View source for Konica Hexar RF

{{Short description|35 mm rangefinder camera}}
{{About|the manual-focus camera|the similarly named auto-focus camera|Konica Hexar AF}}
{{Infobox camera
| camera_name = Konica Hexar RF
| image = Hexar_rf-1-weba.jpg
| type = [[135 film|35 mm]] [[rangefinder camera]]
| lens_mount = Konica KM-mount (the same as or similar to the [[Leica M-mount]])
| focus = manual
| exposure = Aperture Priority AE or manual
| flash = hot shoe [[electronic flash]] with direct X contact
| frame-rate = 2.5frame/s in continuous mode
| dimensions = 139.5x80x35mm, 560g w/o batteries
}}
The '''[[Konica]] Hexar RF''' is a [[135 film|35 mm]] [[rangefinder camera]] which was sold by [[Konica]]. It was introduced to the market on 13 October 1999.<ref name="cq_hexar_rf">{{cite web|url=http://www.cameraquest.com/konicam.htm|title=CameraQuest: Konica Hexar RF|year=2006|accessdate=2007-09-03|work=Stephen Gandy}}</ref> and subsequently discontinued (apparently without official notice) some time before the end of 2003.<ref name="cq_hexar_rf"/> The camera used the "Bayonet Konica KM-mount", a copy of the [[Leica M-mount]], thus sharing interchangeable lenses with those designed for [[Leica Camera|Leica]] cameras and others compatible with them. The Hexar RF has a combined [[rangefinder]]/[[viewfinder]] modeled on that of Leica cameras, a similar body shape and size - and so is similar to Leica M-mount cameras in many aspects of operation.

== Lens mount ==
The Konica Hexar RF accepts [[Photographic lens|lenses]] designed for the "Bayonet Konica KM-mount" a copy of the [[Leica M-mount]]. Because of this, the Hexar RF can mount and [[Focus (optics)|focus]] lenses designed for the Leica and other compatible M-mount cameras or, when used with an adapter, the earlier [[M39 lens mount|Leica thread mount]] lenses (note that due to physical constraints there is no adapter to allow bayonet mount lenses to be fitted to a Leica screw-mount camera).

When first released there was some controversy and discussion about whether the "Bayonet Konica KM-mount" of the Hexar RF was, in fact, fully compatible with the [[Leica M-mount]].<ref name="lf_hexar_compat">{{cite web|url=http://nemeng.com/leica/010ba.shtml|title=Leica FAQ: Are leica M lenses compatible with the Konica Hexar RF|year=2006|accessdate=2007-09-03|work=Andrew Nemeth|archive-date=2012-03-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120326121222/http://www.nemeng.com/leica/010ba.shtml|url-status=dead}}</ref> Some earlier testers reported problems using [[Leica Camera|Leica]] lenses on Hexar RF cameras. [[Konica]] made no comment on the issue, and continued to refer to their lens mount by their own name, with no reference to Leica.<ref name="cq_hexar_rf"/>

Other testers found no problems, and suggested that early reports may have related problems with early-production samples or to cameras at one end of a tolerance range matched with lenses at the other, and so claimed there was no systemic problem. The latter seems to have become the consensus view. Many users report using Leica and Konica lenses and cameras interchangeably with good results, including lenses of longer [[focal length]] or wider maximum [[aperture]] where problems are more likely to be encountered.<ref name="ds_flange">{{cite web|url=http://www.dantestella.com/technical/flange.html|title=Hands off my flange!|year=2002|accessdate=2007-09-03|work=Dante Stella}}</ref>

== Viewfinder/Rangefinder ==
[[Image:Hexar rf-2-web.jpg|thumb|right|280px|Hexar RF with 35mm lens, showing viewfinder (on right) and second window for split image [[rangefinder]]]]
The Konica Hexar RF camera uses a [[viewfinder]] combined with a [[Photographic lens|lens]]-coupled "split-image and double image [[rangefinder]]" with illuminated, [[parallax]]-corrected, brightline framelines. As such it is very similar to the viewfinder/rangefinder of Leica M-mount cameras (if, perhaps, not as bright).

The brightline framelines that show in the viewfinder are selected from one of three frameline pairings, depending on the [[Photographic lens|lens]] (or lens adapter) mounted on the camera:

* 50&nbsp;mm and 75&nbsp;mm
* 28&nbsp;mm and 90&nbsp;mm
* 35&nbsp;mm and 135&nbsp;mm

These pairings are the same as those used for later [[Leica M-mount|Leica M series]] camera viewfinders ([[Leica M4-P]] and subsequent models) and use the same frameline selection mechanism at the lens mount. A frameline preview lever on the front of the camera allows for temporary selection of a frameline pair other than the one selected by the mounted lens. The .60x magnification used in the Hexar RF viewfinder allows for all framelines to be easily seen, including by those wearing [[eyeglasses]] - even the 28&nbsp;mm frameline (the largest). This also allows for generous amounts of "outside the frame" space in the viewfinder for other focal lengths, which can aid photographic [[Composition (visual arts)|composition]]. However, the reduced apparent size of the viewfinder image can make composing and accurate [[Focus (optics)|focus]] more difficult when using longer [[focal length]] [[Photographic lens|lenses]].
(Note, by way of contrast, that the "standard" Leica viewfinder magnification has been .72x from the [[Leica M2]] onwards, with .58x and .85x as options on more recent models including the current [[Leica M7|M7]] and [[Leica MP|MP]] models.)

== Camera body ==
The Konica Hexar RF is similar in form-factor to [[Leica M-mount]] [[camera]]s, being slightly larger than the archetypal [[Leica M3]] design in all dimensions, and just slightly heavier when [[Battery (electricity)|batteries]] are fitted. Body construction is a cast-[[aluminium]] chassis with [[titanium]] top and bottom plates, finished in flat black, with a rubberised cover and slightly raised hand-grip. The chassis of the Hexar RF appears to be identical to that used by the [[Contax G2]], with different top and bottom plates and similar but not identical film transport and shutter mechanisms. While the Hexar RF appears in some ways similar to the earlier auto-focus [[Konica Hexar]] camera, it seems to share few if any components with that camera.

Major controls, including shutter release button, surrounding off/mode switch, film-speed/exposure-compensation dial and shutter speed dial are located on the right-hand side of the top plate, as seen from the rear, as is the LCD displaying the current frame count. The viewfinder is located on the upper left-hand side of the camera. The manual rewind button, release catch for the camera back and cable release socket are on the left-hand side of the camera. The lens mount release and frameline preview lever are located on the front of the camera. The bottom plate has the cover for the batteries and a tripod socket.

== Film transport ==
The Konica Hexar RF has a hinged, swing-open, camera back with cut-out view window to show the [[Photographic film|film]] loaded in the [[camera]]. Film loading, advance and rewind is motorised and automatic. A button to manually trigger film rewind is also provided. Film sensitivity can be detected via standard [[DX encoding]] or the [[ISO 5800:1987|ISO]] value can be selected manually.

Film is automatically advanced to the next frame (and the [[Shutter (photography)|shutter]] cocked) after each shutter activation. Shutter release and film advance are as described under [[Hexar RF#Shutter|shutter]] below. When the end of a film is reached (or the manual rewind button pressed), the film is wound back into the film canister, with a brief pause to allow the film to be removed "leader out" if desired.

Film transport is very different from [[Leica M-mount]] film cameras, which require manual film handling through a removable bottom plate and flip-up camera back, with film advance and rewind using manual levers and rewind cranks.

== Shutter ==
The Konica Hexar RF has a [[metal]], vertical travel, focal plane [[Shutter (photography)|shutter]] with digital [[electronics|electronic]] control of [[shutter speed]]. There is no provision for non-electronic shutter release: charged [[Battery (electricity)|batteries]] are always required for shutter 
operation.

Shutter speeds between 16 seconds and 1/4000th of a second (continuous) are supported in [[aperture priority]] auto-[[Exposure (photography)|exposure]] metering mode. Shutter speeds from one [[second]] to 1/4000th of a second (in discrete steps) may be selected in manual [[Exposure (photography)|exposure]] mode. A bulb (B) mode is also supported (the shutter remains open while shutter release is activated).

Shutter release modes (and [[Photographic film|film]] advance) are controlled by a 4-position switch surrounding the top-mounted shutter release button. Positions are:

* '''off''' the camera is off (the LCD frame counter remains on while batteries are present, giving an indication that batteries are charged).
* '''single-shot''' the shutter is released and one frame advanced each time the shutter release is activated
* '''continuous''' the shutter is released and film advanced for as long as the shutter release is activated, at approximately 2.5 frames per second
* '''self-timer''' the shutter is released, and one frame advanced, 10 seconds after shutter release is activated

Shutter release is activated by pressing the top-mounted shutter release button or by a [[cable release]] inserted in a standard socket located on the side of the camera.

== Exposure metering ==
The Konica Hexar RF meters for [[Exposure (photography)|exposure]] either by [[aperture priority]] auto-[[Exposure (photography)|exposure]] (with AE lock and +/-2[[Exposure value|EV]] [[exposure compensation]]) or in metered-manual mode. Aperture priority is selected by setting the [[shutter speed]] dial to either the AE or AE lock position. Manual exposure is set by selecting a specific shutter speed on the shutter speed dial (there is a central interlock button to prevent accidentally moving the dial from the AE modes to a manually selected shutter speed).

Exposure metering is through-the-lens ([[Through-the-lens|TTL]]) and thus accounts for the [[aperture]] set on the [[Photographic lens|lens]] in use. (Unlike [[Single-lens reflex camera|SLR]] lenses, where the diaphragm controlling lens aperture is generally closed only at the time of shutter release, [[rangefinder camera]] lenses close or open the diaphragm directly as the aperture control is applied).

== {{anchor|HX-18W}}Electronic flash ==
The Konica Hexar RF has an [[ISO 518]]-compatible [[hot shoe]] with [[X flash synchronisation]] for an [[electronic flash]]. Flash operation is manual-only: more modern [[TTL flash metering]] is not supported. Flash synchronisation speed is 1/125th of a second. The default flash is the Konica HX-18W.

== Packaging ==
The Konica Hexar RF was sold either "body only" or as a set in a presentation box containing the Konica Hexar RF [[camera]], an M-Hexanon 50&nbsp;mm f2 [[Photographic lens|lens]] and an HX-18 [[electronic flash]] unit (along with a manual and accessories including a camera strap, body cap and front and rear lens caps).

== Konica M-Hexanon lenses ==
[[Image:Hexanon lenses-1-weba.jpg|thumb|right|350px|Konica 28mm, 35mm and 50mm M-Hexanon lenses]] The original release of the Konica Hexar RF [[camera]] was accompanied by the release of three "Konica KM-bayonet mount" [[Photographic lens|lenses]] for use on Konica RF cameras and others, such as Leica, with compatible [[Leica M-mount|lens mounts]].  These lenses were in 50&nbsp;mm, 28mm and 90&nbsp;mm focal lengths.

Subsequently, in 2001, an M-Hexanon 35&nbsp;mm f2 lens was released,<ref name="ko_hex352">{{cite web | url=http://konicaminolta.jp/about/research/technology_report/2001/pdf/18.pdf|title=The Development of the Konica M-HEXANON 35 mm F2.0 (Japanese Language)|year=2001|accessdate=2007-09-03|work=Konica Minolta|format=PDF}}</ref> and a new-model 50&nbsp;mm f1.2 lens was produced, for release only with a 2001-release limited-edition version of the Hexar RF camera.

In 2002 a dual [[focal length]] [[Photographic lens|lens]], the "M-Hexanon Dual Lens 21-35mm/F3.4-4" was introduced.<ref name="cq_dual">{{cite web|url=http://www.cameraquest.com/LeicaM%20K21%20TE.htm|title=CameraQuest: New Generation Multi-Focal Rangefinder Lenses|year=2002|accessdate=2007-09-03|work=Stephen Gandy}}</ref> Altogether, the range of "Bayonet Konica KM-mount" lenses produced consists of:

* {{anchor|28F28}}[[Konica M-Hexanon 28mm f/2.8 lens|M-Hexanon 28mm {{f/}}2.8]] (1999)
* {{anchor|35F20}}[[Konica M-Hexanon 35mm f/2 lens|M-Hexanon 35mm {{f/}}2]] (1999)
* {{anchor|50F12}}[[Konica M-Hexanon 50mm f/1.2 lens|M-Hexanon 50mm {{f/}}1.2]] (2001)
* {{anchor|50F20}}[[Konica M-Hexanon 50mm f/2 lens|M-Hexanon 50mm {{f/}}2]] (1999)
* {{anchor|90F28}}[[Konica M-Hexanon 90mm f/2.8 lens|M-Hexanon 90mm {{f/}}2.8]] (1999)
* {{anchor|21-35}}[[Konica M-Hexanon Dual 21-35mm f/3.4-4 lens|M-Hexanon Dual 21-35mm {{f/}}3.4-4]] (2002)

Konica's Leica-mount Hexanon lenses (whether [[Leica M-mount]] or [[M39 lens mount|Leica thread mount]]) are considered to have optical and build qualities of a high standard: not dissimilar to those produced by [[Leica Camera|Leica]] and [[Carl Zeiss AG|Carl Zeiss]]. Konica's lenses were even used as a reference for the Japanese Ministry of Industry as the benchmark against other manufacturers' lenses {{Citation needed|date=January 2008}}. Production of M-Hexanon lenses seems to have ceased around the same time as Konica's Hexar RF production was terminated (2003).

== Other Konica rangefinder lenses ==
Konica produced [[rangefinder camera|rangefinder]] lenses for the Leica mount in the 1950s and produced a series of so-called "L-mount" lenses, in limited quantities, for the same mount in the late 1990s through 2001.

The range of [[M39 lens mount|Leica thread mount]] lenses produced by Konica includes:

1950s

* 50/3.5 Hexar collapsible
* 50&nbsp;mm f/1.9 Hexanon
* 60/1.2 Hexanon

1990s - 2001

* 35/2 L Hexanon (1996)
* 35/2 L UC-Hexanon (2001)
* 50/2.4 L Hexanon collapsible (1997)
* 60/1.2 L Hexanon (1999)<ref name="cq_60">{{cite web|url=http://www.cameraquest.com/konica_6012.htm|title=CameraQuest: Konica 60/1.2 Leica Screw Mount|year=2003|accessdate=2008-01-16|work=Stephen Gandy}}</ref>

== {{anchor|Hexar RF Limited}}2001 Limited Edition ==
[[Konica]] produced a chrome-finish '''Hexar RF Limited''' [[camera]], targeted for the year 2001 (the new [[millennium]]) in a limited release of 2001 units, supplied in a boxed set including a new M-Hexanon 50&nbsp;mm f1.2 lens and HX-18 flash.<ref name="cq_hexar_rf"/> The lens was only manufactured for this set, so examples are unavailable except in conjunction with the limited-edition kit or the (apparently few) occasions where components of the kit have been separated. This means that most are held by collectors or those willing to pay "collectible" prices.

== {{anchor|Hexar 72}}Hexar RF Half-Frame ==
At some phase of the production of the Hexar RF, [[Konica]] made 50 units of a [[Half-frame camera|half-frame]] variant of the camera<ref name="hrf_half-frame">{{cite web|url=https://www.rangefinderforum.com/threads/what-might-have-been-dept.23669/|title=What-Might-Have-Been Dept.|year=2006|accessdate=2023-09-07|work=RFF user "amateriat"}}</ref> named '''Hexar 72'''.

== Successors ==
Production of the Konica Hexar RF [[camera]] was discontinued, without official announcement, some time before the end of 2003.<ref name="cq_hexar_rf"/> [[Konica]] and [[Minolta]] (who had previously manufactured the [[Leica CL|Leitz/Minolta CL]] and [[Minolta CLE]] [[Leica M-mount|M-mount]] cameras) merged to form [[Konica Minolta]] in 2003.<ref name="km_announcement1">{{cite web|url=http://www.konicaminolta.com/about/releases/2003/0805_04_01.html|title=Notification of the Integration and Reorganization of the Konica Minolta Group|year=2003|accessdate=2007-09-03|work=Konica Minolta}}</ref> In 2006 [[Sony]] acquired photographic assets from [[Konica Minolta]], with the latter company withdrawing from all photography-related activity.<ref name="km_announcement2">{{cite web|url=http://www.konicaminolta.com/about/releases/2006/0119_03_01.html|title=Konica Minolta Announces Withdrawal Plan for Camera Business and Photo Business|year=2006|accessdate=2007-09-03|work=Konica Minolta}}</ref> The targets of the acquisition by [[Sony]] were the designs and tooling for [[Minolta]]/[[Konica Minolta]] [[Single-lens reflex camera|SLR]] cameras and accessories. It is not known whether [[Sony]] acquired other photographic assets such as rangefinder camera designs or whether those are retained by [[Konica Minolta]]. Whatever the case, none of the involved companies has expressed any interest in renewed production of rangefinder cameras or lenses.

Konica Minolta has since announced<ref name="km_announcement4">{{cite web|url=http://ca.konicaminolta.com/index.html|title=Camera & Photo Support|accessdate=2012-03-30|work=Konica Minolta}}</ref> "Konica Minolta ceased the entire customer services for Konica Minolta cameras and related products, as of 31 December 2010." It appears that services such as downloads for camera manuals were withdrawn at roughly the time of this announcement.

==References==
{{Reflist|2}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|Hexar RF}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20071020035103/http://ca.konicaminolta.com/support/manuals/film-cameras/hexar_cle_tc1/hexar_rf/HEXAR_RF.pdf] Manual for the Hexar RF from a [[Konica Minolta]] web site (no longer available for download)
* [http://www.cameraquest.com/konicam.htm] Hexar RF on Stephen Gandy's CameraQuest Site
* [http://www.dantestella.com/technical/hexarrf.html] Hexar RF on Dante Stella's photography web site
* [http://www.photoethnography.com/ClassicCameras/KonicaHexarRF.html] Hexar RF on Karen Nakamura's Photoethnography Site.
* [http://www.nemeng.com/leica/010b.shtml] [[Leica Camera|Leica]] FAQ entry by Andrew Nemeth
* [https://www.camdex.fr/product/cameras/konica-hexar-rf (6)] info about Konica hexar RF on camdex.fr

{{Konica}}
{{Leica M film cameras}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Konica Hexar RF}}
<!-- [[Category:Konica rangefinder cameras]] -->
[[Category:Konica KM-mount cameras|RF]]