Replace Leica M2 with Konica Hexar RF?

Prostomax · Sep 10, 2019

I've found a mint copy of the Hexar RF on sale for a reasonable price and have been debating internally whether I should get it to replace my Leica M2 with it. I very much enjoy the M2, but the benefits I see with the Hexar RF are:
- built-in meter
- option to shoot with aperture priority
- shortest exposure option of 1/4000(!) sec to shoot wide open in bright light
- can still use my Leica-M lenses

There's no point in keeping the M2 and getting it too -- I would very much prefer to get an M6 or M7 instead, but they're 2-3 times as expensive as the Hexar.

I guess, I should really stop worrying about the brands and focus on the photography and the additional benefits and flexibility the Hexar would give me, but it's very difficult to give up the magical aura of the Leica cameras.

Any thoughts?

larfe · Sep 10, 2019

Your m2 is life long investment, hexar will break at some point and can no longer be repaired

Ko.Fe. · Sep 10, 2019

Yep, it is kind of single use camera now.
Here is Zeiss Ikon ZM which might be still serviceable and Bessa R A series.
Or...
Just learn exposure instead of been dependent on meters.
Put free meter app on the phone and just practice with it and memorize.
And also practice in S16.
And if you really need 1/4000; perhaps RF is not your thing....

guangong · Sep 10, 2019

I agree with all the above. Your M2;can conceivably last almost forever. Repairs easily available. In this electronic age, I foresee any needed replacement parts being machined on an as needed basis. I have several cameras that I enjoy using that are only one malfunction away from death: Contax T3, Hasselblad 2000FCM and Fuji 67 folder. I wouldn’t buy any of these now.
On the other hand, this is a personal decision and if the Hexar feels better in you hands and makes you feel better, and makes you happier, and sudden death of camera doesn’t bother you, go for it. I wouldn’t, but I’m not you.
I’ve had several of my Leicas for 60 years...pretty inexpensive cameras if amortized over a per annum basis.

BradS · Sep 10, 2019

The hexar sounds fun. I think I’d get it but keep the Leica too...think of it as an insurance policy you have already paid for and that will likely hold its value.

Prostomax · Sep 10, 2019

Thanks for the input, everyone, all valid points.

craigclu · Sep 10, 2019

I have a Hexar RF and some Leica M bodies. The Hexar is a more pleasant camera to use in many ways. Quick and easy to load, decent finder and the logic of operation is less distracting to me in the field. I also understand the issue of longevity/repairability and have accepted that risk (always have the Leicas to fall back on if that occurs). There were also some issues of back focus differences from Leica gear (mine doesn't display this, though). The build quality is quite gratifying on the Hexar and it has a solid, gratifying feel to it. I wouldn't push you one way or the other as like most equipment decisions, it becomes a sum of the concessions that one tolerates in the end.... The Leica gear is more fun to fondle, though!

Alan9940 · Sep 10, 2019

The Hexar is a nice camera, but not without issues. I'd recommend doing a Google search and read up a bit on the camera. That said, if you want to sell that M2 just let me know...

mshchem · Sep 10, 2019

In a moment of despair I sold my mint M2 w 50 1.4. I'm still sad. I never used it. I found a new old stock M6TTL with 0.85 finder. 50mm Summicron, now my favorite RF.

Patrick Robert James · Sep 10, 2019

I've been beating on a Hexar RF for over a decade. Don't believe all the junk out there. Leica snobs hate the Hexar because it is a better picture making machine than the Leicas. To say that Leicas are better is just folly. The Hexar has Titanium covers. Try to dent it. It will suffer knocks better than a Leica with it's brass or zinc covers that look like holy hell after a few years of use and knocks. The top shutter speed of the Hexar is faster, flash sync is faster, meter display is better, motor wind, aperture priority automatic, exposure lock, won't burn a hole through the shutter... Lots to like about it. The only thing that I don't like about it is the slight shutter lag it has since you are dealing with an electronic system. It is true that if it goes south on you it might not be fixable, but worrying about things that haven't happened and might never happen isn't very smart. When I was contemplating getting mine, I weighed those concerns and decided to get one anyway, and like I said, I've been beating on it for over a decade now. The paint is worn off all the corners and it is still kickin'! Even if it breaks and is unrepairable at this point it has more than paid for itself.

I'd get the Hexar, and I'd also keep the M2.

mshchem · Sep 10, 2019

Patrick Robert James said:
get the Hexar, and I'd also keep the M2.

There's the answer? !

Frank53 · Sep 10, 2019

Imo the Hexar is a much nicer/better camera than any Leica I know. Better finder, easier loading, faster shutter, light meter......
I never used an M2, but I did own m4-p and m6.
Regards,
Frank

Ko.Fe. · Sep 10, 2019

Why almost at every thread like this here will be at least one smarty insulting of Leica owners?
Instead of spraying hate just provide information where Hexar RT could be serviced.
Telling what this old camera would never fail is the junk, indeed.
https://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2651886&postcount=16

Prostomax · Sep 11, 2019

@Ko.Fe. I can recommend this guy: http://www.pppphotography.co.uk/sets/camera-repairs/ I've sent my Leica M2 for a CLA to him and also my Fuji GS645s to get the rangefinder repaired. I know he also fixed a bunch of Contax cameras, including the electronics, so he might be able to help with the Hexars, the only problem is that recently he stopped accepting cameras from outside the EU because of the tax and duties complexities. But for anyone within the EU, I'd recommend to reach out to him.

film_man · Sep 11, 2019

I'd just say, if you can, buy the Hexar before you sell the M2. If you like the Hexar sell the M2. If you don't you still have the M2. Otherwise you end up with a Hexar you don't like and then have to wait to find the cash for that M7. As for the whole electronics thing...my approach is that if an electronic thing hasn't died 20 years after being made it will probably work just fine if you keep water away. I've had more trouble with mechanical cameras than electronic ones.

John Koehrer · Sep 11, 2019

While I was still in the trade, I wandered around with the Hexar RF and a 35,, Summicron just to see if
there were any issues with focus and had none. When I finished it up and looked at the results and didn't
notice any real difference. Then I gave the slides to one of our Leica user guys and he didn't find anything either.
Neither one of us did any "testing" other than calibrated eyeball.

I alway thought that the Hexar was the camera Leitz should have made.

Prostomax · Sep 12, 2019

Thanks for the feedback everyone, I've decided to bite the bullet and get the Hexar RF, but keep the M2. Will see how this works and whether I will have to get rid of one of the cameras later on.

Huss · Sep 15, 2019

I really like the idea of the RF, but read too much about error codes bricking it, the rf going out of whack very easily, the rf window being pushed in etc.
But I really like the 1/4000 sec shutter!

wjlapier · Sep 15, 2019

I've thought about doing the opposite. I have a great condition ( mint! ) Hexar RF and use it very sparingly--took it to Montana this past couple of weeks and it works just fine. I've considered selling it to buy a M2 or M4, or maybe another CL.

Replace Leica M2 with Konica Hexar RF?

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