Leica R Cameras New Appreciation Thread (Images, Repairs, Accessories, & More)

[RezaLoghme]

This thread is intended as a new home for all Leica R camera, lens, and accessory appreciation, separate from the ongoing debates in the “Is the Leica R a real Leica?” thread. Whether you're a long-time R user or newly discovering the system, this is the place to celebrate its strengths through images, experiences, gear talk, and resources.

Please feel free to:

• Discuss lenses, viewfinders, motors, backs, straps—anything R-related
• Post your field notes, travel stories, or studio workflows using the R system
• Ask or offer tips for using, adapting, or maintaining your gear
• Link to repair resources or technician recommendations (now that Leica stopped servicing R cameras)

I’ll also begin collecting Andreas Thaler’s Leica R repair threads and other helpful resources here in one place over time. If you have a favorite link or guide, please share it!

Let’s give the underappreciated R series its own space—focused, practical, and passionate.

Looking forward to seeing your images and insights.

 

[RezaLoghme]

So here is my (now gone) "entry ticket" into the R system:

New (to me) Leica R5 with 50mm and 135mm lenses

Hello, 35mm friends, a brief self-introdcution! I have recently bought a (black) Leica R5, including a 50mm Summicron-R (Made in Canada, R-only) and a 135mm Elmarit, complete with all front and rear lens covers. So far, the whole kits seems to be in sound condition; I have removed some dust...

www.photrio.com

I have no idea why I sold it, but let's not look back. R4 and R5 sit somewhere in between the "old-timers" (R3, SL) and the desirable R6 (.2) and R7, not to mention the Colani's Wet Dream (R8/9). In Leica SLR's No-Man's-Land.

 

[RezaLoghme]

Already a new contribution!

Today I received Brian Long’s book on the Leica R series. While it’s a bit smaller than expected—more compact and slimmer than a full-sized coffee table book—it’s a very nice item and would make an ideal gift for any Leica R enthusiast.

The book starts with some company background and then dives into the origins of the Leicaflex SL, before spending quite a few pages on the R3 and its relationship with Minolta—why Portugal, shared components, and all that. Every R model is given due attention, interspersed with full-page photographs and a wealth of reproduced period brochures and advertisements. Japanese marketing material is featured throughout the book as well.

It ends with the R8/R9, and it’s interesting to see how Leica was already using the familiar gunmetal grey cardboard boxes seen with later digital models.

A miniature but important detail: the book is printed in a pleasantly legible font—not too small—which makes it easy to read in dim light while sitting on the sofa. A real plus for enjoying this kind of book.

All in all, a lovely read—written in a semi-colloquial, quite personal tone, and attention to detail. Recommended!

 

[1957ExaktaVarexIIa]

Will the Leicaflex be allowed to participate in this thread...?



Though Contax RTS II are my main SLR cameras I'm very fond of this 1971 Leicaflex SL I found last year. It still needs a CLA and a repair of one battery contact.

• But it's a pleasure to take pictures with this pure mechanical tool: massive and solid.
• It gets extremely comfortable when I have to change lenses very quickly: even a bit easier and faster than with Contax/Yashica bayonet lenses - and much more easy and faster than with Canon FD lenses.

 

[RezaLoghme]

The Leicaflex models are quite a bit older and technically distinct from the R series – especially in terms of lens compatibility (single vs. two/three-cam). Since many of the later R lenses can’t be used properly on a Leicaflex, it might make more sense to start a separate thread for those.

 

[beemermark]

The Leicaflex models are quite a bit older and technically distinct from the R series – especially in terms of lens compatibility (single vs. two/three-cam). Since many of the later R lenses can’t be used properly on a Leicaflex, it might make more sense to start a separate thread for those.

My SL2 will take 1,2, or 3 cam lenses. For metering I believe you need 3 cam. 3 Cam is all I have since I also have a R7. The SL has a slightly narrower throat and will not that the gorgeous 24mm. Maybe some other exotic lenses but I don't remember. They won't work with ROM lenses since some ROM lenses have no cams. An advantage to the SL2/SL bodies is that they are strictly mechanical and can be worked on by any decent repair person.

 

[RezaLoghme]

Already a new contribution!

Today I received Brian Long’s book on the Leica R series. While it’s a bit smaller than expected—more compact and slimmer than a full-sized coffee table book—it’s a very nice item and would make an ideal gift for any Leica R enthusiast.

The book starts with some company background and then dives into the origins of the Leicaflex SL, before spending quite a few pages on the R3 and its relationship with Minolta—why Portugal, shared components, and all that. Every R model is given due attention, interspersed with full-page photographs and a wealth of reproduced period brochures and advertisements. Japanese marketing material is featured throughout the book as well.

It ends with the R8/R9, and it’s interesting to see how Leica was already using the familiar gunmetal grey cardboard boxes seen with later digital models.

A miniature but important detail: the book is printed in a pleasantly legible font—not too small—which makes it easy to read in dim light while sitting on the sofa. A real plus for enjoying this kind of book.

All in all, a lovely read—written in a semi-colloquial, quite personal tone, and attention to detail. Recommended!

And I forgot to mention that like the cameras, the book is also much cheaper than the recently released M book

 

[flavio81]

this is the place to celebrate its strengths

I'd suggest deleting this thread, in the interest of keeping Leica R prices low.

 

[John Wiegerink]

I'd suggest deleting this thread, in the interest of keeping Leica R prices low.

+1

 

[Andreas Thaler]

I remember when the Leica R4 and R5 were new in the shop windows, along with the lenses. The prices were insane compared to those of their Japanese competitors. Today, I wonder what added value they offered.

The R cameras— some of which I own and value—are not miracles, but SLRs that occasionally need repair.

Paepke, located in Düsseldorf/Germany, still repairs R:

Service (English) – Paepke Fototechnik

paepke-fototechnik.de

 

[RezaLoghme]

I remember when the Leica R4 and R5 were new in the shop windows, along with the lenses. The prices were insane compared to those of their Japanese competitors. Today, I wonder what added value they offered.

Yes, "insane" is a good term. But at that time, it was what people valued. Who would have thought that we would walk around with little super cameras attached to our phones 40 years later?

Just checked, there are the RRP when the cameras were new: Leica R6: 4198 DM, Leica M6: 3898 DM. Depending on which calculator/took you are using, that is about EUR 4000 today, for a SLR body without lens!!

Andreas you would really enjoy the book I mentioned above. It is more than just one of these books about technical products. The author should be applauded for some good story-telling, and an eclectic choice of illustrations and photos.

 

[Andreas Thaler]

Andreas you would really enjoy the book I mentioned above. It is more than just one of these books about technical products. The author should be applauded for some good story-telling, and an eclectic choice of illustrations and photos.

Thanks for the tip!

Here are some books from my library:

 

[Andreas Thaler]

Brian Long is not unknown to me

 

[Andreas Thaler]

Just checked, there are the RRP when the cameras were new: Leica R6: 4198 DM, Leica M6: 3898 DM. Depending on which calculator/took you are using, that is about EUR 4000 today, for a SLR body without lens!!

The discussion is well known; these were also status symbols, just as a worn Nikon made you a tough professional; some helped with sandpaper …

Olympus was also a brand for people with higher incomes, but they didn't necessarily take better photos. This, of course, also applies to Leica and Nikon.

Today, that's history, and sometimes I have fun walking through Vienna with a silver R7, where you can see the LEICA logo especially clearly in front of the prism

 

[RezaLoghme]

Great stuff!

What I like a lot about Long's R book is how is looking at the camera market of the 1970s, the Japanese manufacturers against Leica, labour cost arbitrage etc. I

 

[Andreas Thaler]

Great stuff!

What I like a lot about Long's R book is how is looking at the camera market of the 1970s, the Japanese manufacturers against Leica, labour cost arbitrage etc. I

You know the stations once you have boarded the R-train

 

[RezaLoghme]

So far, with the R6 I feel like having arrived...but the R3...and R8....

 

[dave olson]

Been using an R7 for a lot of years and recently added a NOS R3 MOT in box, wrappings, papers, never fired. Lens selection is a 50 f1.4, 55 f2.8 macro, 35-70 f 4 and 80-200 f 4. Anything longer or faster just too heavy.

 

[RezaLoghme]

Both my Rs are like new. No idea why the prices are so low, but I don't mind.

Happy to hear more about your Summilux in action!

 

[mehguy]

I'd suggest deleting this thread, in the interest of keeping Leica R prices low.

I concur but also with the Contax SLRs

 

[Andreas Thaler]

I'd suggest deleting this thread, in the interest of keeping Leica R prices low.

I suggest even more colleagues contribute to this thread so we can learn more about the Leica R system.

Anyone who fears the power of a discussion on PHOTRIO can still quickly go shopping

 

[RezaLoghme]

I full agree, Andreas.

So let's get back on track and discuss the R-Series here.

 

[RezaLoghme]

@Andreas Thaler one question for you:

I have black specks visible in my R4's viewfinder. They seem to be "in focus", so conventional wisdom says "it must be the focus screen". I have now swapped the screens between R4 and R6 - but the dust pattern remains the same!! I have tried to clean the R4's screen in several way - no change.

Where else could the dirt be located? How can I remove it (not having your surgeon's fingers)? Or send the camera for a CLA?

 

[John Wiegerink]

@Andreas Thaler one question for you:

I have black specks visible in my R4's viewfinder. They seem to be "in focus", so conventional wisdom says "it must be the focus screen". I have now swapped the screens between R4 and R6 - but the dust pattern remains the same!! I have tried to clean the R4's screen in several way - no change.

Where else could the dirt be located? How can I remove it (not having your surgeon's fingers)? Or send the camera for a CLA?

Could the dust particles be on the bottom of the prism itself? See if you can see them with the focus screen removed.

 

[RezaLoghme]

It worked!!!! Thank you!

Any tips how I could tighten the 135mm/2.8 Elmarit-R's lens hood?