Now that the MF R is no more

Now that the MF R is no more

  • Yes

    Votes: 112 35.4%

  • No

    Votes: 204 64.6%
  • Total voters
    316
Learnt on an R4, still have an R5 usually coupled with a 35/f2.0 - although it is my girlfriend's favourite camera, so I don't see it very much.

If I could afford it, I'd love both an R6/6.2 and an R9 - though it suffers massive heft, that viewfinder is the best I've ever seen...
 
Just got my first leica reflex, R3 made in my contry! Didn't try it out, possybly sunday. And I would like to have an sl2! :)
 
I seem to be one of a dwindling band of people who not only own an R but actually use it, happily. (I have an R7.) Sure, like any camera it has its shortcomings, but if like me you prefer a film SLR but also want to take advantage of lenses with a Leica signature, there isn't any other choice that I know of. The R7 fits my hand perfectly, is solidly built (heavy, but just a bit more than an M7, for example), gives me a host of metering options including spot, and has a super viewfinder. I use it with the 35 and 50 Summicrons, which to my mind are lovely lenses.

882493670_grurf-M.jpg
 
I'm shooting with a early R3 and using the 60mm macro as a standard lens. It's a nice combination, except for all the excess weight.
 
r6.2

r6.2

Hi, got a r6.2 for a few months fitted with an old summicron 50mm, terrific camera!
Loved it, but since i was building up my m system got rid of it, couldn´t afford two leica outfits!
Besides i can´t focus properly with slr´s

Bye

4518106076_ef34888484_o.jpg
 
If I were to buy a film SLR these days... there are two options that come to mind... I'd either go for a Leica R or the Nikon F3 HP.
 
I remember the first time I saw an R9 in my local camera shop. My jaw must have been on the ground. :eek:

It would have to be one of the most handsome cameras ever made.
 
I have used R5, R6 (quite a long time), R7 and R8. Have had also for some time a Leicaflex SL2 (wonderful finder). On the lenses dept, there are 3 that I have always found to be unsurpassed by any other lens: the latest versions 35/2R and 50/1.4, and the superb Apo-Telyt-R 180/3.4.
I miss these lenses, and if there was a digital non adapted choice to use them with at least the same image quality of the DMR but in a more modern package (ie more compact, speedier, as many MP as the M9, and full frame), I wouldn't doubt to come back to R leica (budget allowing, that is)
 
i remember seeing an R-something new in 2001-2002-ish in a shop in Aachen first time.
It was horribly ugly!!!
 
Leica R3, with a 50mm, only held it and looked through the finder and clicked the shutter a few times. I had considered buying the thing it was so gorgeous and nice to hold. But I didn't do it and bought my my newer Nikon F3hp for about the same money instead. The R3 was not made like my M2 or for that matter like my M4-P.

My opinion is my Nikon F3hp was a far better purchase, I still have it. The R3 was eventually purchased by another friend and has been in the shop a few time since then. Not the F3!
 
Pherdinand said:
i remember seeing an R-something new in 2001-2002-ish in a shop in Aachen first time.
It was horribly ugly!!!
Click to expand...

Must have been an R8, the R line's equivalent of the M5. Not a camera to win a beauty contest among M lovers, but the ergonomics of the body are actually quite excellent.
 
I got an R9 earlier this year and I just love it; everything about it is just right. For now, I only have a 50/2 (which is a great lens) but I'm looking for a 35/2.
 
I "broke in" my boss's R9 and tested a couple of 50mm Summicrons on it.

He was unfortunate to purchase this camera and some accessories new a couple of months before the R-system was dropped...

A nice enough camera - very solid and precise-feeling - but huge for a MF non-motorized 35mm SLR; the VF had a rather low magnification, not great coverage and a strange bluish tinge. Gimme an M any day!
 
dof said:
I shot an R9 briefly and have to concur with others comments about its excellent viewfinder. It's actually the best SLR viewfinder I've come across, although I'd have to admit that I haven't used that many.
Click to expand...

I don't want to be a troll, but after a couple of similar comments from a number of people, I just have to set the record straight: The R8/R9 viewfinder is extremely good, yes, but it absolutely pales in comparison to an Olympus OM3/OM-4 viewfinder. I used an R9 for a while, but, as an OM-3Ti user, it did absolutely nothing for me.

It's gigantically chunky for such a manual camera, it's viewfinder is approximately 50% as bright and clear as the olympus finder, and the R8/R9 serious unfortunately has a less than stellar record for reliability - I have heard of more with issues than without.

In terms of the world of 35mm camera viewfinders (size + clarity), the ranking is as such, in my experience (i.e. extensive daily use):

Olympus OM-3Ti > Leica M3 > Leica R9 > Olympus OM-1 > Nikon F
 
The R8/9 were a true high eyepoint viewfinder, similar to the F3HP. Very nice indeed.

I've used a Leicaflex SL, SL Mot, SL2 R6, and R6.2. All nice. I kept only a pair of SLs and a few lenses. Nice change of pace from a rangefinder.
 
KoNickon said:
I have three SLs and an SL2 that I use regularly, with a number of the 2-cam lenses, from 28mm to 180mm. Great stuff; a real pleasure to use and highly recommended. The only irritation for me is the need for series filters, which I haven't yet come across. I expect the Leica ones can be found on eBay, but the few I've seen are pricey.
Click to expand...

B&W still makes series filters.
 
R4 with both 35 and 50 summicron. Also used the 35 and 50 on a Canon digital body.
All gone now, but I do regret giving away the R4 tho.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom