Sell Me

[kiss-o-matic]

Having a moment here on my lunch break. My main camera was a Zeiss Ikon ZM. Loved it. It crapped out though and the repair bill (with the rangefinder adjustment which it doesn't need IMHO) is $700. Not paying that. I may have it sent to Cosina in Japan at some point but I need an M-Mount w/ 35mm frame lines in the meantime. I have a Minolta CLE which I love but the frame lines are irking me.

I'm going to Japan next week, and the yen is weak. I can get a well-checked, great condition Hexar RF for about $435. If I am happy from an individual, it'll probably be about $335, but maybe some more mystery as to it's condition.

Am I being ridiculous not settling for the CLE? I understand the biggest turn off w/ the Hexar's is getting them repaired, which would be very ironic in this situation. I'm also shooting candid on the streets, and that noise might be an issue.

Thoughts? Anyone wanna set my mind at ease?

 

[Steve Bellayr]

As I recall there may be issues with repairing the CLE as spare parts are no longer being made.

 

[kiss-o-matic]

As I recall there may be issues with repairing the CLE as spare parts are no longer being made.

Right -- but I already have one. 😉

 

[YouAreHere]

You could get a Hexar AF for nearly the same amount, built in 35mm lens, maybe the stealthiest street shooter ever.

 

[BLKRCAT]

Ive taken a peek at the Hexar RF. Now I havent shot it or anything but it seems like a pretty nice package.

Electronic shutter with up to 1/4000 will stay in spec longer than a leica shutter. Lifetime is arguable.

Size is big but since I shoot with my M5 it's a nice size. Very familiar to the M5.

RF and Framelines are nice.

Ive heard its got a titanium construction as well.

If I didnt have my M4/M5 I would look into them for sure. But then again I've never shot it.

 

[Robert Lai]

Why not just bring the M4 / M5?

 

[kiss-o-matic]

Thanks for the input, guys. Wound up not being able to afford one this trip so am living w/ the CLE. So far, not too bothered.

So send it to Cosina while you're here?

Waited too long to send it to Zeiss America (who quoted me $700) so I don't have it. I might ship it over to a friend and have them do all of it for me... or maybe ship it directly to Cosina. 30,000 would definitely be acceptable... especially including the weak yen.

 

[Huss]

Why not get a nice Voigtlander 40mm 1.4 lens for about $300 and use the CLE's 40mm frame lines?
You could sell the 35mm lens which should pay for it and then some, or keep it for something down the road.

 

[Beemermark]

I had the Hexar and the biggest issue was the RF was always going out of adjustment. Many Hexars had this issue. I really loved the camera and ended up using it with a 21mm and zone focusing after the 3rd or 4th RF adjustment (from Konica under warranty). I also liked the CLE and 40mm lens. My issue was there is no simple way to lock in a manual exposure setting. Then someone stole it so it didn't matter. I wouldn't worry about repair on either one.

 

[kiss-o-matic]

I own the 40mm Rokkor that most people use w/ the CLE. It's a stunner... however, i'm a 35mm guy when it comes down to it.