Gents:

As you know, the Hexar RF is a good second camera for Leica M lens. Or you can use the Hexanon, not too bad would say the 35mm ASPH owners... FNAC (a large retailer) and Chasseur d'Images (monthly magazine, Leica biased, ahem) are producing a price list for second hand and an indication on if the equipment can be trade off against new stuff.

About the Leica R: Most of the lens cannot be traded off, R8 and R7 and R6/6.2 are accepted About M, all M4 to M6 are accepted, all lenses are accepted but the M135 and the M280, the M400 and the M560

And for the the HEXAR RF they sell 2300 Euros in a Kit, you can trade it under condition at 1300 Euros. Condition is "mostly subjected to the market"

No mention of Cosina Voigtlander, I wonder why...

Nice flop, eh? Too bad, the Hexar is a nice camera, as good as the G1/G2 which is a trade off for FNAC.

Have a nice day.

-- Xavier d'Alfort (hot_billexf@hotmail.com), February 14, 2002

Answers

A new in box w/ warranty Konica Hexar RF kit (50/2 and flash) can be had in the States for $1,099 plus shipping. I would never buy it used due to the problems with the viewfinder alignment on some batches (at least not without a return option).

Interestingly enough, the US dealers I've been talking to about the Konica all raves about the quality and its excellent value, however, when I talked to some Swedish dealer they didn't have much good to say about Konica. Leica and Contax were held in much higher regard, which of course would influence the used prices on Konica HFR in that part of the world.

cheers, pat

-- Patrick (svenburg@yahoo.com), February 14, 2002.

FNAC is the most expensive place to buy cameras in France, and they pay the least for your used gear. Camera shops around Bastille are selling new kits for 1450 euros including sales tax.

-- Roger (roger@photo.net), February 14, 2002.

Yes, around Bastille and Boulevard Beaumarchais.

Let me recommend the Maisons du Leica on this Boulevard. Nice Chaps, good service and reasonnable prices.

FNAC is not considered as "has been", most of the competent staff has flown away.

Cheers

-- Xavier d'Alfort (hot_billexf@hotmail.com), February 15, 2002.