Question:
Well, as a Hexar owner (and a loyal one at that), there are some special things you should know about the camera: First, the lens has a wonderful quality to anything that’s out-of-focus (so called bokeh). It’s also a full stop faster (f/2.0). The camera accepts filters (which I doubt the GR1 does). It can also be programed to shoot IR film, and will make the correct focus compensation. The AF works in total darkness. You can manually override the exposure index and the exposure compensation separately. You can rewind the film w/ the leader out if you so choose. The viewfinder is really good, although it doesn’t offer much exposure information. All in all, its a great camera. Rober Ades Hello, I decided to buy good comapct in addition to my Canon EOS system What do you think is better buy – Konica Hexar Silver or Ricoh GR1? Size doesn’s matter very much, but flexibility does matter. The external flash on Hexar is more powerfull than built-in Ricoh GR1, which is very weak. I also prefer 35mm instead of 28mm. The advantage of GR1 is it’s price which is $110 less than Hexar. Thanks in advance, –Yuri.
Response:
The camera accepts filters (which I doubt the GR1 does).
GR1 does take filters via an optional filter ring to attach on top of the lens. Other potential advantages of Hexar I can’t really argue against.
Response:
On my Hexar I press the select button and then use the up button or down button to set the compensation I want; sounds pretty simple and user friendly to me. On the GR1 there’s no select button to press to set exposure compensation - you just turn the dial in the + or – direction to set it and it’s always set and always visible. This eliminates one step in the operation that’s required on the Hexar. John P. McCormack
Your right… it sounds marginaly easier… but try doing manual exposure with the GR-1. Actually… in all fairness, I don’t know a lot about the GR-1. I’d probably enjoy the 1/500th more than the 1/250 limit on the Hexar, but then, with the Hexar’s incredibly simple tails out operation, it’s so easy to switch to slower, sharper, more saturated film. Can the GR-1 accept filters? I’ve made some incredible flash photo’s with the little HX-14 flash that comes with the Hexar, but also with a Nikon SB-24 on an SC-17 cable (with the Hexar). AF correction for IR film is a dubious feature to me. I havn’t used IR film in my Hexar yet… but I suppose, some day I will (with a deep red filter). The two things I enjoy most about my Hexar is the 35mm f2 lens (I love shooting at f2 and throwing the background out of focus) and… the silent mode. I have the older all black model. I took my Hexar into the camera store the other day and did a side by side comparison of the Hexar Silver and and my older black Hexar set to silent mode. Big difference. And with the silent mode… the film doesn’t advance until you lift your finger up off the shutter button. It’s a shame that silent mode had to be left off the newer Hexar. True… the new Hexars are considered "quiet" but most new Hexar owners don’t realize what they are literally "missing" with the silent mode on the older Hexars. Because of this feature… I would expect a used Hexar in good condition (and that has the software update to include IR AF correction, multi-exp., one touch manual etc.) to sell for as much (perhaps more??) than the new ones. (Maybe that’s just wishful thinking on my part…) D.B.
Response:
On my Hexar I press the select button and then use the up button or down button to set the compensation I want; sounds pretty simple and user friendly to me. Bill S. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The GR1 interface is more user friendly than that on the Hexar. Just try using exposure compensation on both…for example. Hi Yuri, I had owned Gr1 and Hexar both at the same time but I sold the Hexar after 3 months because to me SIZE does matter a lot. The Hexar with it’s flash is comparable with a EOS 50 or so and the lens, although great, is fixed. I would rather take a Canon system compliment by a GR1. It’s a lot more easy on my shoulder and didn’t attact that much attention since the GR1 can be easily hide in the pocket. Also, I prefer 28mm more than 35mm unless I am shooting people-environment pictures. Rgds, Jeff Tse Hello, I decided to buy good comapct in addition to my Canon EOS system What do you think is better buy – Konica Hexar Silver or Ricoh GR1? Size doesn’s matter very much, but flexibility does matter. The external flash on Hexar is more powerfull than built-in Ricoh GR1, which is very weak. I also prefer 35mm instead of 28mm. The advantage of GR1 is it’s price which is $110 less than Hexar. Thanks in advance, –Yuri.
Response:
On my Hexar I press the select button and then use the up button or down button to set the compensation I want; sounds pretty simple and user friendly to me.
On the GR1 there’s no select button to press to set exposure compensation - you just turn the dial in the + or – direction to set it and it’s always set and always visible. This eliminates one step in the operation that’s required on the Hexar. John P. McCormack http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/Vines/9273/gr1.html
Response:
Hello, I decided to buy good comapct in addition to my Canon EOS system What do you think is better buy – Konica Hexar Silver or Ricoh GR1? Size doesn’s matter very much, but flexibility does matter. The external flash on Hexar is more powerfull than built-in Ricoh GR1, which is very weak. I also prefer 35mm instead of 28mm. The advantage of GR1 is it’s price which is $110 less than Hexar. Thanks in advance, –Yuri.
I’ve got both. The Hexar is simply more capable and to my eye possessed of a sharper lens. The GR1 is extremely convienient. Still if I had to pick, my Hexar would win out.
Response:
Hello, I decided to buy good comapct in addition to my Canon EOS system What do you think is better buy – Konica Hexar Silver or Ricoh GR1? Size doesn’s matter very much, but flexibility does matter. The external flash on Hexar is more powerfull than built-in Ricoh GR1, which is very weak. I also prefer 35mm instead of 28mm. The advantage of GR1 is it’s price which is $110 less than Hexar. Thanks in advance, –Yuri.
Response:
Hi Yuri, I had owned Gr1 and Hexar both at the same time but I sold the Hexar after 3 months because to me SIZE does matter a lot. The Hexar with it’s flash is comparable with a EOS 50 or so and the lens, although great, is fixed. I would rather take a Canon system compliment by a GR1. It’s a lot more easy on my shoulder and didn’t attact that much attention since the GR1 can be easily hide in the pocket. Also, I prefer 28mm more than 35mm unless I am shooting people-environment pictures. Rgds, Jeff Tse – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello, I decided to buy good comapct in addition to my Canon EOS system What do you think is better buy – Konica Hexar Silver or Ricoh GR1? Size doesn’s matter very much, but flexibility does matter. The external flash on Hexar is more powerfull than built-in Ricoh GR1, which is very weak. I also prefer 35mm instead of 28mm. The advantage of GR1 is it’s price which is $110 less than Hexar. Thanks in advance, –Yuri.
Response:
Hello, I decided to buy good comapct in addition to my Canon EOS system What do you think is better buy – Konica Hexar Silver or Ricoh GR1? Size doesn’s matter very much, but flexibility does matter. The external flash on Hexar is more powerfull than built-in Ricoh GR1, which is very weak. I also prefer 35mm instead of 28mm. The advantage of GR1 is it’s price which is $110 less than Hexar. Thanks in advance,
Seems to me like you’ve answered all your own questions. Spend the extra $110. Chance favors the prepared mind.
Response:
The GR1 interface is more user friendly than that on the Hexar. Just try using exposure compensation on both…for example. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Yuri, I had owned Gr1 and Hexar both at the same time but I sold the Hexar after 3 months because to me SIZE does matter a lot. The Hexar with it’s flash is comparable with a EOS 50 or so and the lens, although great, is fixed. I would rather take a Canon system compliment by a GR1. It’s a lot more easy on my shoulder and didn’t attact that much attention since the GR1 can be easily hide in the pocket. Also, I prefer 28mm more than 35mm unless I am shooting people-environment pictures. Rgds, Jeff Tse Hello, I decided to buy good comapct in addition to my Canon EOS system What do you think is better buy – Konica Hexar Silver or Ricoh GR1? Size doesn’s matter very much, but flexibility does matter. The external flash on Hexar is more powerfull than built-in Ricoh GR1, which is very weak. I also prefer 35mm instead of 28mm. The advantage of GR1 is it’s price which is $110 less than Hexar. Thanks in advance, –Yuri.
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