Re: [Leica]Konica Hexar...It ain't no Leica..

["Tom Schofield" <tdschofield@email.msn.com>]

I fondled the Hexar RF on my lunch break today.  I would agree with most of
the comments I have read here.  I don't mind the square shape, and I don't
think you could ask for anything quieter in a focal plane shuttered motor
driven camera.  The way you have to change the shutter speeds with your
thumb while the camera is held to the eye was awkward, but I'd probably get
used to it.

Two main criticisms:

1.  There is no left side frame line for the 28mm lines -- only a very short
notch on the upper left corner.  I think this would be very difficult to
frame accurately with.

2.  I tried the Tri-Elmar on it, as I had thought that may make a nice
combination.  This was a big disappointment.  The frame lines would not
properly snap into place as you changed focal lengths.  As you moved from
28mmto 50mm, when the lens clicked into the 50mm setting the frame lines
were 1/2 way between.  You have to turn it past the 50mm setting, then back
to click in.  Similarly, when moving form 50mm to 35mm, the frame lines did
not go into place when you click into the 35mm setting.  You have to push
the 1/8 " or so that you can go further, then bring it back into the click
stop to get the frame lines to go into place.

Price was $2000 in the kit, but with a mint used M6 on the shelf with a
$1500 sticker that you could probably negotiate to $1300 or $1400, it is
difficult to go with the Hexar.

Tom Schofield