Konica Hexar - Models and Packaging

Models and Packaging

The Konica Hexar was sold either "body only" or as a set with HX-14 flash unit. Earlier models were black and came in a "standard" model or a model supporting an autodate film back. Later-production samples of this unit supported additional features, as noted above. A "Rhodium" finish (metallic pinkish in color) was available as an alternative to the more standard black finish. This model was also marketet as "Titanium" in some markets.

In 1993 two limited-edition versions of the Hexar were released:

• Classic Hexar: "Classic: 1993 silver chrome finish Hexars commemorating the 120th Anniversary of Konica. Hard to find since only 2000 were made, special gray presentation box, top plate engraved "120 Years, Since 1873."" This model supported auto-bracketing of exposure, a feature not found in other models (except, perhaps, the Gold Hexar below).
• Gold Hexar: "Konica's Gold Hexar is very stylishly done with a burnished gold finish, rather than the shiny gold finish used by most gold cameras. The packaging is first rate as well, with a special red velvet lined presentation walnut embossed case. The inside case is labeled "Konica's 120th Anniversary."" 500 Gold Hexars were produced.

In 1997 the Hexar Silver replaced earlier models, finished in a silver color and with "silent mode" disabled at the factory, apparently due to a dispute over intellectual property. These models can have silent mode re-enabled through a somewhat arcane set of "programming" steps that can be readily discovered through internet searches.