Released in 1999, the Konica Hexar RF is the most advanced analogue M-mount rangefinder camera ever made, far surpassing the Minolta CLE and all of Leica’s analogue cameras that came after. Let’s have a closer look!
Handling
Of all the analogue M-mount cameras the Hexar RF is probably the easiest one to use as it features aperture priority mode as well as automatic film transport.
Looking at the shutter speed dial you may notice something else: a minimum shutter speed of 1/4000s which is another stand out feature among the analogue M-mount cameras (Leica M: 1/1000s, Minolta CLE: 1/1000s, Zeiss Ikon ZM: 1/2000s).
At the front you have the frameline preview lever as well as the lens release button. With the lens release button you have to be careful though: it is not recessed as on e.g. the Leica M6, meaning it is more likely you accidentally press it.
The back is extremely minimalistic with no controls at all. There is a small window telling you which film you loaded. Talking about film loading: it is also very simple here, way easier than on the Leica M cameras.
The rangefinder features the same frameline pairings (28/90, 35/135 and 50/75) as Leica’s recent M cameras.
Impressions
Some of you may remember: I already considered getting a Hexar RF before, but I didn’t get one, as it was said they are pretty much unrepairable. A reader of mine found someone in China who does seem to be able to repair these and decided to take the risk.
I am well aware the limitations of Leica’s M-mount cameras and that them being mostly mechanical is part of the fun for many owners, but I still think there would also be place for a technologically advanced alternative like this. I am pretty sure one day a Chinese company will step in, until then this Hexar RF will remain the most advanced analogue M-mount camera and it sure is a lot of fun to use.
buy a Hexar RF from ebay.com | ebay.de starting at $1100
Sample pictures
Further Reading
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Very cool! I own a Hexar RF too and it is my only interchangeable lens film body. On top of all those advanced techs, the x0.6 magnification viewfinder is really friendly to ppl who wear glasses like me. I can finally see the 28mm frameline!
Hexar RF have always been tempting to me and the irrepairability put me off too.
I am a bit confused though. Is it your camera does it belong to reader of yours?
Nice subtle colours from those negative films btw!
Was a reader’s!
It’s an incredible camera that served me well and has always been reliable.
I also own some Leicas, but I’d say that the Hexar RF perfectly combines Leica’s “Das Wesentliche” approach with some comfort-features.
The result is a camera that gets in your way even less than an M7.
Last sentence is exactly what I just told another reader.