Need help regarding the Hexar AF (fixed lens)

[trev2401]

Hi all..


Recently, work requires me to get an almost silent camera for shooting in a sound stage/studio..... I've been using an M6 with a 35 for quite a while, and even the shhhhtok of the shutter going can be picked up by the "!$!"# microphones.

As such, I'm looking for a Konica Hexar AF... famous for its silent/stealth modes. I've been reading aroudn on the internet, searching the wealth of websites dedicated to the hexar af's cult like status. However, i'm confused as to this aspect:


1. Can the stealth mode be programmed into both the black (standard) versions and the Silver classic versions?
I read that the silver classic versions cannot be programmed to have the silent film advance/shutter thingy... but have seen lots of FS adds of silver versions saying that the silent mode has been programmed in.

2. Can the black standard version still be updated by konica (USA/Worldwide)?

3. Is it safe to say that ALL versions of the hexar AF are basically the same where users can update/upgrade the camera's roms by themselves to include AEB, Infrared focusing, shaving, microwaving your meal, with certain button combinations?

apologies if these questions have been answered elsewhere.

Appreciate the help and time.

Thanks!

 

[pvdhaar]

Stealth mode is standard in black Hexar AF
Stealth mode can be programmed in silver Hexar AF

Programming is a fairly straightforward sequence of button presses, detailed on photo net: http://photo.net/photo/hexar.html

 

[Meakin]

I´m not sure that the hexar af would be that much more silent in your situation.

The shutter is, yes - but even in stealth mode the film wind does make some noise. You can keep it from winding by keeping the shutter button pressed down (but you'll have to let go eventually for the next shot).

In your situation - I would be looking for a "camera blimp" if availble, for the M6 instead.

With that being said. The black hexar has silent mode by default.

Yes I do think that you can reprogram all Hexars to silent mode. (there is a thread on it on photo.net somewhere)

As to the rest of your questions ?? - maybe somebody else can help.

hope it helps,

Cheers,

Meakin

 

[trev2401]

hey guys..

thanks for the replies..... OMG the hexar thread on pnet is 12 years OLD!!!

 

[agricola]

trev
that thread on photonet, however old, is a gem. I have the silver - it was programmed to silent mode before I got it from KEH - it is so quiet that I do not use silent much because I cannot tell if I have taken a shot! (of course you can look at the film counter - assuming you remember what number you were at before - not so silly, try it!)

 

[agricola]

P.S. I have an M4 - I know when its shutter goes off - lovely sound. But the Hexar AF in silent mode is just that.

 

[kievman]

I know you proabably only considering film cameras, but if digital isn't completely out of the picture, my Kodak P880 prosumer EVLR is so quiet it is it is soundless!!!! thats with sound turned off of course!!!!!!!!!!!!! - M