Leica R bayonet

Leica R lens reflex camera was a Leica Camera AG with headquarters in Solms, Germany.

Predecessor was the Leica Flex system, which had, however, in the early 1970s to the technical development, which was mainly driven by Japanese SLR, lost the connection. In order not to have to give up the growing market of SLR, Leitz was the early seventies, a cooperation with Minolta, acquired by the Leitz access to modern technology such as automatic timer. This led in 1976 to the introduction of the Leica R3. However Leitz missed the development of the auto focus, so that the company came under renewed technically behind. Since the late 1990s, now Leica Camera AG develops independent again SLRs. In early March 2009, production of cameras and lenses of the Leica R system has been set.

R- bayonet

The R- bayonet was introduced by Leica for the first time with the Leica Flex 1964. With the R8 lenses were introduced with electronic sensors for aperture setting and focal length.

In camera systems with a lower flange and an equal or smaller image circle, such as the Micro Four Thirds System lenses can be used with R- bayonet with a suitable lens adapter.

Leica R3 ( 1976-1979 )

The Leica R3 was a break with the previous Leicaflex family. Even the name was changed, but shows the name of R3, a certain continuity, which is also confirmed by the unchanged bayonet. She was the first SLR Leica that has emerged from the cooperation with Minolta. The shutter has been replaced by a modern, electronically controlled metal blade shutter. In contrast to the Minolta XE -1, based on, technically, offered the R3 next to the metering for the exposure and spot metering as well as an optional motor drive.

The main improvement on the Leica Flex is the priority and the times electronically formed (1/ 100 s as mechanical time ). After about 2000 units, the production of Wetzlar was moved to Portugal, where until today, Leica products are manufactured. Overall, almost half of them with a motor connection were approximately 70,000 R3 built. Most cameras have been supplied in black chrome plating, however, there are several hundred copies in silver chrome and 5000 copies with olive-green paint called " safari " version.

To enable the automatic electronic functions, the previous full mechanical Leicaflex cams with a new R- control steps of camera and lens mount had to be replaced, despite equal gebliebenem bayonet. It can therefore be at the R3 and all subsequent R- models only lenses with the appropriate tax stairs or the name 3 -CAM (combined lenses for Leica Flex and R system ) without restrictions (eg only working aperture in old 2 -CAM lenses) to use.

However, the version Leica R3 MOT with engine was not necessarily the most reliable camera R3 series.

Leica R4 ( 1980-1986 )

The Leica R4 also developed in cooperation with Minolta, a model was used by this manufacturer, the model XD -7. Like the Minolta version possessed the R4 -time and shutter priority and was with the then innovative program automatic machine in the first multi Leitz range. Compared to the classic yet edgy - designed R3 the case has been changed a lot and liked its modern rounded form, which remained virtually unchanged until the R7. The R4 was designed as standard to motor operation, so that the Mot variant accounted for. They also had a non-impact, by so-called flying crank gear actuated return mirror, which enabled a very low-impact and triggering, and why was omitted otherwise required mirror lockup.

The exact name of this reflex was Initially Leica R4 MOT electronic, but this was shortened in 1981 to the more common Leica R4, accordingly also changed the housing engravings. Exact production figures for the R4 are not known, but is expected to be about 100,000 units, of which about 10,000 light and the rest were black chrome, total production in the area of something. In 1984, Leitz, a limited edition of 1000 copies, along with Summicron 2.0/50-mm-Objektiv completely gold-plated special edition of the Leica R4 for collectors.

Leica R4s ( 1983-1988 )

As a simplified and cheaper version of the R4 R4s was offered from 1983, which was only available in black. When you accounted for the aperture and exposure mode. Otherwise she was completely identical to the R4. From 1985 she has been slightly modified and as R4s Mod 2/Mod. P offered. The total production is around 25,000 units.

Leica R5 ( 1986-1991 )

The R4 has been released from the R5, the additional TTL flash control offered in largely the same housing. Furthermore, the shutter speed range to 1/ 2000 s (compared to 1/1000 s of R4) has been extended and the viewfinder improved somewhat by changes in data projection and built- diopter correction. In addition, all R Leica's were provided from the R5 with improved seals of the controls against the ingress of dust. The production numbers of R5 are not available, likely by the serial numbers but have amounted to 50,000 copies.

Leica R -E (1990-1994)

According to the R4s a simplified version was also offered by the R5. With her, accounted for the aperture and exposure mode. All other functions correspond exactly to those of R5.

In 1992, Leica Camera official outfitter of the German Olympic team, which is why some R- It, together with the Vario - Elmar 3.5-4.5/28-70 mm with the logo of Barcelona '92 were delivered in free trade.

Leica R6 ( 1988-1992); Leica R6.2 ( 1992-2002)

Two years after the R5 is a completely new camera was again presented with the R6. Externally, it corresponds indeed largely the R5, but was constructed with the R6 is a purely mechanical camera that relies on battery power only for light. Thus accounted for all automatics, which made the camera to a special tool for professional photographers. R6.2 which is an improvement of the R6 is in some details, such as the extension of the shutter speed range 1/ 2000 p

Leica R7 ( 1992-1997)

With expanded and enhanced flash functions, a brighter viewfinder with altered ads, implementation of the mirror lockup via a cable release, a slightly higher bottom cover ( for housing the electronics), a microprocessor controller and a crystal-controlled lock it corresponds to a direct improvement over the R5.

Leica R8 ( 1996-2002)

Leica Camera AG presented with the Leica R8 in front of a completely new housing, which was sometimes criticized for its bold design and its high weight. Nevertheless, the camera enjoyed great popularity and was particularly appreciated for the intuitive usability. The Leica R8 provides a significantly extended shutter speed range of movement and a multi-segment metering. As the successor to the R8 R9 can also be expanded with a digital back, the Digital-Modul- R to a digital single-lens reflex camera.

Since the R8 as well as the later R9 addition to the R control staircase has an electronic shutter transmission via so-called ROM - contact strip, no Leicaflex lenses more can be used to it, because their control curves are at the same position as the ROM bar.

Leica R9 ( 2002-2009 )

The R9 was the last model of the 35- mm -Leica SLR cameras and is an improved R8 in details, in particular the HSS flash mode and more balanced weight distribution is emphasized. Also there is a digital module is available, which makes this camera (as well as the older R8) to high-quality digital camera - and also the possibility of leaving, when you need it to use a miniature film.

Leica R lenses

The following lenses for the R - system were last in the Leica offer (the Leica R system since early March 2009 sold out at producer ):

Leica 16 mm f2.8 Fisheye -Elmarit -R ( Minolta design - Leica construction)
Leica 19 mm f2.8 Elmarit -R
Leica 24 mm f2.8 Elmarit -R
Leica 28 mm f2.8 Elmarit -R,
Leica 28 mm f2.8 PC -Super- Angulon -R
Leica 35 mm f1.4 Summilux -R
Leica 35mm f2 Summicron- R
Leica 50 mm f1.4 Summilux -R
Leica 50mm f2 Summicron- R
Leica 60 mm f2.8 Macro-Elmarit -R

Leica 80 mm f1.4 Summilux -R
Leica 90mm f2 Summicron- R
Leica 90 mm f2.8 Elmarit -R
Leica 100 mm: f2.8 APO -Macro- Elmarit -R
Leica 180 mm: f2 APO Summicron- R
Leica 180 mm: f2.8 APO -Elmarit -R
Leica 280mm f4 APO Telyt -R
Leica 280 mm: f2.8 APO Telyt -R modules
Leica 400 mm: f2.8 APO Telyt -R modules
Leica 400mm f4 APO Telyt -R modules
Leica 560mm f4 APO Telyt -R modules
Leica 560 mm: f5.6 APO Telyt -R modules
Leica 800 mm: f5.6 APO Telyt -R modules
Leica 28-70 mm f3.5 -4.5 Vario - Elmar -R
Leica 35-70 mm f2.8 Vario - Elmar -R
Leica 70-180 mm f2.8 Vario -APO- Elmarit -R
Leica 80-200 mm f4 Vario - Elmar -R

Previously produced for the R -mount lenses from Leica:

Leica 15mm f/3.5 Super - Elmar -R - 1980 (Carl Zeiss design and construction - Oberkochen )
Leica 15mm f/2.8 Super -Elmarit -R ASPH - 2001
Leica 16mm f/2.8 Fisheye -Elmarit -R - 1970 ( Minolta design - Leica construction)
Leica 19mm f/2.8 Elmarit -R 1st version
Leica 19mm f/2.8 Elmarit -R 2nd version - 1990
Leica 21mm f/4.0 Super - Angulon -R - 1968-1992 (Schneider -Kreuznach design)
Leica 21mm f/3.4 Super - Angulon -R - 1968 (Schneider -Kreuznach design)
Leica 24mm f/2.8 Elmarit -R - 1970 ( Minolta design)
Leica 28mm PC -Super- Angulon -R ( Schneider- Kreuznach Design and construction - Bad Kreuznach )
Leica 28mm f/2.8 Elmarit -R 1st version - 1970
Leica 28mm f/2.8 Elmarit -R 2nd version - 1994
Leica 35mm f/4.0 PA Curtagon -R ( Schneider- Kreuznach design)
Leica 35mm f/2.8 Elmarit -R 1st version - 1964
Leica 35mm f/2.8 Elmarit -R 2nd version
Leica 35mm f/2.8 Elmarit -R 3rd version
Leica 35mm f/2.0 Summicron- R 1st version - 1970
Leica 35mm f/2.0 Summicron- R 2nd version - 1976
Leica 35mm f/1.4 Summilux -R

Leica 50mm f/2.0 Summicron- R 1st version - 1964
Leica 50mm f/2.0 Summicron- R 2nd version - 1977
Leica 50mm f/1.4 Summilux -R 1st version
Leica 50mm f/1.4 Summilux -R 2nd version
Leica 50mm f/1.4 Summilux -R 3rd version - 1997 (ROM Contacts )
Leica 60mm Macro-Elmarit -R 1st version - 1972
Leica 60mm Macro-Elmarit -R 2nd version
Leica 75mm f/2.0 Elcan -R code C -341 - ( Very Rare)
Leica 80mm f/1.4 Summilux -R
Leica 90mm f/2.8 Elmarit -R 1st version - 1964-1996
Leica 90mm f/2.8 Elmarit -R 2nd version - 1983
Leica 90mm Summicron- R 1st version - 1969
Leica 90mm Summicron- R 2nd version -
Leica 90mm APO Summicron- R ASPH - 2002
Leica 90mm f/1.0 Elcan -R - ( Very Rare)
Leica 100mm f/4.0 Macro - Elmar -R
Leica 100mm f/4.0 Macro - Elmar -R helical version
Leica 100mm f/2.8 APO -Macro- Elmarit -R

Leica 135mm Elmarit -R 1st version - 1965
Leica 135mm Elmarit -R 2nd version
Leica 180mm Elmar -R - 1976
Leica 180mm f/2.8 Elmarit -R 1st version
Leica 180mm f/2.8 Elmarit -R 2nd version
Leica 180mm f/3.4 APO - Telyt -R - 1975-1998

Leica 180mm f/2.8 APO -Elmarit -R - 1998
Leica 180mm f/2.0 APO - Summicron- R
Leica 180mm f/3.4 Elcan -R code C -303 - ( Very Rare)
Leica 250mm f/4.0 Telyt -R 1st version
Leica 250mm f/4.0 Telyt -R 2nd version
Leica 280mm f/4.8 Telyt - V
Leica 280mm f/4.0 APO - Telyt -R
Leica 280mm f/2.8 APO - Telyt -R - 1984-1997
Leica 350mm f/4.8 Telyt -R
Leica 400mm f/6.8 Telyt -R - 1968-1994
Leica 400mm f/5.6 Telyt -R
Leica 400mm f/2.8 APO - Telyt -R - 1992-1996
Leica 450mm f/5.6 Elcan -R, code C -329 - ( Very Rare)
Leica 500 mm f / 8 MR Telyt -R
Leica 560mm f/6.8 Telyt -R - 1971-1995
Leica 560mm f/5.6 Telyt -R - 1966-1973
Leica 800mm f/6.3 Telyt -S - 1972-1995
Leica APO - modular Telyt -R 260/400/560 head
Leica APO - modular Telyt -R 400/560/800 head
21-35 mm f/3.5-f/4.0 Leica Vario - Elmar -R zoom - 2002
28-70 mm f/3.5-4.5 Leica Vario - Elmar -R zoom
Leica 70-180 mm f/2.8 Vario - APO -Elmarit -R zoom
35-70 mm f/4.0 Leica Vario - Elmar -R zoom
35-70 mm f/3.5 Leica Vario - Elmar -R zoom
35-70 mm Leica Vario -Elmarit -R ASPH zoom - 2000 ( edition 200 pieces)
70-210 mm f/4.0 Leica Vario - Elmar -R zoom
75-200 mm f/4.5 Leica Vario - Elmar -R - 1976-1984
80-200 mm f/4.5 Leica Vario - Elmar -R zoom
80-200 mm f/4.0 Leica Vario - Elmar -R zoom
105-280 mm f/4.2 Leica Vario - Elmar -R zoom

At Photokina 2012 Leica introduced before the R- M adapter, can be used on Leica M rangefinder cameras with the Leica R lenses.

Aperture priority

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