Konica Hexar RF
The Hexar RF was introduced in 1999 by Konica as a Leica M alternative. The RF is an M-mount compatible rangefinder like the Leica M line but with advanced modern features.
At the time of introduction the flagship for Leica was the M6 with internal metering and full manual control. In 2002 the M7 would add Auto mode. But in 1999 Konica gave us the Hexar RF an M-mount rangefinder with two Auto modes. AE mode is the standard with the camera picking the shutter speed and AEL is similar but the exposure is locked with a half press of the shutter. Apeture is manualy contoled on the lenes in all modes. ISO can read DX or be set directly. The RF also gives you a +/-2 exposure compensation. All this with a max speed of 1/4000 and motorized film advance. In your face Leica.
If auto modes are not enough you also get LED indicators in the viewfinder. But you are 100% battery dependent. Required two CR2 3v batteries to do anything but take up space in you bag. The M7 still gave you a couple of speeds and the ability to advance and rewind the film. RF is just a brick without the battery.
My Take
The Hexar RF feels solid in the hand. The ergonomics are great and controls feel intuitive. Mine came with a Konica Hexanon lens the is a nice lens. Not a Leica lens but nothing not a Leica price and a very nice lens.
Should you buy the Hexar RF over a Leica? That depends on a few things. If you think you are saving space or weight in you bag you are not. The RF is just as heavy and big as an M (maybe a bit more). If you want Auto exposure, the M7 gives you that. If you want the auto film advance only the RF gives you that. If your afraid of dead batteries (mine were dead when I pull the RF out to write this), stick to the M6.
I think the real considerations come down to: 1) Price - the RF is less than the M7 buy a considerable amount. 2) Serviceability - the RF is a quality camera but also 25 years old. The M7 is more likely to be serviceable. 3) Shooting Style - If you want more automation go with the RF if you want manual go with the M6.
My shooting experience with the RF has been fantastic. I owned and sold an M7 (we never bonded) but love my M6. If I want that Zen Leica experience, I grab my M6. If I want to more fast fluid shooting experience, I’ll take the Konica RF and extra batteries. Don’t forget extra batteries, trust me on this.
Enjoy.
Lens: Konica M Hexanon 50mm f2
Film: Kodak Portra 160