Leicaflex

cliveh · Jan 3, 2023

It occurred to me the other day that I have never handled or taken photographs with a Leicaflex and I would like to try one. My question is, if I was to pick one up second hand, which is the most recommended model and do I have to buy a lens? Or would an M series lens fit?

Pieter12 · Jan 3, 2023

The Leicaflex SL2 is well-regarded. Totally manual, it takes R Series lenses. I don't know if there is an adapter for M-mount lenses.

Mackinaw · Jan 3, 2023

I have the original Leicaflex Standard. Probably the most solid feeling camera I've ever held. Seems like it was hewn out of a block of metal, but it doesn't have TTL metering so most folks pass it by. The most desirable Leicaflex is probably the SL2 followed by the SL. As for lenses, you have to use R-mount, M-mount lenses won't fit (and focus to infinity). There are several variations of the R-lens line, just know that the more cams at the back means the lens can do more (on the appropriate camera). Lot to like about a Leicaflex, but for most, they are an acquired taste. Hard to service too.

Jim B.

xkaes · Jan 3, 2023

Leica SLRs used an R mount.

In my opinion there are two types of Leica SLRs. The original group was designed and made by Leitz. The second group was made by Minolta (starting with the XE-7, then the Minolta XD-11) and modified by Leitz. So if you like Minolta SLRs stick with the R3 and later.

http://www.subclub.org/minman/leica.htm

xkaes · Jan 3, 2023

You can't use M or L39 lenses on Leicaflexes -- unless you are doing close-up/macro work -- too much flange distance.

guangong · Jan 3, 2023

You can use longer M lenses, from 65mm on, with focusing mount plus various lens heads; plus all lenses designed for Visoflex.

mrosenlof · Jan 3, 2023

they are well made solid cameras with a reputation of being hard to repair (of which I don't have knowledge).

I have the non-ttl original a.k.a. "standard". It works fine. The last time I used it, I was impressed by how uniform my exposures were in different lighting conditions. So even though it's not TTL, if the meter works, it's a good meter. Like many cameras of its vintage, it takes mercury batteries. Many cameras of this vintage have non-working meters.

There are several series of Leica R lenses, in decreasing age: 1-cam 2-cam 3-cam R-cam ROM. Up to 3-cam will fit and work on any Leicaflex. The last two won't fit.

In summary, I think it's a good camera. The lenses are good, but I'm not really sure they are special enough to be worth the bother in 2023.

blee1996 · Jan 3, 2023

Leicaflex cameras are cheap, when compared to R-mount lenses.

I took a journey to try our Leica R system. My first camera was Leicaflex SL (cheaper than SL2, and more usable than original Leicaflex). I got "cheap" R lenses from KEH, e.g. 135/2.8. That gave me a good taste of the R system.

Then I added a R5 body, and 60/2.8 macro lens. I love both lenses!

I have to admit R5 is my preferred body for actual daily use, even though Leicaflex SL is big and beautiful.

Pieter12 · Jan 3, 2023

I love the look of the R8, although it was not well-received. Massive and heavy, too.

gone · Jan 3, 2023

Although the first Standard version doesn't have TTL metering, this is the one I would pick. Mine made spot on exposures even w/o that, but the main selling point is the fit and finish. Superbly built camera, even better than the later versions. The Standards are sorta rare, can be pricey, and tend to still be in good shape. Viewfinders on all of them are like a big picture window and don't play well w/ glasses due to their high magnification.

But all of these are old and suffer from possible (probable) prism degradation. I talked to Shirley Krauter a couple of years ago on the phone because she had the Leicaflex model that was introduced right after the Standard, and it was nicely priced at $400.

When I asked if her guarantee covered the prism she said no, she had no cameras to get a replacement prism from, so I would be on my own for that. She would guarantee that the prism in hers was clear, but stressed that degradation could occur at any time. You have to research lens compatibility on any camera you buy too, as not all the Leicaflex models will meter w/ the different 2 cam, 3 cam and 3rd cam R lenses.

The lenses are as good as it gets in 35mm photography, even today. Amazing build quality, 3-D imaging and very smooth bokeh. The first version 90 2.8 Elmarit on my Standard was said to be different than the later Elmarits, and certainly different than the last 2 and 3 cam R lenses, which are too contrasty for my tastes. Mine close focused almost like a macro, and rumor was it had intentionally been designed to be a little soft wide open for portraits. It sure did a beautiful job w/ those.

That Elmarit was the best lens I ever owned other than the 90 2.0 Summicron. I put an adapter on it and shot it on a Nikon n8008s, worked great. Had to cut off the single cam to get the adapter to fit, as it was actually part of the lens barrel! The later R lenses have cams you can remove by unscrewing the two little bitty retainer screws on each one.

Kodachromeguy · Jan 3, 2023

momus said:
But all of these are old and suffer from possible (probable) prism degradation. I talked to Shirley Krauter a couple of years ago on the phone because she had the Leicaflex model that was introduced right after the Standard, and it was nicely priced at $400.

When I asked if her guarantee covered the prism she said no, she had no cameras to get a replacement prism from, so I would be on my own for that. She would guarantee that the prism in hers was clear, but stressed that degradation could occur at any time.

How can you detect prism degradation? Does the view through the finder get dark or blotchy? It's odd that I don't hear about prism issues in Nikon Fs or many other cameras from that era. My wife's Spotmatic is fine.

Montegoblue · Jan 4, 2023

Whe the Leicaflex SL was first out, the Nikon F2 had already won that battle. How do I know? I was a clerk in a camera store at the time. I admired the SL. It sat there the entire 2 years in the showcase and not a soul asked about it. By then the Canon AE-1's were making a splash. But time told the story on 35mm SLR's. The F2 won. Game over. First time the rep came in with that AE-1, I thought it was pretty good, but still kind of junky. Sorry Charlie, the F2 totally killed it. Game over. to this day. Minoltas, Canons, Mirandas, Fujis, Pentaxes, whatever. Don't waste my day. No sale then, no sale now. My F2 still works perfect.

Paul Howell · Jan 4, 2023

When I bought my F, used in 1970 I did check out the SL, a lot of European PJ used the SL in Vietnam, it came down to cost of lens and the motor drive. The F, I bought had been factory modified for the drive which was included. I've considered a SL or a R body, again the cost of a lens set.

xkaes · Jan 4, 2023

FYI, The OP never mentioned price as a consideration. Maybe it is, maybe it isn't. Why drag it in?

miha · Jan 4, 2023

xkaes said:
FYI, The OP never mentioned price as a consideration. Maybe it is, maybe it isn't. Why drag it in?

I feel the OP's question is of an academic nature.

As a Leicaflex SL user I would gor for a SL2 if I wanted another all mechanical SLR Leica. I don't like the banana shape of the original or SL, also the ligtmeter is more sensitive on the SL2, othervise all are very accurate. VF gets blotchy with age, so get the one with the best VF you can find. There are no light seals or foam that can rotten in time which is a big plus.

beemermark · Jan 4, 2023

One fact often overlooked is the SL2 lens opening is slightly larger to allow the use of certain lenses. My superb 24mm Elmarit will not work on the SL or Standard. Lenses are generally backwards compatible (until you get to the ROM lenses made specifically for the R8). So a 3 or 2 cam will work on a Standard and a 1 came will work on an R7 (i think) except for metering modes. And the SL2 and SL is built every bit as well as the Standard. I have an R7, and love it, but at my age it's getting difficult to read the little numbers and letters on the top deck (like what mode am I in).

PH2Gary · Feb 19, 2023

Leica Lens are Leica Lens - the R lens are super and fantastic. They are highly sought after by cinematographers and photographers alike. Just because they are not a M mount lens doesnt lessen the lens. The photo from a 50mm R mount lens and 50 M mount lens - the same lens - the same results. Right now R lens are a bargin and M lens are not. M lens users dont like that fact and try and down play the quality of the R mount lens.

Camera's - the LeicaFlex and the Leica R series camera also are great cameras better than or equal to those of that era. They will take just as beautiful photo as an M Mount camera. They are more affordable and coupled with a nice Leitz R mount lens - the results are stunning. Dont get hung up on brands or the hype. If they covered all the brands no one would know the difference. I have used every Leica since I owned an M3 (in the day) I enjoyed the LeicaFlex (SL) and the Leica R3 and R6. The lens were great and still are. Im a cheapskate overall and would rather pay 800-1000 for a nice R6 and Lens that I would 2000-3000 for an M body with the same lens. Minolta who played a major part in Leica's life made a series of Leica camera's in conjuction with Leitz - those cameras and lenses are also spectacular. Leitz CL, Minolta CL, Leica CLE, Minolta CLE, Minolta XE, Leica R - just because they were not made in Germany, but Portugal or Japan doesnt take away their functionality or results. I also own a Leica Q2 today because no one else makes anything like it with build quality, lens quality and over all functionality. When it comes to cameras and photography it is what works best for you. It is fun to share with others what you use and prefer however.

BobD · Feb 19, 2023

I have a Standard with 35 Elmarit-R. I love the build quality but the viewfinder does lack a split-image focusing aid, something my old eyes appreciate. I think you have to get the SL2 for that feature.

xkaes · Feb 19, 2023

You left out the Minolta XD-11/XD-7/XD-5/etc. -- the basis for the Leica R4/R5/R6/R7. Just more examples of "a poor man's Leica".

blee1996 · Feb 19, 2023

I actually used the Minolta XD-11 quite a bit before getting the Leica R5. Although I fully enjoy using the XD-11, I have to say the Leica R5 is subtly better in so many different ways. It just feels like a much more premium and precision made camera. And today the price of Leica R4/R5 are very reasonably and not that much higher than a good condition XD-11, especially if you prefer the black version.

ediz7531 · Feb 20, 2023

cliveh said:
It occurred to me the other day that I have never handled or taken photographs with a Leicaflex and I would like to try one. My question is, if I was to pick one up second hand, which is the most recommended model and do I have to buy a lens? Or would an M series lens fit?

I own a Leicaflex SL2. It’s the most refined mechanical SLR I’ve used. The extremely well-damped mirror clap allows me to photograph using 1/15th with a 50mm lens.

I understand the reasons for a Nikon F2 having been the camera of choice for professionals, but it feels very rough in comparison to the SL2.

250swb · Feb 20, 2023

While Nikon were offering discounts to newspapers to use Nikon equipment, and freelancers had to fit in to be compatible, and the Nikon system was sturdy and with a vast range of lenses, at the same time it's true to say nobody wanted to look eccentric. I remember my photography tutor extolling the virtues of the Leicaflex while all I wanted was an F2 (but all I got was a Nikkormat). I think today we can overlook all the old reasons for choosing Nikon over Leica and revel in a bit of eccentricity and the fun of learning about a new system and even coming to the realisation of what you may have been missing all these years.

snusmumriken · Feb 20, 2023

Would anyone care to comment on the viewfinder of the Leicaflex, compared with other SLRs? I have only once handled one, at a Photokina exhibition many many years ago when I was still a teenager and the Leicaflex must have been even younger, possibly brand new. What I remember - possibly distorted by the passage of time - was that whatever you pointed the camera at already looked like a picture on the wall - this in comparison with the execrable finder of my own Zenit SLR.

cliveh · Feb 20, 2023

snusmumriken said:
Would anyone care to comment on the viewfinder of the Leicaflex, compared with other SLRs? I have only once handled one, at a Photokina exhibition many many years ago when I was still a teenager and the Leicaflex must have been even younger, possibly brand new. What I remember - possibly distorted by the passage of time - was that whatever you pointed the camera at already looked like a picture on the wall - this in comparison with the execrable finder of my own Zenit SLR.

The Zenit SLR is one of the worst viewfinders I have ever experienced, as I seem to remember you can view the adjoining mirrors.

Hassasin · Feb 24, 2023

xkaes said:
You left out the Minolta XD-11/XD-7/XD-5/etc. -- the basis for the Leica R4/R5/R6/R7. Just more examples of "a poor man's Leica".

It became moot from R5 on. Had nothing to do with Minolta at that point.

Leicaflex

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