Am I wrong? What’s your favorite 35mm film camera 👇🏼

For those on a budget that gets results 99% as good try the Olympus 35RC. Having owned film leicas and a hexar, the Olympus still is king of colour.

Also my favorite 35mm rangefinder. Owned when it first came out. sold it and then picked one up again two months ago. It’s a premium photography tool that will deliver years of use.

As a fellow Hexar RF lover and multiple time owner, one bit of advice for longevity is to apply some glue or loc-tite to the piece of glass that screws into the eyepiece. Mine fell out when I was in NYC last year, and it's been nearly impossible to find a replacement because this seems to happen to a lot of RF users. I'm even searching for as-is Hexars on ebay just to get the eyepiece, and I'm coming up empty. Love the review! It's a phenomenal camera, and I think it's the best M-mount camera ever made.

I'm completely with you on having practical features on a 35mm camera (most importantly aperture priority). I have the Zeiss Ikon. One advantage of the Zeiss is that Zeiss still services/repairs those cameras. Turnaround time was ~1month for mine.

Your video here inspired me to take my Konica Hexar AF out of retirement (about 20 years at this point). It is my favorite lifetime camera, but I sold out to digital when I bought the Leica Digilux-2 and never looked back. The Hexar seems to be working well with a new battery and fresh film. Time will tell once film is developed.

Congrats on hitting 100k, man! You deserve it!

Having owned both the RF (25 rolls shot) and the M7 (40 still going), They're definitely much alike! The RF is definitely more of a workhorse and extremely capable. Together with the hexar AF they introduced me to rangefinder photography. I can heavily recommend the RF! Think about this as followed, You're essentially buying the most advanced disposable camera ever. If the camera breaks, u better be sure to have used it to fill the heck out of your portfolio! if so its defiantly worth it

another great video from you. I've been shooting with a Pentax ME Super for a year. I love the experience of analogue photography. Many greetings from the Black Forest in Germany😊

The Hexar RF is probably the best rangefinder body for people with glasses wanting to shoot 28mm and expect to see the frame lines and beyond. The viewfinder magnification is smaller than any Leica M body.

13:19 nope. u don’t have to rely on Leica to get your m6 fixed. Countless repair shops in Japan/Korea/HK. Thats why ppl prefer mechanical cameras bc just like vintage watches, you can get them fixed by skilled repair person anywhere.

I prefer battery independent manual/mechanical cameras. The Leica M6 35mm rangefinder with 21/35/90mm lenses is my second favorite. The Nikon F2 35mn SLR with non-metered prism and lenses that range from 14mm to 1000mm is my personal favorite.

Dude… just randomly came across this video! I have a Hexar with a voitlander 40mm f1.2 and out of all my cameras it is my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE camera to shoot with! I got such a good deal on mine that I couldn’t pass it up. The only issue I had was that the rangefinder was misaligned. Luckily I know a retired camera tech that still does work for people who know him, and $80 and a couple of weeks later I had a perfectly aligned rangefinder. Loved the video!

If you want a really good rf camera that does not cost a lot give the Yashica Gsn or Gtn a try. The exposures are amazing while it is not on the level of this camera and does not offer interchangeable lenses it is a great starting point with a really good aperture priority system. A nice one usually goes for about 50 dollars. You do need to get the proper battery and adapter because the mercury batteries are no longer made. This was my first camera and is still my favorite.

Yeah a common issue is the Misaligned rangefinder, I had to fix it myself! But I enjoyed mine, it was simple and easy!

I remember reading a story from that period that said Konica broughr that camera to Germany to show them. They were immediately shown the door.

Nice video and well explained. I recognized the streets of Thailand immediately, and the scenery in the video reminded me a bit of my former life in another part of Asia. Hope you're learning the language if you're making it your home. I'm very happy with my Voigtlander Bessa R. It uses Leica thread mount (LTM) or L39 lenses, which are a lot more affordable than M mount lenses. I especially love the bright viewfinder, which is the best I've ever used. Build quality isn't up there with Leica or Konica, but it was affordable for me when I got it a few years ago.

Happy to see ppl still giving love to Konica. If you get ur hands on a Konica Hexar AF u will get the closest u can to an analog fuji x100vi ;)! Great video!

Why when it comes to RF cameras nobody considers the Minolta CLE or the Leica CL? I had my CLE for the past 2 years and it’s a gem of a camera, it’s an almost pocketable M7

I see one of the photos from lover's point in PG. I bought my hexar rf in Monterey for $20 but it's not working. I had it fixed in Santa Cruz. The guy fixed it and did CLA for a little bit over $300 and I am very much satisfied with it. The guy fixes even the electronics of a modern digital camera.

My favorite 35mm film camera was the Nikon SP. I shot a lot with Leicas but, never liked them very much.

Try the sigma fp for photography paired with voigtlander lenses, you'll be floored by the colors and IQ (it's indeed another camera that flew under the radar for most as it was marketed for video )

I mostly shoot medium format but carry a point and shoot camera or 35mm RF. My Canon 35 has crossed the Kodachrome Bridge and a Hexar would be nice.,thinking

You glanced over the fact that a Leica M6 also works without a battery. Not only makes it repairing it cheaper, (you dont have to salvage an other camera for electronics) but it also works when the battery dies. Sure you can bring more battery's with you (with an electronic camera you should) but the M6 is alsmost uses no battery power and you can do months (if not years) on just a single battery.

When it was released it was regarded as a true gem for the reasons you mention. I don't know why Konica pullied it so quickly

I’ve long felt (known) that Konica cameras weren’t grossly underrated. Forgot entirely about this camera but now, you’re reminding me of just great they are. I inherited a Konica Autoreflex T dons ago: amazing glass, almost bullet proof. But hey, Nikon literally gave away cameras to journalists in the 60s/70s to garner devotees. But I’d defy anyone to convince me the Konica was every bit as good. And thus the Hexar: awesome

I have the konica rf also, same size than the m6, 1/4000 is great and i use leica lenses.. 🙂

Nice job on the video! Looks like a great camera but that price point and those electronics had many skidding I’m sure. Thanks for sharing

Man. These shots came out soo great. 6:26 Pretty cool camera.

Wow…absolutely gorgeous photos! Really enjoyed them! Great video as well!!

it was my best rangefinder. i sold that along with my m6 and leica cl. i only regretted the hexar

I have a G2 and my go to is my trusty Leica M6. As beautiful as the hexar looks, the lack of parts and or being unable to find a person to fix the camera put me off from getting one.

The best thing about Konica Hexar RF is the M Hexanon lenses which were designed to mimic Leica M Summicrons. Don't get me wrong they are great cameras, but sorry close but no cigar. It is closer to a Leica M7 than an M6 whihc is a differnt animal altogether. Nice photos though.

Beautiful photos! I would love to see more film photography videos :)

Hey Sean, thanks so much for this video, I’ve been researching a 35mm RF and the Konica looks great. Do you know how my Contax Zeiss Planar 50/1.4 and Distagon 28/2.8 would go with C/Y to M mount? I love my lenses on my X system but want to move to also shooting film. 🙏

I agree. The Hexar RF is far superior to anything made by Leica. Except for repair-ability. Mine is still going strong. I use a wide variety of M mount and screw mount lenses, with an adapter.

Nice video and very nice camera. What kind of strap is that? It's very cool. Thanks again.

Awesome video and beautiful camera!!! What 35mm film are you using in these example shots? Thanks

My is argus c3. A real brick. 😂 Using more than 5 years now. Just love to shot with this camera.. Well calibrated takes amazing photos..For me the best erganomics (opposite opinion from other photographers about erganomics)

Thanks for sharing! Been looking for a more affordable rangefinder for my Voigtlander lens's.

What?!?! Ken Rockwell lied?!? 😂😂😂😂😂😂

Is a canon ae-1 a good camera

Another great video! Thanks Sean :-)

Question: do you think the viewfinder is suitable for glasses wearer like me? Thanks!

Your photos look great! Happy to read this review of the Hexar.

No other cam gunna scratch the Leica itch.. you will get your Leica :)

I was looking into range finder this camera but it didn't fit on my budget zone instead I got the Canon P with the 50mm f 1.8 for 249usd plus shipping from Japan.

This camera looks pretty good but I'd rather Get a Mecanical rangefinder instead.

Great video and i never heard about this camera as well! My go to travel camera is a kodak m38 🤣 but i do have yashicas electro, leica m1 and a bunch of others ;p

But since when image depend on camera ;) My Leica m4 shoot the same as Rollei 35. Anyway nice lens ;) It is my wish list

Canon v1 with EF glass is the lands hidden behind Antarctica.. 💯

but isn't the "Hexar" lens which really makes this camera, just asking, no flames

You take really nice pictures :)

Have you looked through the Zeiss Ikon ZM rangefinder?

Ah yes the Hexar RF, a golden leaf in a forest of green trees.

Amazing photos😍

What film is this?

Film is just getting ridiculously expensive. Not to mention the lack of shops to send them in. Judging from your love for electronics, take the M7.

I realized for candid street its better to use waist finder slr than rangefinder

Yeahhh! The best of the best of the best of aaaalll the time 🥱

What strap is on that camera?

Great video, I am on the look for a film rangefinder too for something a bit more portable than my soviet SLRs, but crazy prices, I do want a mechanical tho, not sure about the longevity of an electronical one as you mentioned... did you try the Minolta CL?

Found it for $5,000 on bnh for that price masa’s well get a Leica!

Did you edit these photos?

Unfortunately the Hexar is a potentially expensive brick along with the Contax T2 and Hasselblad Xpan, and in fact any film camera that is fully electronic (just like my Canon EOS1) .. The only bonus are the lenses. A lovely camera, but is it worth the risk ?

Ken Rockwell 😆

I have one, it is excellent. But, I will sell it because I no longer shoot film.

RIP hexar market price

try Konica IIIA

Good 🎞🟥

Canon VT DELUXE 👍

your lucky you have a home to go home to.

M5 : )

I'm sure you mean auto exposure lock 😉

I would never trade the satisfying winding experience of my Leica m6. It´s one of the best parts of shooting film imo.

Is that a Leica?!

I thought you were talking nonsense about Ken Rockwell, then I watched further and realized you were exaggerating about everything

jesus christ, how much gear shilling can one platform handle. no this isnt better than an m6, yes this person just wants sell you affiliate links and stupid lightroom presets.

"fully electronic"...💥👎Pass

The "for about 200 bucks" thing only happens to KZfaqrs 😂

Sounds like a overpriced contax to me

fantastic video! the photos you created with this camera are nothing short of incredible and i love this sample of your photographic eye! funny that i was just watching faizal before clicking this video from a channel i wasn't even subscribed to and you mentioned him as a friend lol, small world (definitely subbing to you BTW!)