Struggling between R7 and R8, which one to buy?

stam6882

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Sep 12, 2023
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I have been thinking about the Leica R and struggling between R7 and R8 - both are similarly priced while R9 seems to be more reliable, is several times more expensive. It seems earlier R's are more problematic with electronics but R7 / R8 may be safer. I don't have R lenses so this is a completely new path and investment. I do have a few M lenses so M6 is another option I guess. Any comments on R7 or R8's reliability?
 

beemermark

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Only the R3 & very early R4 models had issues. I have a SL2 and R7 and while i love the R7 I find it hard to read the dial settings even with my readers. The more modern lenses are great but not cheap. Better than my Nikon glass.
 

miha

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R7 and R8 feel completely different in your hands. Both are reliable but essentially unrepairable. If you are comfortable with RF cameras, I'd skip the R line and get an M camera instead. More expensive initially but once you add one or tho R lenses to the kit, the price equals to an used M6
 

guangong

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There is/was an adapter that allowed use of some longer M lenses to be used on SL cameras.
 

dave olson

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Having owned both an R 6.2 and R7, I have to vote for the R7. The R6.2 was OK, but I sold it, staying with my R7, and my R3MOT electronic. Between them they do all the things I require when shooting my R system.
 

bimmey

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The only R models I've owned are the R4 program and the R8. Of the two I liked the R8 the most. For a large camera it handles very well. It also has a built in flash meter that I found handy for portraits. I never used any of the ROM lenses so I could not use all the features the camera has to offer. Don't think you would be disappointed with the R8.
 
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