The camera bug bit me, my pockets are empty. But I'm happy:)

Sunkenrat · Mar 10, 2016

So, when I usually stroll down L.A. Or any other city or nature park, I take my Big Mini 302 and Nikon Fe. The big mini for stealthy street shots and the FE when I can take my time. But Recently I've been a bit disappointed with the IQ of the Big Mini, it's good, and I love the camera! But I feel that a bit more control over the settings would be nice. So after lurking around the web, getting some feedback, and scratching my head a lot. I decided to purchase a Konica Hexar AF. To me, it simply replaces the Big Mini, as a fixed lens camera, it would never make me shelf my Nikons and all the beautiful glass. It is my new street shooter, and the Nikon still stays on top! Now I just have to wait for it to come from Japan. What are your own experiences with the camera? Where does it fall under your gear set up when out and bout?

Ps. Actual picture of camera, bought it almost mint with the flash included!

Sirius Glass · Mar 10, 2016

Welcome to APUG

jeffreythree · Mar 10, 2016

Nice camera! I don't have one, but have wanted one since seeing my first out and about street shooting at a county courthouse square.

shoot6x7 · Mar 10, 2016

Love mine, had it for a few years but as the electronics have gone a bit batty it might be permanently retired. The lens is a real beauty, almost as good as my Summicron 35mm.

frank · Mar 10, 2016

It's a brilliant camera with a top notch lens. I've owned a few.
While I still use many film cameras, digital has taken over the point and shoot role.

GRHazelton · Mar 10, 2016

I just scored a Konica IIIa. Can't wait to try it out.

Sunkenrat · Mar 10, 2016

How long was it before it started going dumpers on you?! I know Konica Japan used to do repairs and main tenrec but I believe they no longer do it for this these cams right?!

shoot6x7 said:
Love mine, had it for a few years but as the electronics have gone a bit batty it might be permanently retired. The lens is a real beauty, almost as good as my Summicron 35mm.[/QUO

Sunkenrat · Mar 10, 2016

GRHazelton said:
I just scored a Konica IIIa. Can't wait to try it out.

Wow that is a beauty! You should give the Big Minis a try, the 302 and 201 are really nice pocket sized cameras for snapping around! Always carry mine on dates haha

OldBodyOldSoul · Mar 11, 2016

Most of the time I have it with me, including now at work. It's a fantastic camera with only one downside, at least from my perspective - the 1/250s max, which means I can't just fire off while walking unless motion blur is what I am after (hasn't happened yet). The lens is top notch, the finder is fantastic, ergonomics fabulous and the silent mode is, well, silent (minus the film advance which is audible but not loud). You really have to have your ear close to it and know the sound to be able to tell when it goes click. Its P mode is great, it's the only camera I ever used P mode with (because it's not standard, check it out).
I have the flash too and it's great, though I don't use it often.

Enjoy the camera!

RalphLambrecht · Mar 11, 2016

Sunkenrat said:
So, when I usually stroll down L.A. Or any other city or nature park, I take my Big Mini 302 and Nikon Fe. The big mini for stealthy street shots and the FE when I can take my time. But Recently I've been a bit disappointed with the IQ of the Big Mini, it's good, and I love the camera! But I feel that a bit more control over the settings would be nice. So after lurking around the web, getting some feedback, and scratching my head a lot. I decided to purchase a Konica Hexar AF. To me, it simply replaces the Big Mini, as a fixed lens camera, it would never make me shelf my Nikons and all the beautiful glass. It is my new street shooter, and the Nikon still stays on top! Now I just have to wait for it to come from Japan. What are your own experiences with the camera? Where does it fall under your gear set up when out and bout?

Ps. Actual picture of camera, bought it almost mint with the flash included!

View attachment 152234

I don't have one but need to look into itnow

macfred · Mar 11, 2016

I had several Konica Hexar all over the years - great for traveling and hiking …
Now I use it's big cousin - The FUJI GA645. Here's my story about the Hexar AF :

macfred said:
A never ending story ...

I bought my first Konica Hexar AF in 1993 - traded it a few years later against a Contax 137ma - bought another one in 1998 - lost it in a gondola lift in the Swiss Alps near Grindelwald - bought my third one in 2002 - lost it during the break up of a relationship ...
About a year ago I found some slides on the attic, I took with the Hexar AF during the Tour de France 1994 - now I'm looking for my fourth one ...

A few shots with the little gem ...

Richard Virenque - TDF 1994 (Alpe d'Huez) by Andreas, on Flickr

Alpe d'Huez (TDF 1994) by Andreas, on Flickr

The French Alps by Andreas, on Flickr

FORD by Andreas, on Flickr

macfred · Mar 11, 2016

GRHazelton said:
I just scored a Konica IIIa. Can't wait to try it out.

Great camera ! I have a Konica III and use it very often.

Konica IIIMFX - Rangefinder 1956 by Andreas, on Flickr

shoot6x7 · Mar 11, 2016

Sunkenrat said:
How long was it before it started going dumpers on you?! I know Konica Japan used to do repairs and main tenrec but I believe they no longer do it for this these cams right?!

My problem was likely due to it sitting with an almost discharged battery for a couple of years .... It gave me 12 years great service though ...

The camera bug bit me, my pockets are empty. But I'm happy:)

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