Are You Giving Up on the R System

[R10dreamer]

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The R system will be dead if there is no backward compatibility with the existing lenses.

[Angora]

My R system is the only gear I use to take pictures. Just can't give it up.

[Guest rubidium]

I would be very surprised if the existing R lenses did not work on a new R body. But if that weren't the case, I'd be content to just live on with what I have. I bought my first Leica 23 years ago - an R4 and a 50/1.4 - not worrying much back then that these might someday be rendered obsolete. Indeed, many hundreds of rolls of film and a few dozen batteries later and these two faithful partners are still in action today making great images and giving me pleasure. Now that I have accumulated the R9, DMR, and a half dozen additional R lenses since then, I'm going to follow suit and not worry about their obsolesence either.

Jim

[topoxforddoc]

I shan't be giving up my R system either. I use my Ms as well, but the R is different tool. The glass is great, so why change?

 

Charlie

[dhsimmonds]

I am still adding to my R collection of lenses for use with R9/DMR.

 

I am more worried at the moment about the lack of any news about a firmwate upgrade for the DMR back. Whilst the existing firmware produces a stunning image, there are improvements that can be made to the electronics via firmware. These have been well aired on this Forum, so no need to go through it again.

 

If nothing is heard about a firmware upgrade fairly soon, then I will start to lose interest, not only in the R but also in Leica as an organisation.

[leicamr]

I will never give up my R system even though I use an M8 as well. Each camera has it's place for certain photographic sitsuations. From a financial point of view, one system would have been sensible, but my Leica life started with an R3, which has taken some of my best pictures. I still own it and will never part with it.

 

I recently and unexpectedly purchased a 180mm APO f2.8. Brilliant lens. When unused it sits with its 180mm f2 and f3.4 brothers. Yes, I am a Leica R and M anorak with the hood up! I am sure that the R10 will accept R lenses without adapters. I hope that the R price slump will entice new users to this system. The most underated SLR system in the world, what a shame.

 

Mark

[macpaladin]

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I agree with Dave- my prime concern with Leica has been the fact that there has never been one update in the DMR’s firmware (v1.2 had several bugs and was largely ignored). This is inexcusable. And is it becoming more and more doubtful that there will ever be one (presumably all of Leica’s efforts are on the R10 and the DMR has become an orphan). The termination of the DMR without a replacement has also brought the R system to at least a temporary standstill.

 

I love my R lenses and will keep my R9/DMR for this reason, but I will not seriously consider purchasing an R10 unless I am convinced that it will receive the necessary follow-up support that any R owner is entitled to receive. If Leica wants to be know as a manufacturer of premium quality camera equipment, then it has to provide the same quality of follow-up support.

[andybarton]

I have a lot of money on my R shelf and, now that the price of new lenses has just halved, there is likely to be no market for second hand ones, unless the prices are seriously "give away".

 

This means that, along with most R users, I am kind of stuck with the system, even if I wanted to move on...

 

(Which I don't, btw)

[R10dreamer]

Andy,

When and where did your read/learn that Leica R lenses have had a 50 percent reduction in price?

[topoxforddoc]

Andy,

When and where did your read/learn that Leica R lenses have had a 50 percent reduction in price?

 

Gary,

 

In the UK, Leica UK have been selling off their ex demo stock at half price. This includes some R lenses (like 180/2.8 APO R for GBP 1380 ex demo with passport) , scopes/binos and the odd M item like winders. Won't last. I gather it's to clear their ex demo inventory.

 

Charlie

[zapp]

I thought a long time about buying new R lenses and finally decided to buy a new 90AA to replace my 80. No other lens, because all the other lenses that might be interesting to me are too old and must be just before replacement for the digial age like the 24/28/35 range, or even the 50/60 range. The 90AA should be one of the last lenses to be updated since its performance is great even in digital terms, manual focus is fine with me, ...

I do not anticipate a complete change of the Leica R mount, because it would not make any sense. Any reason why Leica should change the mount? Electronic contacts can be fitted in the current mount, no reason to commit suicide.

If everthing comes to the worst, I expect to keep working with film and my current range of R lenses for quite some time. Even a 90AA should be written off before the end of film so less worries here. Working with film is great fun when working wih a computer and digital imagery all day long.

BTW Leica does not have the funds to start a new system close to the 35 mm format. Does anyone think that Leica can introduce 10 new lenses in a timely fashion for a new camera system? The 4/3 system is new for Leica, but the cameras can utilize lenses from other companies as well, that was an easy entry with Panasonic. After all the money they have put in the 15/19/90/180+ range it would only make perfect sense to introduce an R10 with around 3 new lenses like a 24/35/80 that are either new Summilux designs or superb Summicrons. Even a repalcement of the Summicron 50 and the 60 macro by a single lens (see Zeiss) would be feasible.

If Leica introduces a couople new lenses, people will start investing again - the lack of new designs is probably the reason why people did not buy in the UK. The DMR is sold out quicker than expected, now give us a couple new lenses and people will be extremely happy and buyful.

[thrid]

I just picked up and R8 with Winder and love it. I also have an SL and R6.2.

 

There are a few lenses I would like, but they are obscenely expensive (and I'm not even talking about the exotic stuff.)

 

That's my biggest problem.

[garyp]

Nope, no need to.

[rfleica]

I can safely bet now we're talking about a AF camera sporting a new mount ... 16.7MP?

 

A new mount would probably be a serious commercial error. Zeiss/Kyocera (in Contax guise) switched to the N mount, sporting superalative optics (most of which were better than their MF predecessors) and the thing nevertheless bombed. And I am a fan of the N1 and (much misunderstood ND). However, for such a niche player (like Leica R) to expect a new mount to work...well, it is too much. The N mount may have been predicated on future proofing, wide throat optic formulae and telecentric, highly corrected designs....but too few were ever going to give it a try. Doomed. Leica should not go the same route; and I doubt that they will.

[leicamr]

I thought a long time about buying new R lenses and finally decided to buy a new 90AA to replace my 80. No other lens, because all the other lenses that might be interesting to me are too old and must be just before replacement for the digial age like the 24/28/35 range, or even the 50/60 range. The 90AA should be one of the last lenses to be updated since its performance is great even in digital terms, manual focus is fine with me, ...

I do not anticipate a complete change of the Leica R mount, because it would not make any sense. Any reason why Leica should change the mount? Electronic contacts can be fitted in the current mount, no reason to commit suicide.

If everthing comes to the worst, I expect to keep working with film and my current range of R lenses for quite some time. Even a 90AA should be written off before the end of film so less worries here. Working with film is great fun when working wih a computer and digital imagery all day long.

BTW Leica does not have the funds to start a new system close to the 35 mm format. Does anyone think that Leica can introduce 10 new lenses in a timely fashion for a new camera system? The 4/3 system is new for Leica, but the cameras can utilize lenses from other companies as well, that was an easy entry with Panasonic. After all the money they have put in the 15/19/90/180+ range it would only make perfect sense to introduce an R10 with around 3 new lenses like a 24/35/80 that are either new Summilux designs or superb Summicrons. Even a repalcement of the Summicron 50 and the 60 macro by a single lens (see Zeiss) would be feasible.

If Leica introduces a couople new lenses, people will start investing again - the lack of new designs is probably the reason why people did not buy in the UK. The DMR is sold out quicker than expected, now give us a couple new lenses and people will be extremely happy and buyful.

 

Zapp, The 50mm f1.4 R was introduced in 1998 and is an outstanding lens, only bettered by the 50mm ASPH M. Although the R range consists of lenses that have not been updated, it doesn't necessarily mean that they don't take good pictures. I still use the 15 Super Elmar and a 35 f2 R from time to time. Both really good lenses.

 

regards Mark

[Guest Motivfindender]

I am still adding to my R collection of lenses for use with R9/DMR.

 

 

So do I.

It is fantastic, to buy at that little prices the finest posible lenses in the world.

At the moment, I´ll rest on the film side and a 4/3 system. Will switch for the R-10 or others (C/N/O) in 2008. Hope I can stand to wait for full Format Body until then...

If teh old lenses would not be compatible to the new body, this would KILL Leica instantly.

I think, they will just present a non-hybrid R-9 as the R-10 , maybe with focus confirmation, plus some gimmicks, and Kodak FF of course. Maybe with good firmware, who knows?

 

In long terms, they will put their foot in the expanding 4/3 market by more and more lenses for that format - this is, what I think.

 

Greetings

Dirk

[zapp]

Zapp, The 50mm f1.4 R was introduced in 1998 and is an outstanding lens, only bettered by the 50mm ASPH M. Although the R range consists of lenses that have not been updated, it doesn't necessarily mean that they don't take good pictures. I still use the 15 Super Elmar and a 35 f2 R from time to time. Both really good lenses.

 

regards Mark

I do agree with you completely. When writing about the 50/60 range I should have said Summicron and Makro Elmarit.

Zeiss has shown the 6 most important lenses in a lens line for digital cameras. Leica already has a 1.4/50 the 90AA, the 100Apo Makro. Add two or three more lenses and you have a complete lens line for all demands. Zooms are quite perfect right now.

While I agree that the old R lenses are really good, they can be bettered these days and need to be for optimum wide open perfromance on digital cameras. I would not buy an old R design new since we can expect replacements here.

 

While all of us are demanding a full frame sensor for the R10 - let's not forget that only Canon has two FF cameras right now. The R10 would catapult Leica close to cutting edge camera wise! BTW there exists a Ricoh R10 in some countries, will we have to search for new names? Let's not forget the Olympus fuss when they introduced the M1 and had to call it OM1 later.

[leicamr]

If Leica produce the M8 for a lens mount that is 53 years old, they will certainly produce the R10 with the classic R mount. I wouldn't be fussed if it isn't full frame, but it would be the icing on the cake. I am sure that it will remain two thirds format.

 

Mark

[4season]

If the R10 is at least as delightful a camera as the M8, I know of 3 people who will likely be buying one.

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[Jamie Roberts]

Absolutely not. While I don't use the DMR as much as I'd like to (the M8 takes a lot of its place in my regular work), when I have studio work the DMR is still what I use.

 

So I can't wait, really, for a smaller, lighter, R package. AF or focus assist would be the icing on the cake.

 

I also use focus-confirming adapters on my Canons. Believe me, the combination of a 5d and the 80R Lux is pretty fabulous. The 50R Lux is no slouch either; both pretty much trounce their Canon counterparts--even the good ones.

 

And yes, you can see the difference in contrast and colour and edge-to-edge sharpness

 

(PS--someone was mentioning a Canon "1ds3" being cheaper than the M8. First of all, there is no 1ds3 to my knowlege, yet; it's a 10MP 1d3, and in Canada, anyway, it's about the same price as the M8, not significantly cheaper at all)