Camera Geekery: The Konica Hexar RF

[@GxAce]

I'm so happy that you've decided to make videos again. These are easily my favorite camera videos. Its great listening to someone who just clearly absolutely loves everything about cameras.

[@japancamerahunter]

Glad you like them!

[@injeolmi6]

Oh, man. This is a nice crossover.

[@tonymontiel3274]

The legend appears

[@Sp33ddialz]

*prices are creeping up* That should literally just be the motto of film photography.

[@Dahrenhorst]

Seeing this, I have to realize, that as a wheelchair user I have a massive advantage over ordinary people: When I'm out out for a photo shooting trip, I can bring many cameras with me without any problem: Bag 1 on the left armrest: 2 modified Kodak 3-A Special (those with the coupled rangefinder and Tessar lens) for 6x14cm panoramas, one with b&w film and the other with color film Bag 2 on the right armrest: 2 Pentacon Six bodies, one with the 50mm Flektogon and b&w film, the other with the 120mm Biometar and color film (sometimes switching the lenses) Bag 3 on the back: My 5x7" camera with lens (usually a 240mm Sironar), tripod, and 10 double holders loaded with photographic paper for reverse paper positives (almost exclusively for street portraits), plus a Moskva 5 with b&w film, and a Fuji GS645 Pro with color film. In my lap: one of my TLRs, at present mostly the Koniflex when I'm out for color pics, or the Voigtländer Brillant S with the Heliar lens when I'm out for b&w pics (sometimes switching the place with one of the Pentacons) In my trouser's pocket: a digital Olympus Tough TG-6 (which is the least used camera of them all). As you see, a lot of film formats, but no 35mm camera ...

[@bullterrier4]

Hi Jeremy thanks for the video. I wrote to you sometime back when my Konica Hexar RF died suddenly with a flashing error code 10 on the top LCD. Camera was bascially dead and would not do anything i.e. load, rewind film or take pictures. You kindly replied that you are no longer able to help me get the camera repaired or looked at so I was basically left with an expensive paper weight on my desk. Recently met up with a professional photographer and he took me to this mall in JKT where they buy, sell and repairs old film cameras. I left my Konica RF there without any real hope it could be revived but after 3 weeks they gave me a call and said my camera is working again. They said they changed a camera sensor and some other small parts and I received a phone video of my friend testing and shooting the camera in the shop. So let me know if you need this contact in case any more Konica RFs require component level fixing. Thanks.

[@Jayysam95]

I recently got into your videos since I’m getting back into film, I love the sense of humour in these videos and the knowledge you provide on these old cameras is truly invaluable.

[@japancamerahunter]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@joellinker9899]

Konica made some fantastic lenses over the years, and it's a real shame they are gone. Not a lot of reviews on the Konica M lenses to be found. Thank you for the great video (s).📷

[@japancamerahunter]

Totally agree. Many thanks.

[@scottparis6355]

The Konica RF, minus possibly the noisy auto-advance feature, is the camera that Leica should have made instead of the (fairly primitive) M6. Easy loading, accurate and simple autoexposure, A modern camera at the time, which the M6 wasn't.

[@brankobelfranin8815]

LOl. Leica is leica.

[@jealius4340]

Voigtlander Bessa R’s also have AE lock. It’s just a button on the back of the camera.

[@filmhowyalike]

My main 35mm camera. I love it so much.

[@白崴]

I usually shot on my m6, but last week I played with Hexar rf in a store, I pretty sure I want this sophisticated machine.

[@Jermzybarra]

Just got my Hexar RF in the mail a couple days ago! I’m so excited to get a lens and start my rangefinder journey

[@TokyoGritandGrain]

Over the last couple years with this camera, what is your take? I'd love to know how it has treated you.

[@Jermzybarra]

@@TokyoGritandGrain well to be honest, I don’t have the camera any more. Don’t get me wrong, i loved it. One day I came home from work and my girlfriend surprised me with a Leica M6 (trust me, I know how ridiculous that sounds) so long story short, I couldn’t justify having two m-mount rangefinders and the Leica has a lot of sentimental value to me, so the Konica had to go. I had it for about a year and I absolutely loved it. At $800 I couldn’t recommend it enough

[@leszek23]

I got my own hexar rf which is almost mint condition. And I love everything about it. It’s a beautiful camera and yes the vf is gorgeous.

[@alexanderkhruzchev2995]

4:18 - Despite its a medium format rangefinder, Mamiya 6 & Mamiya 7 also have AEL mode.

[@japancamerahunter]

This is true. Thanks for the comment.

[@alanpods______8260]

@@japancamerahunter as does the M7

[@basedhalcyon]

I really gotta get me one of these, perfect companion to my R-D1

[@michaelherskovitz4203]

A wonderful video featuring a true classic. Thanks !

[@japancamerahunter]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@kenandersson8777]

Nice video. I have the limited Champaign titan, unfortunately I had to sell the Hexanon 50 f1,2 when I needed to pay a tax dept but that is ok , I will never get rid of Hexar Rf I love it! It is an equal partner to my M6.

[@dustysprockets1505]

I wonder how these will hold up over time, being fully electro. But those Konica lenses might go nicely on my olive Bessa R2. Thanks for the info!

[@shaoshuai_on_film]

Such a beautiful piece of tech. The design and overall colours. Really really wish to get one but hearing the easy to fail mechanisms I think I would rather get a M3

[@Calderonvideo]

Damn you, I wanted one, now the price is going to sky rocket :( :(. Good video as always!!!! More Konica and Minolta stuff!

[@caiodlimaM]

that pepsi gmt is sooooo beautiful

[@composeexpose8009]

The Hexar RF has a tiny electronic switch that detects if the door is closed. When it fails, the camera is bricked. I sold mine 10 years ago with all 4 lenses. I don't think I'd risk getting one now with an extra 10 years of wear on that switch.

[@user-ho8pt4cp3t]

Can you elaborate? Would you buy it in Mint condition? Or you wouldn’t? Any alternatives?

[@tjunglec]

Beautiful video again, thanks Bellamy. One tiny thing - "new" mamiya 6 and 7s have AEL exposure so it's not the only rangefinder to feature that. 🙂

[@AlexIvory]

my baby 😍 the camera obviously

[@john_murch]

I just come here for the Elton John lyrics/memes, "like a camera in the wind"...:)

[@magnusa.5599]

i got one early this year in perfect condition. great little tool! the 1/4000s is absolute gold. i had one issue though: with a 28mm summaron the focus knob cannot go past the frame line lever. not a biggy in most situations though. i just don‘t like the electronic sound of the shutter…

[@japancamerahunter]

Thanks for sharing

It's quite peculiar, isn't it? I'm using it in continuous mode (even though I only shoot single exposures), the three "tone" advance is then reduced to two. It's actually quite interesting, I've never figured out which mechanism is skipped.

[@Brause_Market]

what would be a good price for a body at the moment? 1.3K?

[@oshanefa]

a very cute video . only advice to use more close ups on gear FOR LONGer periods of time .

[@finn4240]

Hey just bought one but do you know if when you leave the camera on it'll disable itself (or at least the lcd)? like the hexar AF's (2 hour interval)? or whats the battery usage of letting it on for IDK a day or something (accidentally)

[@mynewcolour]

“… it has this fantastic swing door” Very amusing 😏

[@rubeneverts7191]

Recently Ricoh announced that they gonna make new analog cameras under the Pentax name. I hope they success and one day release a new M Mount rangefinder. I have a Fujifilm X-Pro3 and to be honest for me that camera feels like the real successor of the Hexar in the digital world but I wish more companies make digital rangefinders.

[@ChannelRejss]

Not sure why you said no other range finder cam has exposure lock. My Mamiya 7 has AEL. Or did you mean 35mm range finders only?

[@japancamerahunter]

I was talking about 35mm rangefinders. Thanks for the comment.

[@etaishomri7482]

great video. would love to hear you about the Leica R8

I find the light meter difficult. You have to constantly question the measured times because the measurement can be tricked very quickly by bright areas. Sometimes it only takes a small reflection in the paint, or a bright house wall in the background. It took me quite a while to find a feeling for the measuring range. A proper multi-field or spot metering would be much more helpful.

[@aarch64]

I have one of these 50mm lenses. It’s a very nice Lens!

[@japancamerahunter]

It really is!

[@donim5801]

Honest question - for the same price point, this or the Minolta CLE? I am torn!!

[@richardhale9664]

Depends on your lens choice. If you want 35 or 50mm go for the Konica. If you want 40mm go for the CLE. They both have 28mm framelines so that is a wash. The Minolta is smaller and lighter and quieter, but has basic manual and AE exposure. The Konica has better exposure system and shutter, but is bigger, heavier and louder. Either way your lens choice should choose for you. The CLE shares many parts with the Minolta SLRs of the time, of which there are many available as spares or repairs, so repairs may be easier.

[@ae4102]

Where did you get those Santa glasses? 😎👍

[@andyvan5692]

the viewfinder's magnification IS important, as this determines if the lens's field of view is fully shown in the rangefinder window, Leica has three of these, 0.62, 0.72 & 0.85x . For example, the 0.85 is good for telephoto lenses (50/60/75/90/105/135) , but falls short of wide lens coverage, the 0.72 on the other hand can go from 28/35 mm all the way to 135mm as the view is not as magnified, the 0.62 can do even more wide, but not as much tele lenses. this is the compromise you have to make! this is set dependent on which Leica model you order, esp the digital series, as some are ONLY one magnification.

[@trels203]

I have one and it's a great camera. Though one issue I've experienced and have seen others online also, is the rangefinder calibration. Theres a great chance it will come in the mail already out of calibration. This might be due to the fact that konica tried to distance itself from the term "m-mount" and market it as something proprietary. There might be differences in the focus cam on the konica lenses over leica ones. This is just a hunch and I hear some experience no such thing. Calibration is easy but it will mark of your body's finish and make you peel back the leatherette to access screws which will weaken the adhesive and is a bummer. Other than that great camera.

[@heresmyurl]

You can focus the rangefinder without moving the leatherette and removing the top plate. You just access the screws from the hole in the top of the camera.

[@trels203]

@@heresmyurl the only problem is the plug for the hole is super snug. I cant find a way to remove it without marking the finish

[@cheungarrie123]

@@trels203 Pry it open with plastic tools from phone repair kit, real easy and leaves no mark. And I don’t think the RF went out of calibration in the mail - it is just like that. If your Hexar doesn’t have a curly protector around the lens release button, that means your camera was from early production batches, like mine. Mounting Leica glass without adjusting the RF usually means infinity alignment in the finder can not be reached. Rumor has it Konica fixed the issue with the later batches - with that protector around lens release.

[@AlexSmith-ln1tv]

My zeiss ikon zm has AE lock, but in an awkward position

[@user-ms8qg2rz5s]

Can this work with sth like Leica 135mm f2.8?

[@arieruseee]

Please do a Voigtlander Bessa lineup! 😀😀

[@toothyweasel2705]

Would you say in 2023 if it’s worth getting this camera or is the failure rate just too high now?

[@mchgst]

Lovely video! I always like this camera but ended up buying a G2 instead, and eventually sold it some years ago because I was afraid it was going to become a nice paperweight. Off topic: I worked in the eyewear industry for some years and can't help myself noticing you are wearing some "asian fit" glasses. Those are made with much bigger nose supports, and they sit a lot higher on your nose then they should. :)

[@MrChomiq]

Ahh Hexar RF, too bad we won't see a modern digital version of this or an updated R-D1. Wake up Cosina!

[@dashonaubrey1321]

Minolta CLE review next?

[@jintakhan]

Bessa bodies have AE hold buttons on the rear.

[@japancamerahunter]

This is true. At the time of release it was the only 35mm RF camera with the feature.

[@EM-ve9bh]

So would this camera be fully compatible with Leica M lenses?

Well, the reports differ. I shoot a DR Summicron on it with no apparent ill effects, though the googles won't fit unless one removes a little plastic stabiliser that also needs to be gone to be fit M6TTL/M7. Due to the lower magnification finder though I mostly shoot 28mm and 35mm which, presumably, would have even less issue with being slightly off when focusing.

[@belivmi]

The xpan too has AEL

[@Aldrichjgv]

Bessa r3m and contax g2 also have AEL

[@MrTwisted1615]

My Contax G1 which came out in 1994 also has AEL

[@jonathanscroggins2481]

Bro you raised the price up on these overnight pls stop

[@DecentGatsby]

Fun fact: *there’s a half frame version*

[@weisserth]

4:28 Not true. The Contax G1 and G2 have that AEL too. It's even located and designed the same way on the body. And yes, the G1 and G2 are proper range finder cameras - albeit fully automatic range finders.

[@OshuLuna]

here before the leica fans /s

[@lockeempty4333]

the worst thing about the konica m-mount lenses are that their flange focal distance is not the same as other m-mount lenses... doesnt work well on bessa / lecia bodies

Do you own one and suffer from this particular issue, or just repeating what you've read on the internet? I'm not asking just to be prickly, serious question. Because I have the RF and an M2 and use same lenses on both without issues.

[@lockeempty4333]

@ No worries mate. I've had the 50mm f/2 and the focus were always off when it looked right in the finder, tested it on bessa & m bodies. Brought it to a reputable repair shop and they concluded that the flange distance is not the same as other m mount lenses. The only way to get it working they said, was to modify the lens (basically grind it down). They also told me it was a common theme for this series of lenses by Konica.

[@janjasiewicz9851]

Bellamy - you forgot - the Contax G1 from 1994 had AEL!

[@japancamerahunter]

It's not actually a true rangefinder though.

[@janjasiewicz9851]

@@japancamerahunter I knew that was coming Jeremy!! btw i immensely enjoy your videos..keep them coming..

[@izzwizamahjah275]

I regret selling mine everyday

[@melotron91]

all that was missing around your neck was a Fuji GX680 :3

[@MilanPetrovic1987]

Get a decent lav mic already! The exterior audio is always a disaster. Great videos otherwise! Cheers

[@japancamerahunter]

Buy some merch then. That way we can improve the quality.

[@MilanPetrovic1987]

@@japancamerahunter Oh come on. BTW They sell the JCH film here in Serbia and I bought it as a sign of support, that counts! There's no need to take offense. I'm here since day one and I enjoy the information you provide.

[@pepelepew271]

@@japancamerahunter always salty 🧂🧂🧂

[@123oner2]

No need to take offence, don't come in with such a dick comment then. Getting all his content for nothing and you're out here barking orders. Child

[@superultrafabulous]

AEL Lock is a feature of the Contax G2, a true rangefinder 😐😃

[@Nerdzombiedisco]

Nah. True rangefinders have focus cams that can be manually moved from the lens. G1 & G2 are autofocus fashion cameras for non-pros.

[@superultrafabulous]

you speak in ignorance

[@Nerdzombiedisco]

@@superultrafabulous Nope, we repair rangefinders at our business. You need some education.

[@chevalierduval5759]

I think it comes down to the definition of rangefinder in the camera context. Of course every RF device which delivers a correct distance measurement is a RF. Be it ultrasonic, infrared, radar, laser, or optical. And supported by electronic readout or fully manually. Technically speaking any AF capable camera has a RF solution. Also the Contax G line. But the term in photographic context, which got wide spread renown with Leica brand, is meant as an optical RF with manual 2nd image alignment.

[@spanishjohn420]

baggy jeans are back in now

[@Seapatico]

No no! I was about to buy one of these! Take this down! Lol. The price is gonna suddenly go up by $200 🤪

[@jsshayes1]

Exactly what I thought. haha. But I already have one. :)

[@Socrates...]

would be nice with a 1:1 viewfinder

[@kennethlee1977]

the R8 looks so sexy

[@sebvz89]

i prefer the cle. it's between the hexar and m6

[@FranzSchuier]

snarky comment sorry: My mamiya 7ii has AEL as well ;-)

[@msg3415]

Sweeet.

[@eddyjcreative100]

Down side to this camera is the 1/250 of sec..

[@scon1425]

You are thinking of the Hexar AF. This is the RF and has a max shutter of 1/4000th, so quite the opposite. The shutter speed is one of the biggest advantages.

[@Tenskwatawa4U]

Love the review AND the music, but it's too loud, making it distracting. Uh-uh!

[@ductritran8637]

Better than Leica , more practical, lighter , better shutter speed , faster load and unload , quieter shutter …. I owned many Leica but if I’m shooting wedding then this camera handout beat Leica in every way .

[@waltertomashefsky2682]

Holding that chord for the entire length of the soundtrack was… well it was so obnoxious that I couldn’t watch all the way to the end of the video. And I used to own the Konica RF.

[@outtathyme5679]

The background music renders this video unwatchable

[@GONZOFAM7]

It is distracting. Had to really listen through it to enjoy.