Konica Hexar AF not working in the mist.

[Mike Crawford]

Hello

Quick question if anyone has any technical knowledge of the Konica Hexar AF. https://www.cameraquest.com/konhex.htm

I bought my second one a few years ago as my original one, which I'd been using since the late 90s developed an auto focus problem, which I believe is not unknown with these cameras. (Both are second hand.) I've been working on a long term project shot hand held at night on Delta 3200, and up to now all was shot on a Hexar.
http://www.mike-crawford.co.uk/portfolio/nocturne/nocturne-one.html

Last night in London there was a beautiful fog so thought it a good time to go out for a walk. It was only after a few shots I realised the auto focus was focusing to the closest distance. I think 0.8m. This was similar to the fault of my other Hexar except that one was going more to infinity. I resorted to using the manual focus which to be honest, is one of the drawbacks of this camera. I went home thinking about getting an SLR instead! Later at home I tried it out again and the auto focus was working fine. My question is, could the moisture in the foggy mist have been tricking the auto focus to think it was the closest object?

As a postscript, I got out my older model to compare the problems. I've never been able to find anyone who can repair it, although there are instructions on how to do it yourself:
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=107262
That camera seemed to be working fine having been resting in a cupboard for about three years unused, the autofocus and exposure accurately matching the other. So not sure if I've got two faulty cameras now or two working fine. Test rolls better be shot!

 

[gone]

The fog was probably interfering w/ the camera's AF. I do agree though, get an SLR. You'll always know exactly what the camera is focusing on.

 

[Sewin]

The fog was probably interfering w/ the camera's AF. I do agree though, get an SLR. You'll always know exactly what the camera is focusing on.

Agree fog, mist, raindrops will confuse autofocus.

Also if it was really misty the autofocus probably did not have anything distinct to focus on?

 

[Mustafa Umut Sarac]

Hexar lens is extremelly good , one of the best photograph I have ever seen had been published at national geographic magazine hexar ad. Carry a simple camera at fog and for other oppurtinities , stick with your camera. AF is a damn thing and I bet I can focus in a hurry , faster with a barnack.

These are old cameras with shallow electronic technology , they are what they are.

I can say only better camera lens than hexar , 5 times more expensive leitz one.

I listened from sting , londoners never run but walk , its enough for hexar