I posted about my Leica R Series 35mm Film SLRs way back in December, 2021 HERE. Since then, I’ve more than doubled my collection to include every primary ‘R’ model SLR released by Leica from 1976-2009. Leica typically made black and silver models, but I’m not differentiating on that.
I’m thrilled to have a complete collection; I’ve already shot film on 5 of them (well, 4 1/2 since I’m still shooting on the R-E) and I plan to eventually try them all to determine their working order. Links to those photos are included, below (and this posting will be updated with new links as my prints go online).
My original posting and this excellent page on apotelyt.com provide some history and a detailed accounting of model differences; my details are more personalized. Also check the Camera-Wiki (R4-R7), Summilux, etc. The apotelyt links under the model names, below, are excellent.
- Leicaflex (introduced 1964, my ID: LE-B-0311): Source: eBay; arrived with a fitted leather case.
- Leicaflex SL (1968, LE-B-0022): Source: Chuckles
- Leicaflex SL2 (1974, LE-B-0334): It seems to be working fine and it’s in good shape, but all of my first roll shots were many stops underexposed (despite using an external light meter as well for confirmation). The previous owner didn’t have this problem, and I didn’t get an ‘aha’ moment on the Leica forum, so I’m going to try again and take more care to note ASA / exposure settings with each shot (maybe it was a processing problem). Observations: Aligning the exposure needle to the settings frame is a bit clumsy. Also, you activate the light meter by pulling the frame advance lever out a bit, which was a bad design since I often turn it back off with my forehead when I put the camera to my eye! Source: eBay
- Leica R3 (1976, LE-B-0025): Of note is the word “Electronic” under the ‘R3’ as this was a big step up for Leica. Source: Chuckles.
- Leica R4 (1980, LE-B-0312): Source: Purchased from eBay from Roberts Camera, which seems to be an excellent online store given the quality and responsiveness.
- Leica R4S (1983, LE-B-0027): Fewer automatic modes; created to be more affordable than the R4. Source: Chuckles, brand new in the hard/lined/plastic Leica box. We opened the lower cabinet door and it literally fell out to the floor. A sign that it wants to be seen and used? Perhaps…. I have a duplicate (LE-B-0024), but the film rewind lever was stuck in the ‘up’ position (I fixed it, but don’t trust it).
- Leica R5 (1986, LE-B-0026): This body came with the Motor Winder R4, which is a blocky bottom-attachment used to wind the film at 2fps (not a motor drive, however; see the R6, below). It adds weight and size for little benefit so I don’t keep it attached. I’m looking forward to trying the R5 since it doesn’t suffer the electronics quirks documented for the R4 line. Source: Chuckles.
- Leica R-E (1990, LE-B-0335): The R6 was introduced between the R5 and R-E, but since the R-E is a modified “Economy” version of the R5 it makes more sense to list it here. I’m currently shooting a roll with the R-E and I love the size, weight, and feel. I don’t miss the removed program and shutter priority exposure modes from the R5, especially since I typically shoot full manual since the exposure compensation setting is difficult to adjust yet necessary in automatic modes for brighter / darker images. The R-E uses red lit indicators for aperture and speed, making it easy to see the current setting and making manual settings to match and adjust. So far I’m loving it; hopefully the developed photos will match. Source: eBay. It came with a protective plastic bottom to protect winder electronics.
- Leica R6 (1988, LE-B-0310): This body included the Motor Drive R4 (see the ‘R5’, above, though this is a clearly used 2/4fps drive in addition to being a 2fps winder. Doesn’t include the grip). The R6 is highly sought and costs more than neighboring models since it was the first fully manual Leica SLR since the SL2 from 1976 (battery only needed for internal light meter). Source: Purchased from eBay from Roberts Cameras, which seems to be an excellent online store given the quality and responsiveness.
- Leica R6.2 (1992, LE-B-0336): This was the last ‘R’ model I purchased in 2023 (at a great price and in mint condition). It’ll be the next camera I shoot with; I’m really looking forward to it since it’s a no-nonsense manual shooter with a great feel. Highly sought fully manual as with the R6. Source: eBay
- Leica R7 (1992, LE-B-0326): Not mint, but still in pretty good shape. Source: eBay.
- Leica R8 (1996, LE-B-0028): My R8 came with the Motor-Winder-R8, which is a heavy bottom attachment that winds the film after each shot. It makes the R8 look impressive, but that’s a lot of weight (270g) and battery (2 lithium cells) to avoid the film advance and rewind levers. I missing the battery compartment, however, so the winder remains. I shot my first ‘R’ roll with the R8 HERE, and I was happy with the results, esp. since it was the first roll of 35mm film I shot in years! I plan to shoot again taking the lessons learned, however, since I suspect better results on exposure and focus. Source: Chuckles.
- Leica R9 (2002, LE-B-0327): An impressive looking camera and in great shape. Leica departed from Minolta and redesigned the R8 with a smoother top to hide the pentaprism. I was stopped while shooting by a Leica enthusiast (seems to be a trend) which led to a fun conversation. My shots were all over-exposed, however, which means I’ll be trying again in case this was a processing / film issue. The camera seems to work perfectly, so more testing is needed. The Motor-Winder-R8 from the R8 is supposed to fit, but it’s being stubborn and I don’t want to force it. Source: eBay.
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