My new Leica R4 and R6 and 35-70mm Vario Elmar

RezaLoghme · Apr 17, 2025

Although I promised myself I wouldn’t buy any more cameras, I couldn’t resist picking up an R6 in good condition—anda bizarrely mint R4. Over 40 years old, but optically and mechanically it's crisp like new. Even the little indicators inside the viewfinder are unusually sharp and clean. No noticeable shutter lag either, though the mirror slap does sound a bit harsh. I paid €160 for it from a Leica boutique, complete with a 12-month warranty.

The R6 is still en route—hopefully arriving today, assuming a certain three-letter logistics company manages to find my address.

Also incoming: a 35–70mm Vario-Elmar f/3.5 (E60). Looking forward to trying the combo soon!

250swb · Apr 17, 2025

Very nice, enjoy it! Have have an R-E (the simplified R4) and it's still in perfect condition, and also the 35-70mm Vario Elmar which I'm sure you'll love. It really does do away with prime lenses unless you need the speed. If you have 60mm filters already that's great, but they can be hard to find so I use a 60 to 67mm step-up ring to use the more common size.

RezaLoghme · Apr 17, 2025

Thank you.

I have other cameras which are more complex, more expensive, more "desirable". But this R4 just makes me happy. Need to see how it performs in practice, if the electronics do what they should and all.

Let's (not) hope that the market will eventually understand the charme of these little freckled stepsisters.

miha · Apr 17, 2025

Congratulations! R series cameras are becoming quite affordable now, with the R6.2 and sometimes the R6 being notable exceptions. A few things to check: the depth of field lever should move smoothly, as it can become stiff over time and potentially block camera operation; repairs in such cases are often not feasible or worth the cost. The black suede-like light baffle material inside the mirror chamber tends to fade (become light grey in color) and crack with age - this usually has no effect Also, inspect the foam around the small rear window to ensure it hasn't deteriorated, which could lead to film fogging. Lastly, the mirror slap sound on the R4 should be very gentle (as it is on mine).

Rob Skeoch · Apr 17, 2025

What an exciting purchase.
I used a R4S Model 2 for years. I always loved the R6/R6.2 but never owned one.

blee1996 · Apr 17, 2025

These middle series of Leica R cameras are compact and fun to use. I use my R5 and 60/2.8 a lot!

RezaLoghme · Apr 17, 2025

Unfortunately one certain three letter logistic company has sent the parcel with the R6 and Vario Elmar into some Bermuda triangle. They said it will reappear on Tuesday.

The R4 has a weird "red dot" -flat and shiny, not matte and "engraved". And yes, the mirror slap is somewhat loud-ish, maybe it is softer with a lens attached. But other than that, it is in time-warp condition.

RezaLoghme · Apr 17, 2025

miha said:
Also, inspect the foam around the small rear window to ensure it hasn't deteriorated, which could lead to film fogging. Lastly, the mirror slap sound on the R4 should be very gentle (as it is on mine).

The light seals on the R4 have been replaced by Leica. Thanks god!
The self-timer seems to be broken, but I don't need it anyway.

RezaLoghme · Apr 17, 2025

Correction: Self-timer works well, user did not know how to activate it.

beemermark · Apr 18, 2025

I have an R7 and a number of lenses. Really love it and it's replacing my Nikon stable.

RezaLoghme · Apr 18, 2025

R7 is tempting because of its different shape and its BMW-like displays in the viewfinder.

Who knows, maybe in a few years R cameras will be all the rage?

250swb · Apr 18, 2025

miha said:
Also, inspect the foam around the small rear window to ensure it hasn't deteriorated, which could lead to film fogging. Lastly, the mirror slap sound on the R4 should be very gentle (as it is on mine).

Good point, and it's fiddly to cut a new piece so I put electrical tape over all my cameras that have windows just in case because foam this old can fail any time.

RezaLoghme · Apr 18, 2025

Lucky, Leica has done that for me.

RezaLoghme · Apr 22, 2025

So while waiting for said three-letter logistics company to deliver my parcel, I am contemplating whether I should also buy a 50mm prime "just because". Or if I should wait and see if the Vario-Elmar R 3.5 35-70 is good enough for the time being.

RezaLoghme · Apr 22, 2025

The camera and lens have arrived! Both are almost like new. It paid off that I bought them directly from Leica. R6's display is free of distractions.

Photos to follow soon!!!

My new Leica R4 and R6 and 35-70mm Vario Elmar

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