hexar RF.
Then the Hexar RF. I found it to have a very good quality feel. The VF was very nice and I could oversee the entire frame very well. Its controls were very nicely laid out and although AE was not really a MUST it was definitely a pre. The lens it came with (the 50/2.0) was also very nice and small. Had a very good quality feel. Only downside I saw was the noise made while transporting the film.
Then came the choice. I played with the camera's for quite some time and it was a tough decision to go with either the M6 or the Hexar RF. I finally decided for the Hexar RF.
Why? Well, it had an equal quality feeling compared to the M6. The noise should not bother me much (I have a Contax G2 too and there it does not bother me also). It saves me buying a good quality 50 mm as it was in the package. And it was (as the kit) as expensive as the M6. Or cheaper???
If I would have bought the M6 (that saw a good deal of use) I would have send it to Leica for a CLA. I also wanted then the VF upgrade to eliminate the patch flare. This would have added EUR 500,= to the deal. And as the shop also had a Hexanon 90/2.8 demo, and it gave me extra discount on the Hexar RF kit the equation became:
A battered looking M6, 100% in order and CLA' ed and patched for the same price of a brand new Konica Hexar RF with Hexanon 50/2.0 and Hexanon 90/2.8.
I decided on the Hexar! Also in the equation was that I cannot get equally high quality lenses in M mount for 50/90 mm for the same amount I now paid for the lenses AND the camera. So, even if the Hexar RF dies on me in some years I still have the lenses I can use on any other RF.
Looks like a good deal to me...
What do you think?
Some time ago I decided I wanted to have a longer baselength RF next to my Bessa R4m. This because I wanted to be able to use 75/90 mm lenses and the R4m is not able to do that.
The choice was to buy a used camera because I wanted a high quality camera. I found the EBL for the R2 and R3 Bessa's to be too limiting for possible future lenses to use so I made a shortlist consisting of Leica M6 TTL .85, M6 .72, ZI. All based on available used stock at my local camera shop.
Yesterday I got there and saw they also had a demo Konica Hexar RF in a kit with the 50/2.0 and a flash (you know, the red plush box with the gear in it). Plus the 90 mm Hexanon in demo. I decided to take that camera into the choice as well.
And so I was standing there having the best of RF's made in the world in my hands to choose from. What a feeling! And also, what a choice...
My findings:
As the 35 mm is my favorite lens and I could not oversee the 35 mm frame in the M6 .85 (I am wearing glasses) this, for me, ruled out the M6 .85. I found the VF to be very narrow.
Then I found the ZI to look cheap and plasticy in comparison to the M6 and the Hexar RF. The VF was a marvel though! And the shutter noise was not all that much more then the M6. I found that discussion to be greatly exaggerated.
The M6 had had a good bit of use and it showed. I found it a very nice camera and a really good choice. It ruled out, for me, the ZI as a competitor. Also here I found the VF to be narrower then the ZI and the Hexar RF.
Then the Hexar RF. I found it to have a very good quality feel. The VF was very nice and I could oversee the entire frame very well. Its controls were very nicely laid out and although AE was not really a MUST it was definitely a pre. The lens it came with (the 50/2.0) was also very nice and small. Had a very good quality feel. Only downside I saw was the noise made while transporting the film.
Then came the choice. I played with the camera's for quite some time and it was a tough decision to go with either the M6 or the Hexar RF. I finally decided for the Hexar RF.
Why? Well, it had an equal quality feeling compared to the M6. The noise should not bother me much (I have a Contax G2 too and there it does not bother me also). It saves me buying a good quality 50 mm as it was in the package. And it was (as the kit) as expensive as the M6. Or cheaper???
If I would have bought the M6 (that saw a good deal of use) I would have send it to Leica for a CLA. I also wanted then the VF upgrade to eliminate the patch flare. This would have added EUR 500,= to the deal. And as the shop also had a Hexanon 90/2.8 demo, and it gave me extra discount on the Hexar RF kit the equation became:
A battered looking M6, 100% in order and CLA' ed and patched for the same price of a brand new Konica Hexar RF with Hexanon 50/2.0 and Hexanon 90/2.8.
I decided on the Hexar! Also in the equation was that I cannot get equally high quality lenses in M mount for 50/90 mm for the same amount I now paid for the lenses AND the camera. So, even if the Hexar RF dies on me in some years I still have the lenses I can use on any other RF.
Looks like a good deal to me...
What do you think?
Last edited:
sniki
Well-known
Good and clever catch; in my experience I also suggest this two devices, especially for 90 focusing:
http://www.japanexposures.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=139
http://www.japanexposures.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=22&products_id=109
http://www.japanexposures.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=139
http://www.japanexposures.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=22&products_id=109
sleepyhead
Well-known
I've not used the ZI, but for use with a 35mm lens, the Hexar RF's viewfinder cannot be beat. I also don't recall having any trouble focusing a 90mm f/2.8 Elmarit with the Hexar RF.
I just found the camera too loud for my liking.
I just found the camera too loud for my liking.
I do not know any photographers using the Konica in combat, I'm sure there are some.
I do know one that uses a Leica M8 and Leica M7.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/70355737@N00/sets/72157608856065753/
I also know one that uses a Nikon SP snd S3.
I do know one that uses a Leica M8 and Leica M7.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/70355737@N00/sets/72157608856065753/
I also know one that uses a Nikon SP snd S3.
flip
良かったね！
While I wish it had a manual (read no battery) and quieter uptake, I find it to a a great camera. I cannot understate how useful it has been to be able to rewind rolls midway and be able to easily return to the exact roll position later. And the AE - with some guidance - produced a fantastic roll of color from day one. Enjoy it!
mpve
Member
THX Sniki for addition. Do I understand correctly that the magnifier screws into the eyepiece extention and that, from there, I can have a diopter adjustment and extra enlargement for accurate focusing?
I am a bit worried about the slip on part of it: does not it fall off? Does not it damage the RF's eyepiece?
I am a bit worried about the slip on part of it: does not it fall off? Does not it damage the RF's eyepiece?
sleepyhead
Well-known
It doesn't damage the eyepiece - as for falling off, it depends how you treat your camera. If it seriously gets knocked about either in the bag or in your hand, then the magnifier could get knocked off. But "regular" light use should not be a problem.
sniki
Well-known
Exactly yes!
The adapter slips on the Hexar's eyepiece a little bit forced in order to avoid its loss, but without damaging.
Trius
Waiting on Maitani
Larry Towell uses a Hexar in areas of conflict.
Krosya
Konicaze
MPVE,
Now that you got a Hexar - you are in big trouble! Its a wonderful camera that will spoil you and pretty much anything will seem inferiour after using one. Same goes for the M-Hexanon lenses - now you will have to get Hex 28 and 35 - both superb lenses. How do I know all this? - I have 2 Hexar RF kits (with 50mm/flash) and all these lenses.
Something else Hexar is great for - CV 15mm - it becomes a great P&S camera - with AE and motor drive for film, just set F8 and distance at 1-2 meters - and you dont have to think of anything other than your composition! :
Now that you got a Hexar - you are in big trouble! Its a wonderful camera that will spoil you and pretty much anything will seem inferiour after using one. Same goes for the M-Hexanon lenses - now you will have to get Hex 28 and 35 - both superb lenses. How do I know all this? - I have 2 Hexar RF kits (with 50mm/flash) and all these lenses.
Something else Hexar is great for - CV 15mm - it becomes a great P&S camera - with AE and motor drive for film, just set F8 and distance at 1-2 meters - and you dont have to think of anything other than your composition! :
mpve
Member
@Krosya
I am afraid you are right! I skipped the 35 mm lens for now as I already have the Nokton 35/1.4 but I am really tempted when I feel the mechanical quality difference between the VC and the Hexanon lenses.... Furthermore I am saving now for the VC 15 mm to do exactly as you descibe.
You know: Great minds think alike
!
@Sniki
An additional question about the suggested VF magnifier;
Does it only magnify the RF patch or also the rest of the VF? I think the first (hence the easy-to-remove way of assembly) but it will add additional things to do when making a picture. I am not sure it will work out for me that way...
I am afraid you are right! I skipped the 35 mm lens for now as I already have the Nokton 35/1.4 but I am really tempted when I feel the mechanical quality difference between the VC and the Hexanon lenses.... Furthermore I am saving now for the VC 15 mm to do exactly as you descibe.
You know: Great minds think alike
!@Sniki
An additional question about the suggested VF magnifier;
Does it only magnify the RF patch or also the rest of the VF? I think the first (hence the easy-to-remove way of assembly) but it will add additional things to do when making a picture. I am not sure it will work out for me that way...
mfunnell
Shaken, so blurred
I would suggest just using the camera as-is before buying a VF magnifier, and only getting one if you find a problem that needs solving. Maybe more for the size of the 90mm framelines than for focus accuracy. I can put focus where I want it using the Hexar RF and my 75 Summilux, so I shouldn't think a 90/2.8 would pose too many problems.
...Mike
...Mike
amateriat
We're all light!
Don't know about combat conditions, but I've hauled my pair of Hexars around the country with nary a hiccup, and quite a few rolls run through them, over the last seven years. Still love 'em.
- Barrett
- Barrett
Gary Sandhu
Well-known
Don't worry about the bartteries until you've shot a 100 rolls (130?).
sniki
Well-known
It magnifies all the frame; anyway, you have also to consider that Hexar VF has a RF Baselength x Magnification of (only) 0,60.
