Which R model?

[MPJMP]

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I've got some money stashed away and am looking to sink it into some more photo gear. I currently own an MP and four M lenses. I'm considering a used M8 so I can "go digital," or possibly the X1 when it comes out. But still, sometimes I feel like I am completely satisfied with film and scanning, so I'm now considering getting back into the R system, especially since prices seem really nice right now. Years ago I owned an R5 with 50mm 'cron. I'm considering another R5, or possibly and R6.2, R7 or even an R8 or R9.

 

Which R model and lens array would you recommend for me? Any favorites, best buys, or models to stay away from? Are the later R8/9 bodies that much better than the earlier Rs?

 

And what about the Leica zoom lenses? An R body with a 28-70 Vario Elmar seems like it would be a versatile companion to my MP. Any thoughts?

 

Thanks in advance,

Mike

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[hamey]

Hello Mike.

 

Which R model, well I own a few of them and at this time I still use both R7's and the R8/9.

One of my Favourites was the Leica SL which I now have retired due to not having a diopter and not

able to couple up the Rom lenses.

 

Between the R models and the M7 I frankly prefer the Leica R's for general purpose and fast action with the M for low light.

 

After operating the SL for years I vowed never to get another Manual metering camera so I never bothered

with the R6/2, and the MP.

I find the R7 a great camera great metering wonderful and bright viewfinder, if you can get one in good condition get it.

 

The R8 or R9 are a class act, they are the only 35mm bodies that can take Film or the Digital modul back.

I consider them to be the BEST LEICA CAMERAS EVER MADE.

 

As for R lenses I took two identical shots, 28mm-2.8R rom and the 35mm -f2 M asph, compared the two shots

I cannot tell the differance on the Screen with perhaps the R lens was a little warmer.

The lenses that I own 28mmf2.8 ..28-90mm,.. 80-200mm, ..50mmf2, ..90mmf2, ..100mm2.8 and the.. 180mm2.8 are all wonderful lenses.

 

Good luck on your choice.

 

Ken.

[Doc Henry]

Hi Mike

I'm like Ken

I like the most Leicaflex SL (currently in revision at Solms)

I also have R4S and R8. R8 is a remarkable camera .

He is firmly held and he makes splendid pictures (like SL) with its macro Elmar 35-70mm !

Never any problems with the Leica R since I bought them !

[kenneth]

I had a Leica R3MOT years ago. It was a well made fairly straight forward, one could say SLR take on an MP and I would imagine that you could get one and one or two lenses very reasonably. The Leicaflex would also be worth considering and there again I am sure there are examples out there which wont break the bank. I would recommend that you should buy your R camera from a Leica agent would will give you some sort of warranty. Having already got an MP I am assuming you want to be able to make close up photographs have you considered buying a Visoflex system to turn your MP into an SLR?

[germio]

My personal favorite is the R6.2. Completely mechanical, dependable, and rugged yet very compact. It has spot, center and integral metering modes. If you buy a late production R6.2, the viewfinder is extremely bright as it uses the same upgraded focusing screen as in the R8 / R9. (About 1.5 - 2 stops brighter than the older screens found in the pre-R8 models.) If you don't need auto exposure, this is the best option. It's a classic.

 

Following that is the R9. It's lighter than the R8 and balances better. Also very reliable with a slew of modern features such as matrix metering and sophisticated flash metering. If you want automation this is it. The only downside is the larger size, which almost always makes me grab the R6.2 first.

 

There are some good deals on either camera in the Buy & Sell section.

[germio]

Seeing that you owned an R5 in the past and is currently using the MP, I'd strongly suggest the R6.2 over the R9. I mean because you're already accustomed to manual metering and that the R6.2 metering display is more or less identical to the MP's. (Two triangles and a dot.) Size wise the R6.2 and the MP are also similar.

 

In terms of lenses, the 80 1.4 is a must. Sparkling colors with infinite subtleties. It's also super sharp starting from f2.8 but in a way that doesn't look exaggerated. This is a lot of R users' favorite portrait lens. The 100 APO Macro Elmarit is also a dream lens. I've been told a lot about the 35/1.4 but have never used one. It's quite a rare lens on the used market.

[roguewave]

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Mike, I have 3 R8 bodies. I bought my son first an R4 & then he sold it to fund a R5. The R8 & R9 are the best slr film cameras ever made. It's worth it to buy one of these. Lenses: by far and away, the 80 Summilux is the most important and finest lens in the R lineup. For me, it is the "Nocti" of the R line, but so much more versatile. The R24 Elmarit is also a very strong lens if you like wide angle work. I also use the R19 as a primary lens for my DMR/R8. The 35 Summilux is a special lens, but it takes some time to use well. The 50 Summilux is also a strong recommendation. The 100 APO is a lot of folks favorite for portraits. Make choices, but buy the best first. You can always add later if the basic kit gets you what you want. Remember, there is NO better SLR film camera made than an R8/R9.

[holmes]

A certain amount of objectivity is needed, but you will be subject to subjectivity. I first started shooting 'Ms' around 2002 or so. But I was finding myself frustrated by the lack of longer focal lengths. My longest M lens is my 75 f 1.4. The M 90 f 2 and the 135 are to simply to difficult to get accurate focusing wearing glasses.

So the time had come to reach out for system which could get me out to around 300. So I investigated the 'R' system. First I found Leica had discontinued that line. So prices for equipment should be pretty favorable. They are.

I started with a R6.2 and a great R 105-280 f 4.2 zoom with ROM contacts. No interest in the ROM contacts but definitely the 'reach. It's heavy and made in Solms. Continuing my search I found a near new R7 and R6.2. Since I have standing practice, I send each camera to DAG for CLA, one at a time. One R6.2 went off and Don did his 3/4 service, meaning minimal amount required. He now has the R7 and notified me that it likewise requires only minimal service. When it comes back the other R6.2 goes. I already mentioned my great zoom lens, and then went in search of several more to complement it and my Ms. I found a very nice R 90 f 2, and an earlier R 180 f 4. I stumbled across a near mint R 250 f 4. I have since added a winder for an R6.2 and a motor for one of my M7s. I picked up a right angle view finder for use with the 'Rs'. So now when I set out along the Rio Grande River, or the Bosque National Bird Wildlife Refuge in the winter, or the newest State Wildlife refuge south of Mesilla located along the Rio Grande I don't find myself "wishing". My "Ms" are for general and people shots.

[atournas]

R bodies from R6 on are all great bodies, if one appreciates the differences between them (one completely manual, the other fully automatic, DMR-able, etc.). So the real question is--is there any "classic" R model? In my opinion, the only answer is R6.2.

 

As for the lenses, first make up your mind between prime and zoom lenses. The 80/1.4, 100/2.8 and 280/4 are considered spectacular in every sense. As for the zoom lenses, the 28-90/28-4.5 ASPH, 70-180/2.8 ASPH and 80-200/4 are objects of desire for many R shooters. On the other hand, do not expect a real Leica quality from the 28-70/3.5-4.5.

 

Paul

[storybrown]

Mike,

 

You're certainly prudent to ask, but I think any R working now is more than fine; load up on the lenses. Cognoscenti can dish authoritatively on this question interminably & split more hairs than the Scholastics of old, at least to their own satisfaction. However, for my part, I don't think you will go wrong with any R model; get any one you like -- or more than one. (I use a little R4sP, as often as not.) You will certainly not miss with any of the R models that you've named, the R5, 6, 7, 8, or 9.

 

My own thought would be, FWIW: why not get an R8? They're as good as everyone says (& way better than me), generally impressive all 'round, and they're now relatively inexpensive - just see if you personally prefer the weight balance of the R8 or R9 better, if that's an issue for you at all. If you think you really want smaller, or all mechanical, get one of the others. (Who ever went wrong with an R7?) You're not going to lose with any of these. IMHO, don't futz around shilly-shallying.

[MPJMP]

But I like to shilly-shally. Seriously, The R6.2 appeals to me the most, but they are probably the most expensive on the used market which would limit my lens budget to one moderately priced lens.

 

A quick look at R8s on eBay and I can not believe how inexpensive they are. I'm considering one for no other reason than the good deal they apparently are right now.

 

For those who feel the R8/9 is superior to the earlier models, what are your reasons? I have never handled an R8 or R9, but it appears they were designed to aximize ergonomics. Is is superior handling that makes people prefer them to the earlier Rs?

 

Also, what is the difference between the R8 and R9? I seem to recall that a lot of folks weren't happy with the construction of the R8 and that these issues were satisfactorily addressed in the R9.

 

-Mike

[roguewave]

Mike, if you buy the R8. keep a lookout for the full motor drive with side grip. I use that for most of my R film work. It looks big, but it's very well balanced & the side grip is a dream to use. Auto wind of film in both directions is lovely. I paid a little over $200 for mine, like new from Ebay a while back. Get an extra battery if you can find them. They often can be found with a set that includes the charger at about 50-60 US. I have 3.

[S. Wong]

When I handled an R9 with a 35-70 Elmar, the balance was good, but it felt like a large sandwich in the hand. One that doesn't compress.

 

My hands are on the smaller side, and I prefer the handling of the SL that I picked up on the 'bay. It suits me and my shooting style, and didn't break the bank at all.

 

If you're thinking about an R6.2, consider the slightly larger SL and SL2. The tanks from the 70s may be had for much less than the smaller sibling.

 

You do give up the led indicators, and with the SL, the split-image viewfinder, along with some metering and power options. The tanks only use the spot meter, AFAIK, and old mercury 1.35v batteries

 

Check out Doug Herr's site on wildlight photo. You will need to PM him for the exact URL and password. He's been using the SLs for quite some time.

 

Good luck,

-Steven

[holmes]

Tough question as there are several terrific models out there. For myself, I added a few 'Rs' to my stable to give me the focal reach that the 'Ms' simply can't. I favor my two R6.2s for pure unadulterated mechanical work. I added an R motor to one. The third is my 'R7' for when I want the electronics it offers; also the toughness, like the R6.2s.I won't try to go into detail; too long, but you were talking R 8 and R 9. Well Solms got a lot of the electronics and metering experience from the R7. The R7 is the last "classic" looking style prior to the R8. Each preceding model is a testing field for the next generation for the R&D people.

[tobey bilek]

R6 or later. R6.2 if you can find a nice one.

 

A dealer got me a silver 6.2 that took months to get. It was probably among the last they made because the next model was out.

 

I have had all the earlier model and they are gone. The R6 varients and R7`s are still with me.

 

R9 are ok, but too big for me.

[Joachim123]

Bought an R4 in great condition for a reasonable price. Had the light seals replaced and serviced and thats it. I have a motor winder with a couple of lenses. For me, I just love this camera. Incredible optics and works flawlessly.

 

I wont be going digital anytime soon.

[Doc Henry]

When I handled an R9 with a 35-70 Elmar, the balance was good, but it felt like a large sandwich in the hand. One that doesn't compress.

 

My hands are on the smaller side, and I prefer the handling of the SL that I picked up on the 'bay. It suits me and my shooting style, and didn't break the bank at all.

.... You do give up the led indicators, and with the SL, the split-image viewfinder, along with some metering and power options. The tanks only use the spot meter, AFAIK, and old mercury 1.35v batteries

Check out Doug Herr's site on wildlight photo. You will need to PM him for the exact URL and password. He's been using the SLs for quite some time.

Good luck,

-Steven

 

Hi Steven

I agree with you

Please see this link :

http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-collectors-historica/97395-i-am-sad.html

SL : one of the best camera according to me ...

but it must fall on a "good" camera in second hand

[timpppa]

What is the status of film scratching with R8 & R9? I have been thinking also of buying R8 or R9. When I started to look information regarding them several sites wrote about a plastic piece scratching the film. Is this a real issue or has it been fixed with later models (serials)?

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[jerryharwood]

personal preference; personally, I hated the R8; if ever a camera let me down, it was this one- and I had it new, plus a motor wind. Sometimes it decided to work, mostly it didn't. I fitted the motor wind- it would not work at all. Send both back to Solms- reply- can't find anything wrong with either. Fit them back together at MK- neither worked !! So, you can see why I am a little biased. I sold both items promptly; bought an R6, that was a beautiful camera, never ever let me down. moved on to an R7, mint, beautiful, wouldn't work out of the box. Sent that back to Solms, came back, no comment, no charge, but worked. Completely mystifed, but a good camera never the less, if a bit difficult to see the readouts. Personal preference out of all, The R6-2, which I equated to the M6, my all time favourite. I hasten to add, at the time I was employed to photograph things which were un repeatable, and no excuses were allowed, hence top reliability was paramount.

[timpppa]

I don't want to hijack this thread, but as I'm interested also buying R8 or R9 I also have few questions.

 

Has anyone of R8 or R9 users been using the camera on a real bad weather conditions, for example very cold weather, rain, snow etc... What kind of weather sealants the R8 or R9 has?

 

--

Regrards,

timppa