A Konica Hexar RF estate find looking for information and opinions

[sesuone]

Hello everyone,

I recently acquired what appears to be an exceptionally well-preserved Konica Hexar RF kit from the estate of a deceased collector.

The camera was found stored in its original presentation case together with:

• M-Hexanon 50mm f/2 lens
• HX-18W flash unit
• Original manuals
• Warranty documents
• Individual serial number cards
• Original flash pouch
• Original strap
• Original presentation box

What makes this set particularly interesting is that all three serial number cards are present:

Body: 1446343
Lens: 3217049
Flash: 9106607

The flash serial number is physically engraved on the flash housing and matches its card.

The overall condition is remarkable. The film chamber, rails, pressure plate and contacts show almost no signs of use. The lens is clean and the entire kit appears to have spent most of its life stored in the original case.

At the moment I have not yet tested the camera because I am waiting for fresh batteries. My next step will be to verify:

• Meter operation
• Rangefinder alignment
• LCD functionality
• Shutter operation at all speeds
• Film transport

I have been researching Hexar RF prices and have found significant variation depending on condition, completeness and functionality. Some collectors have told me this is among the cleanest Hexar RF kits they have seen in years.

I would be interested in hearing:

1. How uncommon is it to find a Hexar RF set with matching documentation for body, lens and flash?
2. Are there known production records for serial numbers in this range?
3. What would you consider a realistic market value if the camera proves fully functional?
4. Would collectors generally prefer the kit to remain together, or would body, lens and flash achieve stronger results when sold separately?

Photos attached.

Any information or opinions from Hexar RF owners would be greatly appreciated.

Best regards,
Sebastian
Denmark

 

[craigclu]

My favorite M camera. Very intuitive in use. The projection on the body door that triggers the film counter reset once seemed to be gummed up from aging light seal material and cleaned up easily. They're of an age that may dictate replacement of the light seal foam, in any case. I don't have that lens but the Leica, Zeiss and V'lander 50's that I use pair up nicely and don't display any of the back-plane focus issues you might see comments on if you research a bit. These were commonly sold as a kit, so the matching numbers are not incredibly unique but a nice positive. These seem to vary greatly in resale value but your sample would be at the top of market (if functionally solid) in my estimation.

 

[brbo]

I guess these sets were pretty common, certainly not rare. Sell it if you get a buyer for 2.000 EUR or more. The reality is that the set is not really a collectors item. You'll get about the same amount of money selling the camera, lens and flash separately, although your camera seems to be from the earlier batches (known to have a few problems) so might be a bit less desirable by people who want to use the camera.