Konica Hexar AF Review: The M-Mount Camera Leica Refused to Build

Background & Key Features

Konica released the Hexar AF in 1999 as their answer to what an M-mount camera could be if freed from Leica's design constraints and conservative philosophy. While Leica insisted on mechanical reliability and manual focus, Konica asked: what if we gave photographers aperture priority, motor drive, and a 1/4000s shutter? The result was likely designed by the same team behind the Contax G1/G2, and it shows—this is a thoroughly modern camera in a rangefinder body. Konica even filed a patent on the integrated shutter/lightmeter module, which was genuinely innovative.

The titanium-plated aluminum body houses a vertical-travel metal shutter running from 1/4000s to 16 seconds. Key features include aperture priority with AE/AEL modes, full manual mode, center-weighted meter, motor drive shooting at 2.5 fps, 1/125s flash sync, exposure compensation (±2 stops in 1/3-stop increments), DX and manual ISO selection (25-6400), self-timer, cable release socket, and a film window so you can see what you're shooting.

At 560g, it weighs exactly the same as a Leica M—the titanium keeps weight down despite the motor. The 0.6x viewfinder is multicoated with framelines for 28+90mm, 50+75mm, and 35+135mm. Runs on two CR2 batteries that'll last about 120 rolls, which is impressive. Here's the kicker: the Leica M7 followed in 2002 with aperture priority but still lacked motor drive and topped out at 1/1000s. Konica had already built the camera Leica should have made.

The Film Look, Made Accessible

While cameras like the Konica Hexar AF deliver authentic film aesthetics, they come with barriers: $600-900 cameras, $15-20 per roll, weeks waiting for scans. Daydream bridges this gap by modeling genuine film physics on your phone. We're not replacing film (we love it too much), but offering accessible film look for everyday moments. Use Daydream for free, no subscription or ads, while keeping your Hexar AF for when real film is worth the wait.

Design & Handling

The titanium body feels dense at 560g, identical to a Leica M in weight but different in character. The boxy shape doesn't curve into your palm like an M3—this is intentional, as the shutter speed dial sits at the back right corner, accessible to your thumb without shifting grip. Molded neoprene surfaces provide excellent grip that feels secure without being sticky. The flat black epoxy coating is durable and resists wear, with the Konica logo cast directly into the titanium top plate rather than painted on.

The viewfinder is clear and multicoated to reduce flare, which helps in backlit situations. The 0.6x magnification accommodates eyeglass wearers and wide lenses comfortably, though 50mm framelines appear smaller than on a 0.72x Leica finder. The rangefinder patch has sharp edges for precise focusing but is smaller than Leica M finders—you'll notice this immediately if you're used to a Leica. Effective base length is 41.5mm, which is adequate for most lenses. The patch can give false readings if your eye isn't lined up properly, but it's obviously off when this happens and easy to correct by shifting your eye position.

Here's the standout feature: the motor drive. The shutter fires with a snap followed by a distinctive "zh-ghzt" advance sound that's quieter than you'd expect. Shoots 2.5 fps in continuous mode, which is fast enough for street work. For left-eye shooters, this is a revelation—no more poking yourself with a film advance lever. The motor also contributes to stability between shots, keeping the camera steady against your face.

How the Konica Hexar AF Shoots: Street Photography and Portrait Photography Performance

Metering & exposure behavior

The center-weighted TTL meter (EV 2-17 at ISO 100) delivers exposure accuracy within 1/10 stop, which is genuinely impressive—it nails exposure in 95%+ of situations without fuss. The 16s-1/4000s shutter range handles everything from long exposures on a tripod to bright sunlight at f/2. In AE mode, the camera selects shutter speed automatically and gets it right consistently. In AEL mode, half-pressing locks exposure, allowing you to meter from a specific area then recompose—essential for backlit subjects. In manual mode, a vertical scale in the viewfinder shows both your selected shutter speed and what the meter thinks it should be, making it easy to see exactly how many stops you're off.

The exposure compensation dial (±2 stops in 1/3-stop increments) is separate from the shutter speed dial, which is brilliant design—you can set compensation and switch between auto and manual modes while retaining your settings. This is perfect for intentional underexposure or push/pull techniques. The quirk? It's easy to forget it's set and accidentally underexpose an entire roll. Ask me how I know.

Focusing experience

The rangefinder focusing is straightforward and accurate, with sharp edges for vernier focusing. Nails focus in 90%+ of shots. The 0.6x magnification works well with 35mm and 50mm lenses at f/2 for portraits. With f/1.4 or faster lenses, critical focus is more challenging but manageable.

One unique trick: focus bracketing in continuous mode. Shift body position a few inches while shooting three frames in just over a second to preserve framing while bracketing focus.

Lens character & compatibility

The Hexar AF works with virtually all M-mount lenses, which is the whole point of the system. Despite early rumors about a 0.2mm longer flange-to-film distance that supposedly caused focus issues, these have proven completely apocryphal—internet myths that won't die. The camera uses the exact same 27.80mm flange-to-film distance as Leica. Extensive testing with Leica, Zeiss, Voigtlander, Canon, and Konica lenses shows excellent compatibility across the board.

The meter clears lenses with deep rear elements without vignetting or metering issues. The camera handles everything from a 21mm Kobalux to 135mm telephotos without complaint. Collapsible lenses work fine—just extend them before shooting. Some lenses uncouple from the rangefinder closer than their minimum focus distance, indicated by detents in the focusing ring, which is normal behavior for M-mount cameras.

Film pairings that sing

• •Portra 400 for versatile shooting with forgiving latitude that complements the accurate meter and aperture priority mode
• •Portra 800 for intentional underexposure in low light, taking advantage of the precise exposure compensation dial
• •HP5 for black and white with rich contrast and the flexibility to shoot at f/2.8 and 1/60s in marginal light
• •Tri-X for deep blacks and rich midtones that showcase the precise metering and exposure control

Best Uses: Street Photography, Portrait Photography, and More

Best at: Street photography (motor drive, accurate metering), portrait photography (aperture priority, accurate focus), travel photography (motor drive, easy loading), urban photography (1/4000s shutter), documentary work (motor drive)

Struggles with: Long-term reliability (battery-dependent, electronic failure), telephoto focusing (0.6x magnification, 41.5mm base length), mechanical backup (no battery, no camera), repair options (unrepairable)

If this is you → pick this body:

• •"I want modern features with M-mount glass" → Konica Hexar AF
• •"I want mechanical reliability" → Leica M6
• •"I want aperture priority with mechanical backup" → Leica M7

Konica Hexar AF vs Leica M6, Leica M7, and Zeiss Ikon ZM

The Leica M6 offers mechanical reliability and legendary build quality for $2,500-3,500, but lacks aperture priority, motor drive, and tops out at 1/1000s. It's the safe choice that'll outlive you, but you're giving up modern features.

The Leica M7 adds aperture priority for $3,500-4,500 but still lacks motor drive and still tops out at 1/1000s. You're paying Leica prices for features the Hexar AF had three years earlier, without the motor drive that makes the Hexar special.

The Zeiss Ikon ZM provides aperture priority for $1,200-1,800 with a beautiful build and excellent viewfinder, but no motor drive and the same 1/1000s limitation. It's a more affordable alternative to Leica but still doesn't match the Hexar's feature set.

Choose the Hexar AF for the most capable M-mount body ever made, with motor drive and 1/4000s shutter at $600-900. Choose the M6 for mechanical reliability that'll last decades. Choose the M7 for the Leica brand with aperture priority if you have deep pockets. Choose the Zeiss Ikon ZM for aperture priority at lower cost than Leica but more than the Hexar.

* Prices as of December 2025. Hexar AF prices reflect growing recognition as a capable M-mount alternative.

Is the Konica Hexar AF Worth It in 2025?

As of December 2025, the Hexar AF sells for $600-900, up from $400-600 five years ago. This reflects growing recognition that it delivers features Leica took decades to implement: motor drive, 1/4000s shutter, aperture priority. It's the most capable M-mount body ever made, offering everything an M7 does plus motor drive and two extra stops of shutter speed, at a fraction of the cost.

Worth it if you want modern features with M-mount glass and can accept catastrophic electronic failure risk. The Hexar AF is entirely battery-dependent and prone to irreparable failure. Konica no longer exists, parts unavailable, few repair options. When it works, brilliant. When it fails, expensive paperweight. Not worth it if you need mechanical reliability or long-term repairability. Alternatives: M6 for reliability ($2,500-3,500); M7 for aperture priority ($3,500-4,500); Zeiss Ikon ZM for aperture priority ($1,200-1,800). The Hexar AF is the camera Leica refused to build.

Film's Future, Your Pocket

Cameras like the Konica Hexar AF represent the pinnacle of M-mount innovation, delivering features that make film photography more accessible and enjoyable. At Daydream, we've spent years studying these characteristics (gentle highlight rolloff, organic grain, non-linear color response) to bring authentic film emulation to mobile photography. We're not replacing film; we're making it accessible for moments when loading a roll isn't practical. Our app is free, no subscription or ads, because we believe more people should experience film photography. Whether you shoot with a Hexar AF, a phone running Daydream, or both, you're keeping the film aesthetic alive.