The Leica R series camera are unusual in that they are not rangefinders commonly associated with Leica, but SLR’s. The R8 is the penultimate in the series and a wholly electronic version. The camera takes R 3 cam and R Rom lenses and it is important to to use the earlier 1 and 2 cam lenses as you are likely to damage the conductors that engage with the R Rom lenses. Cam 3 lenses are okay, but manual focus only.
Leica cameras don’t work like other cameras and there are ll sorts of tick and tricks you have to learn before you can use them, the first, in the case of the R 8 is opening the back – there is a catch rather than lifting the rewind lever and film is inserted also without lifting the rewind lever. DX coding will be read for ISO, but I couldn’t see anywhere where this is indicated; nevertheless it works and the in camera light meter works almost infallibly.
This is a serious camera, very heavy and beautifully made, like all Leica’s, although the R series cameras are are not especially known for their looks, but I like them regardless, not least because they are the cheapest way to get into the Leica system, with superb lens quality and sturdy build.
The weight of the camera is both positive in that it aids handling, being very steady in the hand because it has a decent heft, but possibly a little tiring after a time, which may be a slight negative. I used a wrist strap while testing it, but I think a good, wide neck strap would be best while using it.
I set the camera on aperture priority throughout the test as I was confident that the light meter would not let me down and used two lenses – a Leitz 135mm f 2.8 with some lens separation and a Leica Vario Elmar 28 – 70mm f3.5 – 4.5. There was no problem focusing and capturing the images with either lens and I went out on a day that ranged with bright overcast light giving way to the occasional burst of sunshine. Using the camera was easy with a bright viewfinder and good handling qualities. I used two films; Washi Z, a near infra red film and Ilford HP5+. I largely mucked up the processing of the Washi roll, salvaging just 6 frames, but the HP5+ was exposed and developed properly. Both films were exposed at box speed.
Leica cameras and lenses are beautifully engineered, easy to use, when you get to know them and offer superb results. At the same time, they offer few bells and whistles other than a Leica look that some people regard as exceptional and unmistakable. Having said that, there is a reason that the R series does not have the cashe? of the M series, but the quality of the lenses used make a big difference. In this test, neither of the lenses are particularly great, one damaged slightly and the other an early collaboration with Sigma; however, no working Leica lens can actually be called rubbish. Having said that, the Leitz 135mm is not a great performer, neither is the Vario, for that matter. The camera itself feels good.
This review and photos are by Richard de Bulat.
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