Konica Hexar AF (1992)

Name: Konica Hexar
Brand: Konica

A fixed-lens 35mm autofocus camera released in 1992. Its lens is reputed to be a near copy of the Leica 35mm f/2 Summicron.

Overview

The Konica Hexar AF is a fixed-lens 35mm point-and-shoot autofocus camera introduced in 1992. The 35mm f/2 lens is sharp and has a reputation as a near copy of the Leica non-aspheric 35/2 Summicron. The camera came in several variants. The original black model arrived in 1993 with a black rubberized finish and a choice of stealth or normal film advance modes. A later version added an autodate databack. The body is compact and premium, with advanced metering, precise infrared focusing and flexible exposure controls. It was aimed at enthusiasts who wanted Leica-level optics in an autofocus camera.

Specifications

Lens	Fixed sharp 7 element 6 group 35/2 Lens to f/22, 46mm filter
Lens reputation	This lens is reputed to be a near copy of the Leica non-aspheric 35/2 Summicron
Shutter	Electronic leaf shutter, speed range 30 seconds to 1/250th, plus T
Flash sync	Flash sync at all speeds for manual or aperture priority exposures
Focusing	Active infrared from 2 feet to infinity in 290 steps
Close focus	0.6 meters
Exposure/Metering	Programmed, Aperture priority, and match needle exposure; Non-TTL metering with 15° centerweighted (EV 0-16/ISO100) or 4° spot (EV 3-18/ISO100) silicon cell – centerweighted is 3 stops more sensitive for low light, spot responds to two stops higher light levels
Exposure Compensation	±2 stops in 1/3 stops
Program Biasing	A very well thought out option
Film Speed	DX film speed setting 25-5000, manual setting 6-6400
Flash	Basic small HX914 dedicated flash, no TTL flash; flash sync at all speeds; auto operation 2 to 23 feet with 100 film, guide number 46 in feet with 100 film; usable in aperture priority

Market

The original black Hexar AF from 1993 has a stealth film advance mode and no databack. A later variant added autodate functionality. Collectors seek these models out for the optics and the quiet operation.