Doc Henry Posted October 11, 2009 Share #21 Posted October 11, 2009 Advertisement (gone after registration) Mike, I have 3 R8 bodies. I bought my son first an R4 & then he sold it to fund a R5. ...Remember, there is NO better SLR film camera made than an R8/R9. Ben Your son did not keep his R4S for a long time why? because it is good one camera which requires not much power consumption I agree with you for R8 or R9 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted October 11, 2009 Posted October 11, 2009 Hi Doc Henry, Take a look here Which R model?. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
rob_x2004 Posted October 11, 2009 Share #22 Posted October 11, 2009 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 Yes. No weather sealing at all, in fact the design channels the elements into the body. The electronics seem to be reasonably robust on the R9 at least. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
garyp Posted October 12, 2009 Share #23 Posted October 12, 2009 I've used my R8 bodies in [falling] snow with no known problems. One of the 'tricks' is to let the bodies/lenses get a bit cold before too much snow gets on them. The snow can usually be brushed off more easily, without too much melting. I don't recall the coldest temp I've had them out, probably 5 degrees F + -, one worked just fine. But one didn't like the cold as much and the mirror would hang momentarily for a shot or two then it would be just fine. OTOH I've had my Leicaflex SL bodies out at 19 below zero F and everything worked buttery smooth [except me They all should be placed in an airtight bag before taking them back inside. That allows them to warm up slowly without harmful condensation forming on/in them. Also, I've used most of the R bodies at one time or another. The R8s I now have are by far my favorites, second only to the SL bodies. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
specpro Posted October 12, 2009 Share #24 Posted October 12, 2009 I've posted a pseudo review of the R8 on my blog for what it's worth: Adventures in Photography Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
kenneth Posted October 12, 2009 Share #25 Posted October 12, 2009 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. An R6.2 sounds an ideal reflex camera particularly for someone who owns M cameras like myself but wishes to have the advantage for occasional close up work. Good post thank you Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
specpro Posted October 15, 2009 Share #26 Posted October 15, 2009 The R8 really deserves a lot more use than I am giving it. Will load it up with some Tri-X and take it for a weekend spin. In the meantime here are some sample images taken with the R8 and the Vario-Elmar 80-200 f/4. Enjoy LEICA VARIO-ELMAR-R 80-200 mm f/4 Adventures in Photography Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveYork Posted October 17, 2009 Share #27 Posted October 17, 2009 Advertisement (gone after registration) I used the R6.2, Leicaflex SL, and Leicaflex SL2 over the past year, and I was coming from about 15 years of rangefinder use. The R6.2 is small and light, but I could never get used to its' grainy viewfinder/prism. The Leicaflex SL2 has the most sensitive meter of all three, but demands a premium price, because of its' limited production, and (surprisingly) I didn't like the split-image focusing screen. The one I prefer is the Leicaflex SL. It is big and heavy, but the microprism focusing screen (w/ a good prism) is pretty awesome. Things just pop into focus. Its' meter sensitivity is adequate for hands held shots. And its' build quality is similar to an M3/M4, ect. A nice touch too is that they're very inexpensive to purchase. But all three are good cameras. Consider an R6 too. It and the SL are probably the best values. And in Leica land these days, R stuff is pretty inexpensive. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
leicamr Posted October 19, 2009 Share #28 Posted October 19, 2009 My R8 and R9 both with DMR's do the job for me. Just love the handling and ease of operation. I have another R8 loaded with Kodachrome. My M8 rarely sees the light of day. A real shame because I miss not using my M lenses. I have just bought a 35 Summilux R, what a lens! The 80 Lux is often mentioned in this forum and I had one on approval but decided not to buy it as I love the 90 f2 APO too much. I made a few 'duplicate' image shots with both lenses and found the bokeh lovely with both, but the 90 is sharper. I am just looking forward getting more shots with the 35 Lux. I will post some when I have some worth posting. The 35 Lux appears to be sharper than the 80 Lux both at f1.4 Mark Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
leicamann Posted October 19, 2009 Share #29 Posted October 19, 2009 Well you've given me a hard choice. I love my R9 and R8...ok so lets get that out of the way, especially for complicated flash and strobe photography. Now for the absolute best light meter, the SL2..no question about it. The Leicaflex SL, we have 5 of them, I prefer the later series with the "metal" lens release, the red plastic tends to wear out and break. The most profound combo on earth , is "Leicaflex SL/R60 mm Macro Elmarit/ Kodachrome 25.... " and I mean profound..stunning image quality and 3d likeness. Since Kodachrome is being phased out the E100G would be the best, lovely almost inky like tonalities and great detail. So I would go for any one of these, the best WD is the 28mm or 35mm Summilux. The best portrait lenses, 80mm summilux or 90mm Elmarit..Summicron if you are fanatic about it being super sharp, its personal . The good news is both Fuji and Kodak have released new films, so that tells us that teh "go digital" has reached a saturation point and for the very sublime and "hand crafted feel" , its film.... the Japanese know this and do it with a passion, film is still no 1 in Japan. Cheers, JRM Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
specpro Posted October 20, 2009 Share #30 Posted October 20, 2009 leicamr, would love to see some images from the summilux 35-R Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
leicamr Posted October 20, 2009 Share #31 Posted October 20, 2009 I have attached a selection of Summicron and Summilux shots. No masterpieces I'm afraid but hope they give clue to bokeh. The tree leaf shots check the bokeh. Poppy shots, note the vignetting of the Summicron. I also added an 80 & 90 APO. These shots wont show off the sharpness, but the 35 Lux @f1.4 beats the Cron easily. I never thought I would buy a 35 Lux until I was given one on approval. All shots were taken at the same exposure. It was interesting that the histogram on the DMR indicated more exposure even though the aperture and speed were identical. I'm not sure if the images have retained their title indicating the lens used. I have put a Flickr picture link to these images. http://www.flickr.com/photos/64867143@N00/sets/72157622503505447 My R kit is off to Seattle for three weeks. Hope to have something really nice to upload soon. Mark 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! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/98206-which-r-model/?do=findComment&comment=1083001'>More sharing options...
Doc Henry Posted October 22, 2009 Share #32 Posted October 22, 2009 R4S Summicron 50mm and Kodachrome 64 photo uncorrected and slightly re-centred Rose in nature ! 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! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/98206-which-r-model/?do=findComment&comment=1085700'>More sharing options...
Doc Henry Posted October 23, 2009 Share #33 Posted October 23, 2009 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 Sorry not to have seen this question ! Photo taken at 10 degrees under zero Celsius, of our frozen channel in winter 2008 with a glacial wind .... R8 Elmar 35-70mm film Fuji 100 Iso Scanner Epson V750 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! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/98206-which-r-model/?do=findComment&comment=1087364'>More sharing options...
pmarkham Posted October 24, 2009 Share #34 Posted October 24, 2009 Tough question to answer and I've owned all of the R cameras. So to pick just one? Here's some thoughts. SL: has a killer viewfinder but alot of R lens incompatibilties. Way more than you'll see listed on the internet sites. Get a 50mm Summicron R and you're making great pictures. SL2: great camera, accurate light meter, better lens compatibility. Not as good a viewfinder as SL but then again nothing is as good as the SL's viewfinder. R4: watch out for early models! Light meters on them are very spotty and work whenever they feel like it. Light leaks are a problem too. RE: like the R5 but with manual and aperture priority modes only. R5: brilliant camera in concept and in production. I love this camera. My wife can use it too when it's set in Programme mode. Focus and shoot. R6: the R equivalent of the M6. Need I say more? R7: R8-like camera in an R5 body. Small and powerful. R8 and R9: big and beautiful - like a Mercedes Benz. These cameras can do anything and do it very, very well. Get a motor drive and have a blast. Another wonderful thing about the R cameras is the adaptor for Hasselblad lenses that are available. The CF lenses are selling for pennies on the dollar and the amount of light they let in is stunning. Like a Summilux and even approaching a Noctilux! You'll need a fast shutter speed R (2000 or above which the SL2, R5, R6.2, R7, R8 and R9 all have) for the needed headroom of the Hassy lenses. But the images are just astounding. I love the 150mm Sonnar CF and an R8 combo. Like they were made for each other. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveYork Posted October 24, 2009 Share #35 Posted October 24, 2009 Yes, to use the wonderful Leicaflex SL you'll need to learn a little about the evolution of Leica R lenses -- 1-cam, 2-cam, 3-cam, "R only" and ROM. Basically, an SL will take 2 or 3 cam lenses. The 1 cam lenses are for the original Leicaflex; the 3rd cam only ("R only") fit the R cameras and the ROM lenses will fit only the R cameras. It sounds complicated, but it isn't. With a little looking, an entire system can be put together. Very easy, and very inexpensive, because the older circa. 70's Leica R lenses don't command much demand (and they are actually very good optics). There are a few "odd" focal lengths that don't fit the SL, because of mirror clearance issues. I call them "odd", because they aren't any of the standard focal lengths that most people would call necessary. But that's something you need to look into. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
specpro Posted October 25, 2009 Share #36 Posted October 25, 2009 leicamr - Great stuff...thanks for the post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wildlightphoto Posted October 25, 2009 Share #37 Posted October 25, 2009 ... the ROM lenses will fit only the R cameras... With slight modification many ROM lenses can be used on the SL without removing the ROM contacts (not true of SL2 or Leicaflex Standard). The the inside diameter of the camera's lens mount flange is enlarged slightly, in some cases the lens lock pin needs a similar trim, and the second metering cam is added to the lens. There will still be some lenses that have mirror box clearance problems. The camera still works perfectly with 2- and 3-cam lenses, and the lens still works perfectly with R bodies. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
earleygallery Posted October 25, 2009 Share #38 Posted October 25, 2009 Tough question to answer and I've owned all of the R cameras. So to pick just one? Here's some thoughts. SL: has a killer viewfinder but alot of R lens incompatibilties. Way more than you'll see listed on the internet sites. Get a 50mm Summicron R and you're making great pictures. SL2: great camera, accurate light meter, better lens compatibility. Not as good a viewfinder as SL but then again nothing is as good as the SL's viewfinder. R4: watch out for early models! Light meters on them are very spotty and work whenever they feel like it. Light leaks are a problem too. RE: like the R5 but with manual and aperture priority modes only. R5: brilliant camera in concept and in production. I love this camera. My wife can use it too when it's set in Programme mode. Focus and shoot. R6: the R equivalent of the M6. Need I say more? R7: R8-like camera in an R5 body. Small and powerful. R8 and R9: big and beautiful - like a Mercedes Benz. These cameras can do anything and do it very, very well. Get a motor drive and have a blast. Another wonderful thing about the R cameras is the adaptor for Hasselblad lenses that are available. The CF lenses are selling for pennies on the dollar and the amount of light they let in is stunning. Like a Summilux and even approaching a Noctilux! You'll need a fast shutter speed R (2000 or above which the SL2, R5, R6.2, R7, R8 and R9 all have) for the needed headroom of the Hassy lenses. But the images are just astounding. I love the 150mm Sonnar CF and an R8 combo. Like they were made for each other. You forgot to mention the R3, which I think has a much nicer shutter action than the R4/RE (not tried later ones). Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MPJMP Posted October 25, 2009 Author Share #39 Posted October 25, 2009 Since I started this thread, I decided not to go down the R path. In fact, I went in completely the opposite direction and just picked up a D-Lux 4 digital Swiss Army camera. But darn! Reading about all these R cameras keeps the desire burning inside. If I had the cash, I think I would do a chrome R6.2 with a few longer focal length lenses. That would be a nice SLR companion to my chrome MP. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
CorreCaminos Posted November 4, 2009 Share #40 Posted November 4, 2009 Another wonderful thing about the R cameras is the adaptor for Hasselblad lenses that are available. The CF lenses are selling for pennies on the dollar and the amount of light they let in is stunning. Like a Summilux and even approaching a Noctilux! You'll need a fast shutter speed R (2000 or above which the SL2, R5, R6.2, R7, R8 and R9 all have) for the needed headroom of the Hassy lenses. But the images are just astounding. I love the 150mm Sonnar CF and an R8 combo. Like they were made for each other. I'm looking to get an R system (an R9 first and an R6.2 later on) and since I already have two Hasselblad CF and one C lenses I find this very interesting. Who makes the adapter and where is it available? Miguel Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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