Leica R

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Leica R was a SLR camera from Leica Camera AG based in Wetzlar , Germany .

The predecessor was the Leicaflex system , which at the beginning of the 1970s had lost touch with the technical development that had been driven primarily by Japanese reflex cameras. In order not to have to give up the growing SLR camera market, Leitz entered into a cooperation with Minolta in the early 1970s, through which Leitz gained access to modern technology such as automatic aperture control . This led to the introduction of the Leica R3 in 1976. Since the late 1990s, today's Leica Camera AG has been developing SLR cameras again independently. At the beginning of March 2009, the production of cameras and lenses for the Leica R system was discontinued. With the Leica SL (Type 601), a mirrorless system camera with digital image sensor in 35mm format has been available since November 2015 , which is also compatible with the Leica R series lenses with the help of an adapter.

R bayonet

R bayonet of a Leicaflex SL

The R bayonet was first introduced by Leica with the Leicaflex in 1964. With the R8, lenses with electronic sensors for aperture setting and focal length were also introduced.

In camera systems with a smaller back focus and the same or smaller image circle, such as the Micro Four Thirds system, lenses with an R bayonet can be used with a suitable lens adapter .

Leica R3 (1976–1979)

Leica R3 Safari

The Leica R3 marked a break with the previous Leicaflex family. The name has also been changed, but the designation R3 still shows a certain continuity, which is also confirmed by the unchanged bayonet. It was the first SLR Leica to emerge from the cooperation with Minolta. The shutter has been replaced by a modern, electronically controlled metal blade shutter. In contrast to the Minolta XE-1, on which it is technically based, the R3 offered not only integral metering for exposure, but also spot metering and, optionally, a motor drive.

The main progress compared to the Leicaflex lies in the automatic timing and the electronically generated times (1/100 s as mechanical time). After approx. 2000 units, production was relocated from Wetzlar to Portugal, where Leica products are still made today. A total of around 70,000 R3s were built, almost half of them with an engine connection. Most cameras were delivered in black chrome plating, but there are a few hundred copies with silver chrome plating and 5000 copies with olive green paint as the "Safari" version.

In order to enable the electronic automatic functions, the previous fully mechanical Leicaflex control cams had to be exchanged for a new R control staircase on the camera and lens bayonet, despite the bayonet remaining the same. Only lenses with the corresponding control staircase or the designation 3-CAM (combined lenses for Leicaflex and R-System) can therefore be used on the R3 and all subsequent R models without restrictions (e.g. only working aperture measurement with old 2-CAM lenses) use.

Leica R4 (1980–1986)

The Leica R4 was also developed in cooperation with Minolta, based on the XD-7 model from this manufacturer. Like the Minolta version, the R4 had automatic aperture and shutter control and was the first multi-automat in the Leitz range with the then innovative automatic program. Compared to the classically angular R3, the case has been changed significantly and pleased with its modern, round design language, which remained almost unchanged until the R7. The R4 was designed for engine operation as standard, so that the Mot variant was omitted. It also had a non-stop, swing-back mirror operated by a so-called crank swing gear, which enabled very low-vibration release and which is why an otherwise necessary mirror pre-release was dispensed with.

The exact name of this reflex camera was initially Leica R4 MOT electronic , but this was abbreviated to the more common Leica R4 as early as 1981 , and the engraving on the housing changed accordingly. Exact production figures of the R4 are not known, but the total production is likely to be in the range of a little over 100,000 units, of which around 10,000 are bright and the rest are black chrome. In 1984 Leitz launched a special edition of the Leica R4 for collectors, limited to 1000 copies, including a Summicron 2.0 / 50 mm lens, completely gold-plated.

Leica R4s (1983–1988)

Leica R4s

As a simplified and cheaper version of the R4, the R4s were offered from 1983, which was only available in black. The aperture and automatic programs were omitted. Otherwise it was completely identical to the R4. From 1985 it was slightly modified and known as R4s Mod. 2 / Mod. P offered. The total production is around 25,000 units.

Leica R5 (1986–1991)

The R4 was replaced by the R5, which also offered TTL flash control in largely the same housing. In addition, the shutter speed range has been extended to 1/2000 s (compared to 1/1000 s of the R4) and the viewfinder has been improved a little by changing data reflection and built-in diopter correction. Furthermore, all R-Leicas from the R5 onwards were provided with improved seals of the operating elements against the ingress of dust. The production numbers of the R5 are not available, but based on the serial numbers they should have been around 50,000 copies.

Leica RE (1990–1994)

Leica RE with Summilux 35 mm f / 1.4

In line with the R4s, a simplified version of the R5 was also offered. The iris and automatic programs were also omitted. All other functions correspond exactly to those of the R5.

In 1992, Leica was the official camera supplier for the German Olympic team, which is why some R-Es along with the Vario-Elmar 3.5–4.5 / 28–70 mm with the Barcelona '92 logo were also sold on the market.

Leica R6 (1988-1992); Leica R6.2 (1992-2002)

Two years after the R5, another completely new camera was presented with the R6. Externally, it largely corresponds to the R5, but with the R6, a purely mechanical camera was designed that only depends on battery power for exposure measurement. This eliminated all automatic functions, which made the camera a special tool for professional photographers. The R6.2 is an improvement on the R6 in some details, such as: B. the expansion of the shutter speed range to 1/2000 s.

Leica R7 (1992–1997)

Leica R7

With expanded and improved flash functions, a brighter viewfinder with changed displays, implementation of mirror lock-up via a cable release, a slightly higher base cover (to accommodate the electronics), a microprocessor control and a quartz-controlled shutter, it corresponds to a direct further development compared to the R5.

Leica R8 (1996-2002)

With the Leica R8, Leica Camera AG presented a completely new housing, which has sometimes been heavily criticized because of its daring design and heavy weight. Nevertheless, the camera enjoyed great popularity and was particularly valued for its intuitive usability. The Leica R8 offers a considerably extended shutter speed range and, for the first time, multi-field measurement. Like its successor, the R9, the R8 can also be expanded to a digital single-lens reflex camera with a digital back, the Digital-Modul-R .

Since the R8, like the later R9, has an electronic aperture transmission via a so-called ROM contact strip in addition to the R control cam, Leicaflex lenses can no longer be used on it, as their control cams are in the same position as the ROM bar. It was possible to retrofit the earlier lenses, which were otherwise identical in construction, although existing control cams for use on Leicaflex models had to be omitted for reasons of space. Conversely, it was mostly also possible to replace the electronic equipment with the control cams mentioned.

Leica R9

Leica R9 (2002-2009)

The R9 was the last model of the 35 mm Leica SLR cameras and is an R8 with improved details, with the HSS flash control and the more balanced weight distribution being particularly noteworthy. A digital module is also available, which turns this camera (like the older R8) into a high-quality digital camera - and also leaves the option of using a 35mm film again if necessary.

Leica R lenses

The following lenses for the R system were last in the Leica range (the Leica R system has been sold out by the manufacturer since the beginning of March 2009):

Ernst Leitz Canada Elmarit R19 / 2.8
  • Leica 16 mm: f2.8 Fisheye-Elmarit-R (Minolta Design - Leica Bau)
  • Leica 19 mm: f2.8 Elmarit-R
  • Leica 24 mm: f2.8 Elmarit-R
  • Leica 28 mm: f2.8 Elmarit-R,
  • Leica 28 mm: f2.8 PC-Super-Angulon-R
  • Leica 35 mm: f1.4 Summilux-R
  • Leica 35 mm: f2 Summicron-R
  • Leica 50 mm: f1.4 Summilux-R
  • Leica 50 mm: f2 Summicron-R
  • Leica 60 mm: f2.8 Macro-Elmarit-R
Elmarit 60 2.8 macro
  • Leica 80 mm: f1.4 Summilux-R
  • Leica 90 mm: f2 Summicron-R
  • Leica 90 mm: f2.8 Elmarit-R
  • Leica 100 mm: f2.8 APO-Macro-Elmarit-R
  • Leica 180 mm: f2 APO Summicron-R
  • Leica 180 mm: f2.8 APO-Elmarit-R
  • Leica 280 mm: f4 APO Telyt-R
  • Leica 280 mm: f2.8 APO-Telyt-R modules
  • Leica 400 mm: f2.8 APO-Telyt-R modules
  • Leica 400 mm: f4 APO-Telyt-R modules
  • Leica 560 mm: f4 APO-Telyt-R modules
  • Leica 560 mm: f5.6 APO-Telyt-R modules
  • Leica 800 mm: f5.6 APO-Telyt-R modules
  • Leica 28–70 mm: f3.5–4.5 Vario-Elmar-R
  • Leica 35–70 mm: f2.8 Vario-Elmar-R
  • Leica 70–180 mm: f2.8 Vario-APO-Elmarit-R
  • Leica 80–200 mm: f4 Vario-Elmar-R

Lenses from Leica previously manufactured for the R bayonet:

  • Leica 15 mm f / 3.5 Super-Elmar-R - 1980 (Carl Zeiss Design and Construction - Oberkochen)
  • Leica 15 mm f / 2.8 Super-Elmarit-R ASPH - 2001
  • Leica 16 mm f / 2.8 Fisheye-Elmarit-R - 1970 (Minolta Design - Leica Bau)
  • Leica 19 mm f / 2.8 Elmarit-R 1st version
  • Leica 19 mm f / 2.8 Elmarit-R 2nd version - 1990
  • Leica 21 mm f / 4.0 Super-Angulon-R - 1968–1992 (Schneider-Kreuznach design)
  • Leica 21 mm f / 3.4 Super-Angulon-R - 1968 (Schneider-Kreuznach design)
  • Leica 24 mm f / 2.8 Elmarit-R - 1970 (Minolta design)
  • Leica 28 mm PC-Super-Angulon-R (Schneider-Kreuznach Design and Construction - Bad Kreuznach)
  • Leica 28 mm f / 2.8 Elmarit-R 1st version - 1970
  • Leica 28 mm f / 2.8 Elmarit-R 2nd version - 1994
  • Leica 35 mm f / 4.0 PA-Curtagon-R (Schneider-Kreuznach design)
  • Leica 35 mm f / 2.8 Elmarit-R 1st version - 1964
  • Leica 35 mm f / 2.8 Elmarit-R 2nd version
  • Leica 35 mm f / 2.8 Elmarit-R 3rd version
  • Leica 35 mm f / 2.0 Summicron-R 1st version - 1970
  • Leica 35 mm f / 2.0 Summicron-R 2nd version - 1976
  • Leica 35 mm f / 1.4 Summilux-R
Summicron-R 50mm
  • Leica 50 mm f / 2.0 Summicron-R 1st version - 1964
  • Leica 50 mm f / 2.0 Summicron-R 2nd version - 1977
  • Leica 50 mm f / 1.4 Summilux-R 1st version
  • Leica 50 mm f / 1.4 Summilux-R 2nd version
  • Leica 50 mm f / 1.4 Summilux-R 3rd version - 1997 (ROM contacts)
  • Leica 60 mm Macro-Elmarit-R 1st version - 1972
  • Leica 60 mm Macro-Elmarit-R 2, version
  • Leica 75 mm f / 2.0 Elcan-R code C-341 - (Very rare)
  • Leica 80 mm f / 1.4 Summilux-R
  • Leica 90 mm f / 2.8 Elmarit-R 1st version - 1964–1996
  • Leica 90 mm f / 2.8 Elmarit-R 2nd version - 1983
  • Leica 90 mm Summicron-R 1st version - 1969
  • Leica 90 mm Summicron-R 2nd version -
  • Leica 90 mm APO-Summicron-R ASPH - 2002
  • Leica 90 mm f / 1.0 Elcan-R - (Very rare)
  • Leica 100 mm f / 4.0 Macro-Elmar-R
  • Leica 100 mm f / 4.0 Macro-Elmar-R helical version
  • Leica 100 mm f / 2.8 APO-Macro-Elmarit-R
Leica 135 mm f / 2.8
  • Leica 135 mm Elmarit-R 1st version - 1965
  • Leica 135 mm Elmarit-R 2nd version
  • Leica 180 mm Elmar-R - 1976
  • Leica 180 mm f / 2.8 Elmarit-R 1st version
  • Leica 180 mm f / 2.8 Elmarit-R 2nd version
  • Leica 180 mm f / 3.4 APO-Telyt-R - 1975–1998
APO TELYT-R 180 f / 3.4 by Walter Mandler
  • Leica 180 mm f / 2.8 APO-Elmarit-R - 1998
  • Leica 180 mm f / 2.0 APO-Summicron-R
  • Leica 180 mm f / 3.4 Elcan-R code C-303 - (Very rare)
  • Leica 250 mm f / 4.0 Telyt-R 1st version
  • Leica 250 mm f / 4.0 Telyt-R 2nd version
  • Leica 280 mm f / 4.8 Telyt-V
  • Leica 280 mm f / 4.0 APO-Telyt-R
  • Leica 280 mm f / 2.8 APO-Telyt-R - 1984–1997
  • Leica 350 mm f / 4.8 Telyt-R
  • Leica 400 mm f / 6.8 Telyt-R - 1968–1994
  • Leica 400 mm f / 5.6 Telyt-R
  • Leica 400 mm f / 2.8 APO-Telyt-R - 1992–1996
  • Leica 450 mm f / 5.6 Elcan-R, code C-329 - (Very rare)
  • Leica 500 mm f / 8 MR-Telyt-R
  • Leica 560 mm f / 6.8 Telyt-R - 1971–1995
  • Leica 560 mm f / 5.6 Telyt-R - 1966–1973
  • Leica 800 mm f / 6.3 Telyt-S - 1972–1995
  • Leica modular APO-Telyt-R 260/400/560 head
  • Leica modular APO-Telyt-R 400/560/800 head
  • Leica 21–35 mm f / 3.5 – f / 4.0 Vario-Elmar-R zoom - 2002
  • Leica 28–70 mm f / 3.5–4.5 Vario-Elmar-R zoom
  • Leica 70–180 mm f / 2.8 Vario-APO-Elmarit-R zoom
  • Leica 35–70 mm f / 4.0 Vario-Elmar-R zoom
  • Leica 35–70 mm f / 3.5 Vario-Elmar-R zoom
  • Leica 35–70 mm Vario-Elmarit-R ASPH zoom - 2000 (edition 200 pieces)
  • Leica 70–210 mm f / 4.0 Vario-Elmar-R zoom
  • Leica 75–200 mm f / 4.5 Vario-Elmar-R - 1976–1984
  • Leica 80–200 mm f / 4.5 Vario-Elmar-R zoom
  • Leica 80–200 mm f / 4.0 Vario-Elmar-R zoom
  • Leica 105–280 mm f / 4.2 Vario-Elmar-R zoom

At Photokina 2012, Leica presented the R-Adapter M , with which Leica R lenses can be used on Leica M rangefinder cameras . This adaption solution is particularly suitable for digital Leica M models from type 240 (available commercially since 2013), which support correct focusing without using the rangefinder with the Live View Zoom and Live View Focus Peaking functions .

The Leica SL (Type 601) has also been available since November 2015 , a mirrorless digital system camera with an image sensor in a 24 mm × 36 mm format. The objectives of the Leica R system can also be used on the Leica SL with the Leica R adapter L. The electronic viewfinder has been further developed into a full replacement for the single-lens reflex system. This model is therefore particularly suitable for the use of 35mm lenses from various camera systems. In contrast to all R lenses, the current lenses for the Leica SL have an autofocus system.

literature

  • Heiner Henninges: Leica R4, R5, R6, R7. Yesterday's cameras for today's users (=  Laterna Magica edition ). Georg DW Callwey GmbH & Co., Munich 2000, ISBN 3-87467-736-2 .

Web links

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ Digital back for Leica R8 and R9: Sharper images like never before , test.de , February 23, 2006, accessed on February 25, 2015
  2. ↑ Product description of the Leica M on the manufacturer's website
  3. ↑ Product description of the Leica SL on the manufacturer's website