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

In have the impression you're having a swell time with those Leicas. Why not just ride the wave, eh.

RezaLoghme said:

Question: Buy a Hasselblad SWC or simply add a 21 or 24mm R lens to my collection?

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I'd take an SWC with its superb lens & 6x6 negative over any 35mm

GregY said:

I'd take an SWC with its superb lens & 6x6 negative over any 35mm

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Ot both!

There is a great article about Salgado's work in kuwait, with details abotu all his R gear, canI post it

After a Long Journey, I’ve Finally Arrived — Shooting My Leica R4 in Auto Mode

After an exhausting couple of years cycling through cameras, lenses, and obsessing over settings, I’ve come full circle and landed on something that just works for me: my trusty Leica R4, shooting film in program ("auto exposure") mode.

Yes, I know the R4 is nearly 40 years old. Yes, I know it’s considered “budget” or “entry-level” by some. And yes, I’m aware that many purists prefer to shoot fully manual — especially on a camera with such a storied mechanical lineage as the R6 or the M series.

But here’s the thing: shooting film is inherently unpredictable and, to me, a form of creative play. Using the R4 in auto mode removes a layer of stress and lets me focus on seeing rather than setting. It’s my way of embracing the medium without turning it into a technical trial.

I’m not chasing perfection or signaling anything. I’m simply using what I have, how I want, and I’m happier for it.

For those who might find this controversial, that’s fine. This is my quiet rebellion against gear OCD and the endless “correct” way to shoot. If my approach offends purists, well, I’m too busy making photos to care.

Here’s to shooting what you love, how you love it.

AND:

I’ve started shooting almost exclusively with the R-series 28–70mm, and I love it.

It’s unassuming, it’s versatile, and — paired with my R4 — it turns the whole setup into what I half-jokingly call my “point and shoot for grown-ups.” It’s fun. It lets me frame quickly in city streets without changing lenses or overthinking anything. It's light, reasonably sharp, and — most importantly — it’s mine.

The disdain around “kit lenses” reminds me of the golf world, where buying a complete set marks you as an amateur. No, you’re supposed to choose your putter as if your soul depends on it. It’s posturing. And I’m over it.

Let the internet argue about sharpness charts, lens character, or which prime gives your soul more bokeh.

Meanwhile, I’m quietly out there with a €300 Vario-Elmar 28–70mm and a €150 Leica R4 body — both bought in top condition, directly from Leica. No bragging rights, no “heritage glass” drama, no mystical rendering. Just a clean, honest tool that happens to bring me real joy.

If it gets lost, stolen, or smashed: who cares? I’d replace it without blinking. This isn’t precious gear locked in a humidity-controlled cabinet.

I recently picked up a Leica R3 MOT unused, new in the box, all paper etc. This replaced an R6.2 which I don't feel any remorse in selling. Couple the R3 with my R7 and I'm good. Lenses are where I will pay for condition. I have my 50 f1.4 Summilux (goes without saying), 35-70 f4.0 (outstanding zoom) a 80-200 f4 and a macro lens.

Bought the 21mm now, quite an unusual lens.

dave olson said:

I recently picked up a Leica R3 MOT unused, new in the box, all paper etc. This replaced an R6.2 which I don't feel any remorse in selling. Couple the R3 with my R7 and I'm good. Lenses are where I will pay for condition. I have my 50 f1.4 Summilux (goes without saying), 35-70 f4.0 (outstanding zoom) a 80-200 f4 and a macro lens.

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Hope all goes well. My R3 decided to give the exposure meter a day off once in a while. I am going to return it to Leica.

A bit of a stupid question. I recently picked up a 50mm Summilux-R, which might make my 50mm Summicron-R redundant. You sometimes read "you never sell a Leica lens" on forums. The -cron might net me 300 EUR which I dont need urgently.

Thoughts?

Just received my estimate for getting the R6 knocked into shape by Leica. All seals to be renewed, prism cleaned from inside, new palpas. Happy to know that I am going to give her another 10 years of life.

I will have the Summilux CLA'd too, just to be done with everything.

And then keep it, and enjoy it. If it breaks - have it fixed, if possible. If for some reason it would not be possible to fix the body, I would keep the lenses (for my M system, with EVF2) but not buy another body. But for now, I am sure my R system is going to live long.

RezaLoghme said:

Just received my estimate for getting the R6 knocked into shape by Leica. All seals to be renewed, prism cleaned from inside, new palpas. Happy to know that I am going to give her another 10 years of life.

I will have the Summilux CLA'd too, just to be done with everything.

And then keep it, and enjoy it. If it breaks - have it fixed, if possible. If for some reason it would not be possible to fix the body, I would keep the lenses (for my M system, with EVF2) but not buy another body. But for now, I am sure my R system is going to live long.

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"new palpas". ??

yes

RezaLoghme said:

yes

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please tell what "palpas" is...

the stuff inside the mirror box, the velvet like coating

GregY said:

please tell what "palpas" is...

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I think its what @RezaLoghme 's heart does when he uses his Leica cameras

MattKing said:

I think its what @RezaLoghme 's heart does when he uses his Leica cameras

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It's hard to find anyone more enthusiastic about Leica R here......

RezaLoghme said:

the stuff inside the mirror box, the velvet like coating

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Which we usually refer to as flocking - hope that helps.

GregY said:

It's hard to find anyone more enthusiastic about Leica R here......

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Indeed, and @RezaLoghme 's enthusiasm is a marvel, and I enjoy seeing it.

MattKing said:

I think its what @RezaLoghme 's heart does when he uses his Leica cameras

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It occurs to me that this somewhat strained pun might be a bit unfair, given that @RezaLoghme 's first language is apparently not English - even though it was intended to be read with a smile.
And in case an explanation/translation is required, "palpas" seems to share a root with "palpitations" which is akin to "fluttering", which itself is what young lovers' hearts do when they encounter the objects of their undying affections.
Enjoy your Leica(s) @RezaLoghme .

MattKing said:

Which we usually refer to as flocking - hope that helps.


Indeed, and @RezaLoghme 's enthusiasm is a marvel, and I enjoy seeing it.

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Thanks Matt.... I had googled & couldn't find a translation. New flocking.....that's a pretty thorough service!

GregY said:

Thanks Matt.... I had googled & couldn't find a translation. New flocking.....that's a pretty thorough service!

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I'm relying on @RezaLoghme 's translation (post 114) here

MattKing said:

I'm relying on @RezaLoghme 's translation (post 114) here

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i would have expected perhaps new seals.

GregY said:

i would have expected perhaps new seals.

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Hasselblad referred to internal flocking as "palpas" in later bodies, I think starting from mid-late 80's, SWC 903 had it, SWC/M did not. Material prone to cracking with age (of course claimed at introduction as superior to earlier coatings), kind of a mess if you ask me. Some "filled in" cracks with permanent marker, but palpas did turn ugly not long into their age.

Hassasin said:

Hasselblad referred to internal flocking as "palpas" in later bodies, I think starting from mid-late 80's, SWC 903 had it, SWC/M did not. Material prone to cracking with age (of course claimed at introduction as superior to earlier coatings), kind of a mess if you ask me. Some "filled in" cracks with permanent marker, but palpas did turn ugly not long into their age.

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Thanks H!