Leica R Cameras New Appreciation Thread (Images, Repairs, Accessories, & More)
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- Thread starter RezaLoghme
- Start date
Recent Classifieds
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For Sale Steinheil Orthostigmat 140mm brass lens (Germany, 1898)
- Started by Manual Camera
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For Sale FS: B&J Press 4x5 Camera
- Started by B.S.Kumar
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For Sale FS: Linhof Kardan Color 8x10 Back
- Started by B.S.Kumar
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For Sale FS: Linhof Kardan Bi-System 4x5 Camera
- Started by B.S.Kumar
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For Sale FUJI GF 80mm f1.7 for GFX Camera
- Started by Guillaume Zuili
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I'd take an SWC with its superb lens & 6x6 negative over any 35mm
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.
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.
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?
Thoughts?
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