The Konica Hexar is a high-quality camera with a fixed lens that was aimed at ambitious photographers. It was introduced in 1993 and built in a factory in Japan. Nowadays, it is also often referred to as the Konica Hexar AF.
Lens and Focusing
The Konica Hexar is equipped with a fixed 35mm f/2 lens, consisting of seven elements in six groups. The aperture can be closed down to f/22.
The camera uses an infrared autofocus system for focusing, which is complemented by manual focusing. The focus range extends from 0.6 meters to infinity.
A retractable metal lens hood is integrated into the lens.
Exposure and Shutter
Exposure measurement is carried out via an SPD photodiode, which enables both center-weighted metering (approx. 15 degrees) and spot metering (approx. 4 degrees).
Photographers can choose between three exposure modes: Program Auto (P), Aperture Priority Auto (A), and Manual (M).
The exposure metering range varies depending on the mode. In P mode, it ranges from EV 7 to EV 16, in A mode from EV 0 to EV 16, and in M mode from EV -3 to EV 17.
The shutter speeds range from 30 seconds to 1/250 second, and there is also a T Bulb function for long exposures.
Flash and Other Features
A flash can be connected to the camera's hot shoe.
When using Program Auto mode, the Konica Hexar supports variable aperture synchronization. In conjunction with a special Konica flash unit, the camera automatically sets the aperture as soon as the flash is fully charged. Conventional flash units can also be used in Aperture Priority Auto and Manual modes.
Other features of the camera include focus lock, exposure compensation of ±2 EV in 1/3 stops, and manual setting of the critical shutter speed during camera movement.
A particular highlight is the "Silent Mode," which enables slower but significantly quieter film transport, shutter wind-up, and autofocus, making the camera almost silent. This mode is activated by holding down the MF button while switching on the camera.
Furthermore, the camera features an automatic shut-off function after two hours of inactivity, a self-timer with a delay of approximately 10 seconds, and a tripod socket.
Dimensions and Film
The camera's dimensions are 137.5 x 76.5 x 64.5 mm without the date function and 137.5 x 76.5 x 67.5 mm with the date function. The weight is 495 grams without the battery.
The Konica Hexar supports DX-coded films with a sensitivity from ISO 25 to ISO 5000. The film sensitivity can also be set manually from ISO 6 to ISO 6400.
A good color film for the camera is Kodak Gold 200*. For those who prefer black and white photos, the Ilford Delta 100* is a good choice.
The automatic film transport automatically advances the film after loading and rewinds it at the end, with the option for premature rewinding. For landscape shots, films with a low ISO are recommended, while films with a medium ISO are suitable for portraits, and high ISO films for sports photography.
Batteries
A 2CR5 battery (eBay / Amazon*) is required to operate the camera. This battery type is very easy to find online. According to Konica, one battery is sufficient for approximately 200 rolls of 24-exposure film.
Date Function
Some models of the Konica Hexar were available with a date function, also known as "Auto Date" or "Quartz Date." This allowed the date or time to be exposed directly onto the negative. Models with this feature were rarer than the standard versions.
The date function could also be deactivated if needed, either by making the appropriate settings or by removing the battery for the date function.
The date and time could be set using buttons on the camera body. The calendar extends to the year 2019.
Quick Guide for the Konica Hexar
- Loading the Film: Open the back cover, insert the film, and pull the film leader to the mark. Close the back cover.
- Turning On: Turn the camera on. The film will automatically advance to the first frame. Set the film speed manually if necessary.
- Mode Selection: Select the desired shooting mode (P, A, or M) using the main switch.
- Focusing: Aim the autofocus frame at the subject and press the shutter button halfway down to focus and measure exposure.
- Taking the Shot: Press the shutter button all the way down to take the picture.
- Rewinding: At the end of the film roll, the camera will automatically rewind the film. Alternatively, you can rewind the film manually.
