Konica Hexar RF

The Konica Hexar RF is a 35mm rangefinder camera known for its high-quality build and compatibility with M-mount lenses. It was introduced in 1999.

Lens

The Konica Hexar RF is typically sold without a standard lens, as it is designed for use with interchangeable lenses.

It uses the M-mount, which supports a wide range of lenses from various manufacturers, including Konica itself with its M-Hexanon series.

The camera offers both manual focus and a rangefinder for precise focusing. The photographer adjusts the lens’s focus ring until the image in the viewfinder appears clear and sharp by aligning the double images.

Exposure Settings

The Konica Hexar RF features Through-The-Lens (TTL) metering, which measures the light entering through the lens to ensure accurate exposure.

The camera supports Aperture Priority AE, where the photographer selects the aperture and the camera automatically sets the appropriate shutter speed. Additionally, there is a manual mode where both aperture and shutter speed must be set manually, giving the photographer full creative control.

Shutter speeds in auto mode range from 1/4000 second to 16 seconds. In manual mode, shutter speeds from 1/4000 second to one second are possible, as well as a Bulb (B) setting for long exposures.

The camera has exposure compensation from -2 EV to +2 EV in 1/3-EV increments to adjust exposure in difficult lighting conditions. The meter is center-weighted.

Flash System

The Konica Hexar RF has a hot shoe and a Direct-X contact for connecting external flash units. With the dedicated HX-18W flash, the camera can synchronize to a shutter speed of 1/125 second in Auto (AE) mode.

When using other flash units, the shutter speed can be manually set to 1/125 second or slower. Various flash modes are available via the dedicated flash (HX-18W), including automatic and manual power control.

Additional Features

The Konica Hexar RF has a self-timer with a 10-second delay, indicated by an LED.

It also has a tripod thread for attaching to a tripod to avoid camera shake during longer exposures. Another feature is the possibility of using a cable release. There is an AE Lock (AEL) function.

Dimensions and Weight

The dimensions of the Konica Hexar RF are 139.5 mm x 80 mm x 35 mm. The weight of the camera is 560 grams without batteries. The weight of the lens, film, and batteries must also be added.

Batteries

The Konica camera requires two CR2 batteries (eBay / Amazon*) for operation. These batteries are very easy to find online. A set of batteries lasts for approximately 100 rolls of film, each with 36 exposures.

Film Recommendations

The Konica Hexar RF is designed for 35mm film. Films are still produced for this film format, so the camera can still be used today.

The Konica Hexar RF supports films with ISO sensitivity from 25 to 5000 ISO when using DX encoding. For films without DX coding, the ISO sensitivity can be manually set from 6 to 6400 ISO.

For landscape photography, it is recommended to use low ISO films (e.g., ISO 100) to achieve high detail and low noise. For portrait photography, medium ISO films (e.g., ISO 400) can be used to achieve a good balance between light sensitivity and detail.

For sports photography or low-light shooting, high ISO films (e.g., ISO 800 or higher) are suitable to allow for shorter shutter speeds and avoid motion blur.

Quick Start Guide

1. Insert Batteries: Open the battery compartment and insert two 3V lithium batteries (CR2).
2. Attach Lens: Align the marks on the lens and the camera body and turn the lens clockwise until it clicks into place.
3. Load Film: Open the back cover, insert a film roll, and pull the film leader to the mark. Close the back cover.
4. Turn On Main Switch: Set the main switch to “S” for single shots.
5. Select Exposure Mode: Set the shutter speed dial to “AE” for Aperture Priority or select a manual shutter speed.
6. Set ISO Sensitivity: For DX-coded films, the ISO sensitivity is automatically detected. Otherwise, set the ISO sensitivity manually.
7. Focus: Look through the viewfinder and turn the focus ring on the lens until the image is sharp. Align the double images.
8. Take the Shot: Press the shutter button halfway to activate the exposure meter, then fully to take the picture.