@kiwisause Sorry for the late response... Yes, the shutter really is that quiet. Note also, the Silver version can be programmed to use the stealth mode if it has not already been enabled. However, even without the "stealth mode", the camera is very quiet!
@KarukeH They really are different animals "rangefinder style" vs. SLR. I would see if you can try out a rangefinder (Yashica Electro 35 comes to mind) and see if its is for you. The AE-1 is a great camera, although I prefer the A1 they are very close in $. Remember, a camera is also only as good as the glass. Also, there are no lens changes on the Hexar. The Canon has many lens options. The SLR is more versatile but the Hexar is amazing at what it does.
I have the Silver version. I also have the M6. I bought the Hexar because the manual focus on the Leica sometimes causes you to 'miss' the moment you wanted to capture. But there's one thing about the AF: as far as I know it focuses on the center of the image. So this actually reduces your options for making interesting compositions. Sometimes it happens your subject is out of focus because it's not exactly at the center. I wonder if you have the same experience and how you are dealing with it?
@EchteSuperErnie You are absolutely right. The Hexar, M6 (split-image) and most cameras of the like use the center point to focus. You have a couple of options.
1) Focus your subject in the center and then recompose. The Hexar has a focus lock when the shutter button is pressed half-way. Most AF cameras allow you to do this.
2) Pre-focus...switch to manual focus, pre-set for a particular distance and a higher F-stop to give you a larger depth of field. You can then shoot without focusing
@EchteSuperErnie Let me know if this makes sense. Not too much room here to type. If you need more help, let me know and I can send you more detailed instructions via e-mail. Hmmm...maybe and instructional video is in order?
@tobearockstar0706 I payed $590 AUD for a mint one in the original box, manuals, warranty card and flash - its practically new, basically no signs of use.
I've put one roll of film through it so far and was very happy with the results... the lens is brilliant and auto-focus is blindly fast.
@netog I highly recommend it. KEH seems to have a few in stock at most times. They also seem to be going up in value. So, if you get one at a reasonable price and don't like it, you can always sell it and get your money back!
Should I get the silver one for $175 or wait for the black one? Is the stealth mode really that quiet? Please reply by soon!! Thanks.
kiwisause 2 months ago
@kiwisause If you can get one for $175 and it is working...buy it!
oldcamreview 1 month ago
@kiwisause Sorry for the late response... Yes, the shutter really is that quiet. Note also, the Silver version can be programmed to use the stealth mode if it has not already been enabled. However, even without the "stealth mode", the camera is very quiet!
oldcamreview 1 month ago
Is this a better choice compared to the Canon AE-1?
KarukeH 2 months ago
@KarukeH They really are different animals "rangefinder style" vs. SLR. I would see if you can try out a rangefinder (Yashica Electro 35 comes to mind) and see if its is for you. The AE-1 is a great camera, although I prefer the A1 they are very close in $. Remember, a camera is also only as good as the glass. Also, there are no lens changes on the Hexar. The Canon has many lens options. The SLR is more versatile but the Hexar is amazing at what it does.
oldcamreview 1 month ago
I have the Silver version. I also have the M6. I bought the Hexar because the manual focus on the Leica sometimes causes you to 'miss' the moment you wanted to capture. But there's one thing about the AF: as far as I know it focuses on the center of the image. So this actually reduces your options for making interesting compositions. Sometimes it happens your subject is out of focus because it's not exactly at the center. I wonder if you have the same experience and how you are dealing with it?
EchteSuperErnie 2 months ago
@EchteSuperErnie You are absolutely right. The Hexar, M6 (split-image) and most cameras of the like use the center point to focus. You have a couple of options.
1) Focus your subject in the center and then recompose. The Hexar has a focus lock when the shutter button is pressed half-way. Most AF cameras allow you to do this.
2) Pre-focus...switch to manual focus, pre-set for a particular distance and a higher F-stop to give you a larger depth of field. You can then shoot without focusing
oldcamreview 2 months ago
@EchteSuperErnie Let me know if this makes sense. Not too much room here to type. If you need more help, let me know and I can send you more detailed instructions via e-mail. Hmmm...maybe and instructional video is in order?
oldcamreview 2 months ago
Thanks for the review Brian.
Looking forward to more reviews!
confucious05 2 months ago
@confucious05 Thanks! Gearing up for more now that the holidays are over!
oldcamreview 1 month ago
@oldcamreview Awesome :)
I actually bought myself a mint Hexar (black)... just got the scans back from the first roll I put through it - very impressed with this camera!
confucious05 1 month ago
@confucious05 How much did you purchase yours? I'm very interested in this being a fun camera next to my DSRL.
tobearockstar0706 1 month ago
@tobearockstar0706 I payed $590 AUD for a mint one in the original box, manuals, warranty card and flash - its practically new, basically no signs of use.
I've put one roll of film through it so far and was very happy with the results... the lens is brilliant and auto-focus is blindly fast.
confucious05 1 month ago
Great review. Thanks a lot. I am thinking to get one...
netog 2 months ago
@netog I highly recommend it. KEH seems to have a few in stock at most times. They also seem to be going up in value. So, if you get one at a reasonable price and don't like it, you can always sell it and get your money back!
oldcamreview 2 months ago