Pull the trigger?

[pagpow]

So here I am, walking by a camera store specializing in used cameras. Don't expect to find anything. Not looking to buy anything. Just looking.

And there, in the front row, is a black Hexar RF. Feels good in the hand (yes, of course I walked in and asked to handle it), functions, has a year's guarantee, priced reasonably.

I thought I was done buying film cameras, not because I'm abandoning film, but because I think 100 cameras may do for my foreseeable film needs (I know some of you will find this a rash statement, but there it is. I'm even considering reducing that number because, well just because)

I've reviewed features, read about the VF some complain about, read about the reported Leica lens M mount dimensional difference, read pans and plaudits from folks who have actually used them. Worried about repairs.

Using my last shout out before deciding.

What should I consider that I may not have in making this decision?

 

[pvdhaar]

...functions, has a year's guarantee, priced reasonably..

So, what's the question? I'd say: get it!

 

[pb908]

if you like to use 50mm, better get bigger magnification VF such 0.72x or more. but if you like 35mm and maybe 28mm, it is the best finder you can get. I use 35mm a lot and find out that Hexar RF vf is the best, i can say better than my M2 (0.72x, there are limited scene outside of frameline).

you get AE/L, 1/4000s, TITANIUM (I don't want to buy titanium slr as they are priced to high, but thinking of hexar RF, you get it for "free" for the price you pay, which I believe much lower than any leica with meter), the finder never flare (try googling this problem on leica forum, other than M2/M3,MP, you'll get a lot!)

i was thinking to let my hexar RF go when I got M2 (again), but at the end, I'll keep both, Hexar RF as the workhorse while M2 as backup camera.
I had once the patch went out of alignment, but once I recalibrate it, it match with any lens I have. no problem with compatibility to leica/voigtlander lenses.

go get it !!!

 

[Chinasaur]

Dooo Eeett! My ZI is a few % "better" for "me" than the RF. But if I'd never had the Zeiss, I would not know the difference. Just get it. Life's to short to agonize over the little things...

Better rethink dropping your camera inventory below 100 though. Cause if you do..you'll only have 90 or 85 or so...

Best of luck 😉

 

[pagpow]

Hi,

I am sooooo surprised at the direction of advice; so unusual for here.😎

But, actually, I greatly appreciate the details in the answers.

More? any naysayers at all?

Giorgio

 

[Thardy]

I was going to say not to bother since you have so many film cameras already, then I looked at one on eBay. What a great looking camera!

 

[hlockwood]

So here I am, walking by a camera store specializing in used cameras. Don't expect to find anything. Not looking to buy anything. Just looking.

And there, in the front row, is a black Hexar RF. Feels good in the hand (yes, of course I walked in and asked to handle it), functions, has a year's guarantee, priced reasonably.

I thought I was done buying film cameras, not because I'm abandoning film, but because I think 100 cameras may do for my foreseeable film needs (I know some of you will find this a rash statement, but there it is. I'm even considering reducing that number because, well just because)

I've reviewed features, read about the VF some complain about, read about the reported Leica lens M mount dimensional difference, read pans and plaudits from folks who have actually used them. Worried about repairs.

Using my last shout out before deciding.

What should I consider that I may not have in making this decision?

Well, that guarantee: who's going to fix it if it needs repair? My HRF (a great camera) needs repair and will go to Japan (Japan Exposures) if they have the part. Greg Weber fixes HRFs but not if it needs parts. And how reasonably was it priced?

Harry

 

[sepiareverb]

Repairs are the thing- if you are happy to be out the cost after the years warranty is up go for it. Mine was months and months at the last remaining 'official' US repair shop for naught. In the end it was worthless.

 

[pagpow]

And how reasonably was it priced?

Harry

Hi Harry,

It was 430 euros, which came out to $100 or more less than other price requests I saw, at current exchange rate.

It is all black, looks great -- at New Old Camera in Milan last week; don't know if it is still there. They stand behind their equipment.

I decided not to pull the trigger on the basis of repair concerns.

Thanks all for your info and encouragement.

Giorgio

 

[Gary Sandhu]

Dirk at japan exposures will have it repaired if need be.

 

[hlockwood]

Dirk at japan exposures will have it repaired if need be.

Dirk has been off the air since the earthquake/tsunami. I've had a request in to him to have my HRF repaired, but no response yet.

Harry

Edit: I actually did get a quick response from Dirk, acknowledging my request. But he said that it would be some time before he could follow up.

 

[Chinasaur]

Was out last two days shooting with a funky Industar-61 and the Hexar RF and Zeiss Ikon. The Hexar RF is soooo much nicer to "use". The ZI has the better VF. I am starting to prefer the Hexar RF RF lines over the ZI....for why? Can't tell you...just am.

Buy one.. you WON'T be disappointed.

 

[hlockwood]

Dirk has been off the air since the earthquake/tsunami. I've had a request in to him to have my HRF repaired, but no response yet.

Harry

Edit: I actually did get a quick response from Dirk, acknowledging my request. But he said that it would be some time before he could follow up.

Here is the latest word from Dirk.

"Hi Harry, I'm sorry but I have to suspend the repair service for a while due to some local uncertainties caused by the post disaster situation at the moment.

Regards

Dirk"

Repairing cameras understandably has to take a back seat to other priorities in Japan at this time.

Harry