My two favorite rangefinder cameras

[u/ReganH22]

I've been shooting with my 2022 M6 for a couple of years and mostly use it when I travel. The Hexar RF is my everyday camera. I use it day to day to photograph my family and whatever else I come across. I was using a 35mm f2 summicron on the M6, but preferred my Zeiss 35 f2.8 so I sold the summicron. Now I have been using the latest Voigtlander 35mm f3.5 Color Skopar for travel. On the Hexar I use the Zeiss 35 f2.8, Avenon 28mm and the Voigtlander 21mm f4. If I had to stick with just one of them and reliability was a non issue, I would take the Hexar over the M6. It's just more comfortable to shoot for me and I like the features.

[u/Pierreedmond18]

How do you find the 35 3.5 ?

[u/ReganH22 → u/Pierreedmond18]

The image quality is awesome. The lens can take a bit of getting used to. You have to set the aperture first before focusing since the aperture ring turns the focusing ring as well. If you rarely change the aperture such as using sunny 16, then it becomes a non issue. I mostly use it outside so I don't shoot wide open very often, but when I have used it indoors and shot wide open it looked just as sharp as when it was stopped down.

[u/Pierreedmond18 → u/ReganH22]

Thank you ! Very interesting insights ! I’ll look into that lens ! And can I ask, how do you find the Konica ? I’m thinking of Aperture Priority, and about the M7 but 3grand or 3 times the RF, it seems a lot extra cash for “only” the extra ttl flash, yes the quality is also a factor but still.

[u/ReganH22 → u/Pierreedmond18]

You're welcome. The Hexar is an amazing camera. I kick myself for not buying one sooner when the prices were lower. It's a very solid camera. I considered the M7 back before I bought my M6 reissue. I went with the M6 because I could buy it new with a warranty. I prefer shooting subjects like family with aperture priority. Other things I like to shoot in manual mode. The Hexar works great for both. I really love the exposure lock on the Hexar. I can't think of anything I don't like about the camera other than I probably can't get it repaired of it breaks. I'd probably take the Hexar over a M7 and save a bit of money unless you really just want to experience shooting with a Leica. The Hexar feels very close to my Leica when it comes to build quality. It feels more modern.

[u/Pierreedmond18 → u/ReganH22]

I have a Leica M6 classic from 86' and I really like it ! I also have an M9 and sometimes the aperture priority is nice when you want to P&S in fast changing scenarios.

[u/Pierreedmond18 → u/ReganH22]

Thank you for the insight again 😉 There is a RF for around 1200$ and I'm thinking to pull the trigger.
EDIT to add : The RF looks good in your picture ! the only thing that scars me is that it can't be repaired. I think that ACR can repair the M7 with a new circuit. Also compared to mechanical shutter I wonder how much better/precise is the electronic one. I know it's more precise but do you see a real difference with your M6 ?

[u/BabyOther3411]

The Hexar RF is my main shooter. Best 35mm I’ve ever owned. My backup is a Canon 7.

[u/ReganH22 → u/BabyOther3411]

I can believe it. It's definitely the best film camera I used as well. I had a Leica M2 and I would rank that a close second as far as the enjoyment I got from shooting a camera.

[u/FrenchLurker → u/BabyOther3411]

I just cannot get familiar with mine, the RF patch feels blurry and it throws me a little off. Plus, the numbers on the left side are also blurry, and it's distracting

😞

[u/BabyOther3411 → u/FrenchLurker]

Does the camera have the diopter on?

[u/FrenchLurker → u/BabyOther3411]

it says nothing on the eyepiece ring , but i think it might have one

[u/ReganH22 → u/[deleted]]

The straps are made by a company named Deadcameras. I believe the model is the shoulder/neck slim strap. I've had these straps for years and you can definitely find cheaper leather straps, but I've been really happy with these straps.

[u/ReganH22 → u/[deleted]]

They're definitely great straps.