Leica r3 lens compatible with other r series models?

[Chloe Norris]

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Hi! I currently have a leica R3 and recently the body started experiencing electrical issues so I am looking to upgrade the body but keep the lens (as they are expensive). I have been doing research and it seems like the Leica r5, r7, r8 and r9 are within my reach for purchasing but I want to know if my r3 lens will work with those other models or if i will need to buy a new lens. If anyone has any insight into this please let me know!

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[TomB_tx]

Your R3 lens should work on any of the bodies you list.

[wizard]

vor 8 Minuten schrieb TomB_tx:

Your R3 lens should work on any of the bodies you list.

Correct. If your lens works on the R3, it will work the same way on all other Leica R cameras.

[dpitt]

And not only all later R cameras are compatible. But also all current mirrorless digital camera's can work with Leica R lenses by using an adapter. I think of Leica SL series and TL series (although cropped) but also Nikon Z and Canon R systems.

If you want to know what adapters are available have a look at this brand of adapters URTH adapters

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated to URTH but I like them for their good price/quality and use them myself.

[TomB_tx]

25 minutes ago, dpitt said:

And not only all later R cameras are compatible. But also all current mirrorless digital camera's can work with Leica R lenses by using an adapter.

Good point! I've used my R lenses on the cheapest Sony A7 camera with an inexpensive Chinese Leica R to Sony adapter with amazing results.

[earleygallery]

Yes all R cameras but not the earlier Leicaflex models.

The R3 is a great camera but sadly many are now suffering electrical faults, the shutter or metering. You can still find good ones though but check in person before buying (or from a dealer with a no quibble returns policy - I bought a 'fully checked' R3 from a dealer that turned out to have a shutter fault as soon as I checked it).

As well as other R models you can also use the lenses on Canon EOS bodies with a simple adaptor. I use mine on a couple, but for full functionality you need another R body.

[dpitt]

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Nearly all mirror less camera's or EVF systems offer magnification as focus aid for MF lenses.

6x or 10x works great to focus MF lenses. And even if they are +40 years old, the results with R lenses are still competitive with the best current FF lenses as long as the lens is in good optical condition. They are heavy, but not compared to current SL and Z lenses. Then they look and feel relatovely tiny, certainly the R zooms do. Some systems struggle with M lenses because they do not have retrofocus designs. The R wides will work much better in that case.

[dpitt]

5 minutes ago, earleygallery said:

As well as other R models you can also use the lenses on Canon EOS bodies with a simple adaptor. I use mine on a couple, but for full functionality you need another R body.

You can replace the focus screen with some EOS bodies to allow more precise focus for fast lenses. I had good results with S (if I remember right) focus screen on a Canon 5D.

Edited November 9, 2023 by dpitt