Leica R8 and R9 SLR walkthrough

[@detlefhuettemann]

The R8 is one of the most underrated cameras of the Leica lineup, as well als the Leicaflex. When I bought my R8, I immediately felt the Leica quality in my hands, As you mentioned, the viewfinder is brilliant. The ergonomics are fantastic. The R3..R7 had tried hard to keep up, but where lagging behind competition. The R8 instead is a class of its own. I would also recommend the Leicaflex SL2. Fully mechanical, strong quality!

[@WorldwideCameraExchange]

Totally agree! And, yes, the Leica SL2 is a fantastic camera although a very different beast.

[@davidjb9199]

Great short, concise review. I have the SL, SL2, and the R7. I have found I love the glass but not the bodies, until I got and used the R8. I was not expecting to like it as much as I have. To me it feels no heavier than the R7 just because of the contours and handling. I am not a big fan of power switches activated by the left hand, but the one on the R8 is the best I have seen or used. To me the viewfinder is the best I have seen and makes manual focusing a real treat. Also, I am pretty sure one of the metering patterns is a matrix type and seems to be very consistently accurate in my use. I got mine as a refurbished unit and it feels brand new to me. Separately got a very lightly used 60mm makro (ROM lens) with the extension tube, and I have never felt a lens focus like this one. To say it focusses smoothly is inadequate. Many fine lenses focus smoothly, but this feels very different when you start manual focus. There is virtually no resistance when the focus ring is turned. Any other lens I have used (I have more than a few) exhibit the slightest resistance and then it reduces as the ring moves. This 60 mm unit has virtually none of this. I do not know how better to describe the phenomenon. Truly in a class by itself. This body/lens combination just always has me itching to shoot some film. The other bodies will be traded in to make room for a 2nd R8 body in the near future.

[@WorldwideCameraExchange]

Thanks for commenting

[@guillermotraverso4112]

very good video. Great value. I was looking to start Leica Analog and I found all the information I needed here.🙌🏻

[@WorldwideCameraExchange]

Glad it was useful!

[@AlreadyTiredOfYou]

As someone who’s held an R8 in his hands… I can attest that the shape just feels amazing around the hand

[@WorldwideCameraExchange]

Yes, I think it’s the best handling Leica SLR

[@eagleeatsmonkey3621]

R8 & R9 is very very beautiful to me

[@WorldwideCameraExchange]

Some people love the way the Leica R8 and R9 look, others don’t. It’s very divisive! But almost everyone agrees they handle superbly. They’re beautiful cameras.

[@DM-ti1yk]

I have a (working) R3 and its great - the R9 is fabulous - I think its visually stunning and more ergonomic than you think. maybe less so now the film folks are onto them but the R lenses are fabulous value for money...

[@WorldwideCameraExchange]

Thanks for comment - agree totally!

[@crazymetdude]

Hi Jonathan, Greetings from NYC! Recently bought an R9 + motor winder, and was curious if the film advance lever only works if you have film in the camera? For some reason, the lever won’t wind back and feels “stuck” or can only go so far back until it’s met with resistance. Does it work if the camera reads the film if I load it? Thanks so much!

[@WorldwideCameraExchange]

Not sure if you mean the film wind or film rewind lever? Either way both will work (either prime the shutter or spin around loosely) without a film. Maybe ask a repairer to take a look.

[@crazymetdude]

@@WorldwideCameraExchange - the film wind lever! To advance the film to another shot- I’ve powered the camera as well but haven’t gotten luck with advancing my next shot.

[@WorldwideCameraExchange]

Test without the winder fitted. If it still isn’t advancing then I suspect you’ll need to get it repaired… sorry

[@marcels.6514]

Jonathan, how would you rate the reliability of the R8 vs the R7 for example?

[@WorldwideCameraExchange]

Both are reliable cameras. I wouldn't recommend Leica R3 or early Leica R4 cameras but the later SLRs are good.

[@Riccardo_Mori]

The shape of this cameras instantly reminds me of many Exakta models, like the Exa Ⅰa, Ⅰb and Ⅰc, etc. I find this design to be an acquired taste, but one irrefutable thing is - as you say - how good the camera feels when you handle it. Cheers! //Rick

[@WorldwideCameraExchange]

Yes! But, luckily, far more reliable!

[@Riccardo_Mori]

@@WorldwideCameraExchange Oh, definitely with you on that!

[@SomeUnremarkableGuy]

I would add Minolta 7xi too.

[@WorldwideCameraExchange]

Thanks for commenting

[@ronaldsand3000]

I am more in favour of the R6 or 7’s The R8’s are twice the price and the R9’s four times the cost and availability of the special batteries and the lenses, especially the period correct ROM series is a little prohibitive Also the R8&9 motor drive which have a specific rechargeable batteries only are now unusable

[@WorldwideCameraExchange]

All good cameras. Yes, the Leica R6 and R7 cameras are cheaper but you can buy R8s for less than £500. That’s not expensive for a Leica. No need to bother with ROM lenses as they make very little difference in use. I’m not keen on the motor winder or motor drive but the nicad packs can easily be serviced if necessary. Thanks for commenting.

[@Anabasis75]

I re-celled my R8 motor packs and they work well. You do need to know how to solder however.

[@WorldwideCameraExchange]

@Anabasis75 thanks for commenting

[@doofwop]

Leica are niche products. Great glass, so-so bodies. Not worth the insultingly high price. More money has been made and more memories have been preserved with Japanese cameras, which incidentally just work better. Zeiss glass and Nikon bodies for the win.