Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1999/10/14

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Subject: [Leica] Konica USA - Hexar RF
From: "Tim Atherton" <timphoto@nt.sympatico.ca>
Date: Thu, 14 Oct 1999 15:55:41 -0600

From Konica USA


> KONICA INTRODUCES THE HIGH PERFORMANCE HEXAR RF --
> THE HEXAR WITH INTERCHANGEABLE LENSES
>
> Mahwah, NJ $B!&(BOctober 15, 1999 -- Konica announces the release of
the HEXAR
> RF -- an interchangeable lens 35-mm focal-plane shutter camera with
> rangefinder designed for advanced-amateur and professional photographers.
> Combining the freedom of its manual mode with various automatic functions
> such as aperture-priority AE and continuous shooting, the HEXAR
> RF provides
> optimum photographic effectiveness and artistic expression.
>  This flagship product was developed in response to strong user
> demand for a
> HEXAR camera with interchangeable lenses.  In addition to a superior group
> of M-Hexanon lenses, the HEXAR RF achieves high shock and corrosion
> resistance through the use of a die-cast body and titanium cover.  The
> acronym RF symbolizes two vital components of the HEXAR RF.   The
> "R" stands
> for the double-image-superimposing rangefinder with a high-visibility
> bright-frame that enables the camera to measure distances accurately.  The
> "F" refers to the camera$BCT(B durable vertical focal plane shutter,
which
> operates at super-fast 1/4000 of a second.
> Aperture-priority AE and manual aperture mode can be selected,
> and accurate
> aperture adjustment is achieved through a TTL center-weighted aperture
> photometer.  The camera also comes with an AE lock function for a broader
> variety of image expressions using aperture adjustments.
> -more-
>
>
> HEXAR RF /Page2
>
> $BE5(Bhe HEXAR RF is perhaps our most anticipated camera
introduction,$B!&(Bsays Joe
> Tibensky, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Konica Photo Imaging.
$BE5(Bhe
> HEXAR name has become synonymous with superior photographic capability and
> operability among true photo enthusiasts.  And now, the HEXAR RF, with the
> ability to change lenses, gives serious photographers technical
> satisfaction
> and more options for photographic expression.  This camera truly
> represents
> the epitome of our camera technology, design and imaging
expertise.$B!&(B
>  The HEXAR RF is capable of shutter speeds of up to 1/4000 second and
> continuous shooting at 2.5 frames/second. In combination with the
> unparalleled M-HEXANON lens series, the HEXAR RF achieves
> functionality on a
> par with single-lens reflex cameras.
> The HEXAR RF is the perfect tool for all enthusiastic
> photographers seeking
> supreme image quality.
>  Konica has developed three interchangeable M-HEXANON lenses for use with
> the HEXAR RF body. The wide-angle 28mm/f2.8 lens uses eight elements in
> seven groups. Each element is made of low-dispersion glass with a high
> refractive index, resulting in a high-performance lens capable of superb
> imaging. The standard 50mm/f2 lens has the brightest aperture setting (f2)
> in this series. The 90mm/f2.8 telephoto lens is amazingly small and
> lightweight, given its focal length. This model provides a level of
> portability normally found only in standard and wide-angle lenses and is
> perfect for a variety of uses. In addition, each of these three lenses
> produces images of excellent sharpness and richness.
>  Designed for the HEXAR RF is the specialized HX-18W electronic flash,
> a compact model that provides light up to guide number 18 (ISO100m/full
> luminescence). This flash provides a wide field of illumination,
> allowing a
> viewing angle of up to 28 mm without the need for special wide
> attachments.
> HEXAR RF /Page 3
>
> The HEXAR RF kit includes the HX-18W electronic flash, as well as
> the camera
> body and a 50mm/f2.0 M-HEXANON lens.  This kit which is packaged in an
> elegant, velvet-lined wood box has an MSRP of $2,500.
>  Konica Photo Imaging, Inc., based in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, is a
> leading manufacturer and marketer of Konica brand 35mm color print film,
> 35mm cameras, Advanced Photo System color print film, Advanced
> Photo System
> cameras, single-use cameras, color print paper, Nice Print Minilabs,
> videotape, digital cameras, digital scanners, digital imaging systems and
> ink jet papers.  Konica also provides wholesale photofinishing services.
>  For additional product information, or to reach a Konica sales
> representative, call
> 1-800-7-KONICA, or visit the company$BCT(B web site at www.konica.com.
> ###
>
> # # #
>  Major Specifications of the HEXAR RF
>
> Type 35mm interchangeable lens rangefinder focal-plane shutter camera
> Auto-exposure system Aperture-priority AE or manual, selectable using
> shutter dial; AE lock possible
> Format 24 x 36mm (using 135 film)
> Lenses (interchangeable) M-HEXANON lenses (28mm/f2.8, 50mm/f2.0,
> 90mm/f2.8)
> Lens mount Konica KM bayonet mount
> Viewfinder Real-image, rangefinder; reverse Galilean
> Viewfinder magnification 0.6x
> Rangefinder Split-image, double-image superimposing rangefinder
> Viewing frame Automatic bright-frame conversion; compatible with
> 28mm, 35mm,
> 50mm, 75mm, 90mm, 135mm; automatic parallax compensation (0.7m - 8)
> Field of vision 85% (at 3m)
> Viewfinder display LED display
> Shutter speed (1/4 - 1/4000 sec., 1EV step)
> Exposure compensation mark
> Shutter Electronic vertical focal-plane shutter (16-1/4000 sec.)
> Shutter speed Auto: 16 - 1/4000 sec.(continuous adjustment)
> Manual: B(Bulb), 1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/15, 1/30, 1/60, 1/125, 1/250, 1/500,
> 1/1000, 1/2000, 1/4000 sec.
> Flash sync contact Direct X contact, synchronises at less than 1/125 sec;
> Flash synchronisation speed: 1/125 sec. with AE, less than 1/125
> sec.  with
> manual exposure
> Light measurement system TTL real aperture photometry
> (center-weighted light
> reading)
> Film speed Automatically sets for ISO 25-5000 DX-coded films;
> manual setting
> for ISO 6-6400 films
> Exposure compensation $B%"(B2EV, 1/3 step
> Film transport Automatic advance (during continuous shooting, 2.5
> frames per
> sec.),  rewinding and mid-roll rewinding possible (Turning off the main
> switch halts rewinding midway)
> Rewind time Approx. 13 sec. (36-exposure film)
> Battery life Approx. 140 rolls of  36-exposure film
> Power supply Two 3V lithium batteries (CR2)
> Other Self-timer; direct-contact accessory shoe; cable release socket
> Dimensions and weight 139.5 x 80 x 35mm (5.5 x 3.2 x 1.4 in.), 560g(19.8
> oz.)
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>  M-HEXANON Lens Specifications
>
> 28mm/f2.8
> Focal length 28mm
> Aperture ratio 1:2.8
> Lens configuration 7 groups, 8 elements
> Field of view 75.7$B!<(B
> Focus range 0.7m (2ft 4in.) - 8
> Aperture range 2.8-22 (with click-stop for every half stop)
> Aperture blades 10
> Mount Konica KM bayonet mount
> Filter diameter 46mm
> Dimensions Diameter 55.4 mm (2.2 in.) max;  Length 40.4mm (1.6 in.)
> Weight 230g ( 8.1 oz.)
> Accessories Lens cap; mount cap; hood(removable); case
>
>
> 50mm/f2
> Focal length 50mm
> Aperture ratio 1:2
> Lens configuration 5 groups, 6 elements
> Field of view 44.8$B!<(B
> Focus range 0.7m (2ft 4in.) - 8
> Aperture range 2-16 (with click-stop for every half stop)
> Aperture blades 10
> Mount Konica KM bayonet mount
> Filter diameter 40.5mm
> Dimensions Diameter 54 mm (2.1 in.) max; Length 43.5mm (1.7 in.)
> Weight 255g (9 oz.)
> Accessories Lens cap; mount cap; case
>
>  M-HEXANON Lens Specifications
>
> 90mm/f2.8
> Focal length 90mm
> Aperture ratio 1:2.8
> Lens configuration 4 groups, 5 elements
> Field of view 26.5$B!<(B
> Focus range 1m (3 ft 4 in) - 8
> Aperture range 2.8-22 (with click-stop for every half stop)
> Aperture blades 10
> Mount Konica KM bayonet mount
> Filter diameter 46mm
> Dimensions Diameter 55 mm (2.2 in.) max; Length 69mm (2.7 in.)
> Weight 330g (11.6 oz.)
> Accessories Lens cap; mount cap; case
>
> The above specifications are based on Konica test results.
> Camera specifications and external appearances are subject to
> change without
> notice.