Not quite 'M', Leica R advice wanted.

[dshfoto]

Right, the R 8 & 9 are big, If you are going that big, one might go for a medium format, for the larger negative size. You could get a Pentax 645 and use Hasselblad V lenses. A film body to start, and maybe later the 645N. The 645N weighs about the same to carry around and cost about 1/3 to a 1/2 for the body. Then all the 6x6 lens, Hassy, Rollei, Pentacon, etc fit.

 

[dof]

I too own an M6 TTL and did briefly buy a very nice R8 to go along with it. I returned it to the store within a week and traded it in for an R6. I was quite impressed with the fit and finish of the R8. Its feature set was a great balance of familiarity and just enough sophistication. They are very large, but any sense of awkwardness disappeared as soon as I held it in my hands. They are very comfortable cameras to hold and shoot.

But, it was just not "me". I'd shot an FM2 for twenty years, and an M6 TTL for eleven. The size, features and admittedly look of the R6 was a much better match in my case. I've never regretted the decision. I use the 6 with a 50 Summicron, 35 Elmarit and 80 Summilux all of which are very well matched with a smaller SLR. The one niggle I have with it is that the shutter release has a long travel, so it's not at all like the M cameras in terms of quick responsiveness.

As others have mentioned, the cost of repairs can be quite high. Prices for parts for even the older cameras have kept pace with all things Leica. So caveat emptor!

 

[steveclem]

It's funny but, (not here) I've read an awful lot of snobbish dismissal of the R series up to the R7 due the the affiliation with Minolta, the R8 and 9 are 'acceptable' on account of their being designed and made in Germany but I've not used them, for my sins I think they're ugly,lumpen things but that's fairly irrelevant in the grand scheme of thangs.
Purist stuff I guess.FWIW an R6 or R6.2 are a wonderful,sleek experience.
Batteries not included!

 

[kanzlr]

I have tried the R8 and R9 in a shop only, but handling wise I am quite fond of my R7 (except with the bigger zooms, where the R8/9 handles better).

 

[bastian a.]

I often use my R-bodies and lenses and prefer them to any other SLR system.
The ergonomics of R-bodies ans lenses are perfect for me, also the built quality etc.
Get an R6.2, R7, R8/9 or SL2 and maybe you'll know what I mean.
There are a lot of people who very much prefer a Nikon F, F2, F3, FM2, FE2, FM3A ... Nice cameras but not in my hands. I have an FM2N and never use it.

 

[steveyork]

I never was a big fan of the R line before the R8/9 -- they felt plastic and the viewfinders were soooo grainy.

But I loooove the Leicaflex SL. Find one with a good viewfinder and things just pop into focus in a dramatic way. It's not so much brighter then other viewfinders, but the clarity of the prism gives a 3D effect. Taking pictures is almost as much fun as getting the image.

I'm not a begin fan of the SL2 because split image focusing screen (if I want split image I'll shoot a rangefinder) and stories of unreliable shutter speeds (1/500 and faster). Plus you pay a premium because someone mythically anointed them the best and last of the mechanicals.

The original Leicaflex is slightly reminiscent of an M3/M2. It has the 'old world' feel, but not as practical as an SL.

Most repair techs will say the SL is the best.