Konica Hexar AF

deadwolfbones · 12-16-2010, 10:29 PM

So... was randomly gifted one of these today. From what I've read so far at photo.net, etc, it appears this is a bit of a cult camera, and apparently quite valuable. The lens glass is in very good shape, and the body cosmetics are good except for some normal wear on the baseplate and some scratches on top near the hotshoe. Unfortunately the battery is dead, so I can't tell yet if it actually works, but if it does this is a pretty cool gift, I think.

Does anyone here have any experience with this camera? Would love to hear some personal anecdotes...

wlachan · 12-17-2010, 12:54 AM

I have never had the luck owing this camera, but it was pretty hot back then and considered on par with the Contax T2, Nikon 35Ti & Leica Minilux. I would shoot some film right away if I were you.

deadwolfbones · 12-17-2010, 02:14 PM

Good news! Picked up a battery ($14!) and the camera appears to work perfectly.

**ChrisPlatt** · 12-17-2010, 03:07 PM

I have owned one for a few years. It has become one of my favorite cameras.

Though basic operation is straightforward advanced functions are not.
However this is one camera that is worth the fairly steep learning curve.

I thought the 1/250th maximum shutter speed would be a problem
but in use it has never been, using ISO 400 and slower films.

AF and metering are very accurate; just watch those stray fingers.

The 35/2 lens is fabulous, often justifiably compared to Leitz.

Enjoy yours!

Chris

jake.astig · 12-17-2010, 06:48 PM

That is a great camera!

AF is very quick and the metering is spot on.

You have a choice of Program, Aperture Priority and Manual modes.

The lens is as good as the classic Leica 35/2 Summicrons.

I can handhold it to about 1/10s in low light.

It's very quiet and it even has a quieter stealth mode that just turns you into a ninja when shooting street/docu scenes.

When you finish the roll, it spools the film back into the canister and it pauses a bit before the end so that you can open the back and the film leader tongue is still out. Very useful when you develop your own film. You don't have to destroy the film cassette.

I consider it the perfect point and shoot. The only drawback is the size.

johnny9fingers · 12-17-2010, 08:54 PM

The Hexar AF is a wonderful camera, and my favorite film camera. It is silent, auto focus is blazing fast, (it will focus quickly & accurately IN THE DARK!!!) and the metering is dead on. Once you have a little experience with it you don't even have to bring it to you eye to catch the quick candid shot. Like this one,

[IMG]

[/IMG]

I just put the camera behind my back, took general aim and fired....
You will enjoy this camera.

John

12-16-2010, 10:29 PM	#1
deadwolfbones Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: La Crescenta, CA Posts: 7,450	Konica Hexar AF So... was randomly gifted one of these today. From what I've read so far at photo.net, etc, it appears this is a bit of a cult camera, and apparently quite valuable. The lens glass is in very good shape, and the body cosmetics are good except for some normal wear on the baseplate and some scratches on top near the hotshoe. Unfortunately the battery is dead, so I can't tell yet if it actually works, but if it does this is a pretty cool gift, I think. Does anyone here have any experience with this camera? Would love to hear some personal anecdotes...

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12-17-2010, 12:54 AM	#2
wlachan Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Canada Photos: Albums Posts: 2,625	I have never had the luck owing this camera, but it was pretty hot back then and considered on par with the Contax T2, Nikon 35Ti & Leica Minilux. I would shoot some film right away if I were you.

12-17-2010, 02:14 PM	#3
deadwolfbones Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: La Crescenta, CA Posts: 7,450 Original Poster	Good news! Picked up a battery ($14!) and the camera appears to work perfectly.

12-17-2010, 03:07 PM	#4
ChrisPlatt Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Rockaway Beach NYC Posts: 7,694	I have owned one for a few years. It has become one of my favorite cameras. Though basic operation is straightforward advanced functions are not. However this is one camera that is worth the fairly steep learning curve. I thought the 1/250th maximum shutter speed would be a problem but in use it has never been, using ISO 400 and slower films. AF and metering are very accurate; just watch those stray fingers. The 35/2 lens is fabulous, often justifiably compared to Leitz. Enjoy yours! Chris

12-17-2010, 06:48 PM	#5
jake.astig Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Philippines Posts: 160	That is a great camera! AF is very quick and the metering is spot on. You have a choice of Program, Aperture Priority and Manual modes. The lens is as good as the classic Leica 35/2 Summicrons. I can handhold it to about 1/10s in low light. It's very quiet and it even has a quieter stealth mode that just turns you into a ninja when shooting street/docu scenes. When you finish the roll, it spools the film back into the canister and it pauses a bit before the end so that you can open the back and the film leader tongue is still out. Very useful when you develop your own film. You don't have to destroy the film cassette. I consider it the perfect point and shoot. The only drawback is the size.

12-17-2010, 08:54 PM	#6
johnny9fingers Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: NW Wisconsin Photos: Albums Posts: 169	The Hexar AF is a wonderful camera, and my favorite film camera. It is silent, auto focus is blazing fast, (it will focus quickly & accurately IN THE DARK!!!) and the metering is dead on. Once you have a little experience with it you don't even have to bring it to you eye to catch the quick candid shot. Like this one, [IMG] [/IMG] I just put the camera behind my back, took general aim and fired.... You will enjoy this camera. John