Which Leica R to choose? Which one is the best?

[Howling Dick]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

12 hours ago, earleygallery said:

The R models (up to R7) were actually based on Minolta bodies of the same era. Also some R lenses were Leica versions of Minolta and Sigma designs.

I don’t think the Elmarit was an outstanding lens in the Leica range so don’t expect some amazing difference to a Pentax or Minolta lens of the same type and era.

Ok good advice

 

[250swb]

1 hour ago, Howling Dick said:

 

 

Meanwhile, I looked at your photos - superb sir. These were shot with an M?

 

 

Thank you Richard. Very few over the past year have been shot with an M, mostly R9, R-E, Nikon, and various medium format cameras.

[Howling Dick]

21 hours ago, 250swb said:

Thank you Richard. Very few over the past year have been shot with an M, mostly R9, R-E, Nikon, and various medium format cameras.

Oh you used an R-E that gives me confidence.

I don't use Flickr but think I ought to

Richard

[robb]

I loved my two R8’s back in the day - the tail end of me shooting film.   I shot them with the motor drives and I never had a single problem.  I always wanted an R 6.2 but never had the extra money back then.  I was shooting the R gear (and this sounds funny…) but couldn’t afford more than the two bodies and my 5 stellar lenses.  19, 35, 50, 85, 180, apo extenders.

maybe I’ll go find some r8’s again… hard to go back though.  Love my current Sl2 and sl2-s lineup.

Robb

[Shawn30]

I picked up a R3 and R4 S. The R3 might be a Minolta design but it’s built like a tank. The R 4 S feels more plastic and cheap. The R3 reminds me of the SL2 build quality, not sure why it doesn’t get more love.

 

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

[Howling Dick]

I’ve got the R5 now but I see what you mean about the R3 

[Aram Langhans]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

On 12/5/2024 at 4:31 AM, Howling Dick said:

Thank you so much for detailed advice. Originally I eschewed the zoom options but between you and someone else Im now seriously considering the 35-70.

I use the Q but following experiments with a Rollei 35 and a Spotmatic Im getting into film. I do have an F3 Nikon my son gave me but no lenses. I thought Id go down the Leica route but vintage Ms and lenses are a bit out of my price range at the moment so The R-E +35m for £500 looked a good option.

 

Meanwhile, I looked at your photos - superb sir. These were shot with an M?

 

Richard

 

The 35-70 F4 is an amazing lens.  Far superior to my Nikon 24-70/2.8f F mount.  I shot both on my Nikon, but only used the F mount lens if i needed autofocus.  The R lens was sharper (except at 35mm), less CA, lighter and great colors.

And to stay on topic, I had an R4 and an R8.  The R4 gave me fits with mirror vibration.  I could not hand hold it at slower shutter speeds like I could my Rollei SL-35's that it replaced when I wore them out.  The R8 was much better.  I still have my R8 and take it out once in a while to shoot a roll of old film I have tucked away in my freezer just for old time sake.  My eyes have a hard time focusing manually anymore, so I mostly shoot with a more modern camera (Nikon Z7ii and Leica Q3), but the R8 is a joy to hold and work with.  Amazing ergonomics. It gets my vote for the R camera to buy and use.

Edited December 31, 2024 by Aram Langhans

[leica dream]

I picked up an R3 a few months ago and it is really stimulating me towards a return to film.

[Howling Dick]

1 hour ago, leica dream said:

I picked up an R3 a few months ago and it is really stimulating me towards a return to film.

Looks like a lot of us are going in that direction