How long will Leica repair their R models?

[Thomas.Goehler]

Actually, Leica R-cameras are not as sturdy as one might think, given the questions and complaints about them in German forums. I guess, any Canon or Nikon from the seventies or eighties will last longer and fare better in the long run than a Leica. R4 has lots of electronic faults, SL-Leicas are the hardest cameras to repair because of their mechanical complexity (plus spare parts are hard to get by now), so I doubt that a Leica will be a good investment in terms of longevity.
They sure are fascinating cameras and I'm often on the verge of getting one myself, but so far reason has always won over desire and has made me stick with my Canons and some other Japaneses sisters.

 

[photopriscilla]

I am so sad to learn this! I don't know if I should stop using my Leica R6 altogether. It is my sweet salvation. I have have not had to havce any repairs and I see that I have now just been taking this for granted! Upsetting news!

 

[AgX]

Leitz cooperated with Minolta and this resulted in both the XD- and R-series.

 

[Rolfe Tessem]

I believe the Minolta cooperation was with the early R cameras, the R3 and R4. By the time Leica got to the R6 and R7, I'm pretty sure those were all Leica. The R6 is basically a reflex Leica M6 camera. The R7 is basically a reflex M7. The R6, in particular, is all mechanical so it is free of any electronics problems that plagued the R3 and derivatives. This is one reason, no doubt, that the R6 has held its value pretty well. The R8 and R9 are different cameras entirely and were completely Leica.

 

[benjiboy]

I believe the Minolta cooperation was with the early R cameras, the R3 and R4. By the time Leica got to the R6 and R7, I'm pretty sure those were all Leica. The R6 is basically a reflex Leica M6 camera. The R7 is basically a reflex M7. The R6, in particular, is all mechanical so it is free of any electronics problems that plagued the R3 and derivatives. This is one reason, no doubt, that the R6 has held its value pretty well. The R8 and R9 are different cameras entirely and were completely Leica.

I understand Leica cooperated with Minolta to use their expertise in electronics design mainly.

 

[miha]

Also expertise in mass production and lens design. Many zooms were made by Minolta (and Sigma).

 

[Mustafa Umut Sarac]

I understand Leica cooperated with Minolta to use their expertise in electronics design mainly.

I know the story reverse , Yashica cooperated with Zeiss and Minolta with Leica to use German lens expertise. I am seeing Leicaflex for around 80 dollars to up at keh for a long time, You get ergonomics and taste to use smooth like an widow shutter and unbeliviable , no match with any other japanese lens , Leica lens. Why worry about problem , go buy an other body. Mercedes is expensive to repair but whenenever your life depends on a car , your car is again a mercedes. I watched a bbc documentary and when the mercedes hits a toyota , toyota turns to a cola can but mercedes doesnt even breaks its glass.