Thanks for this video, Eric! There are not very many videos about the Leica R8 or R9 in TH-cam like yours, so keep them coming and show us, the uninitiated, what one can do with the lenses you have.
Highly underrated system the Leica R. R lenses are insanely beautiful and undervalued for now. Tryna snatch as many as I can while the secret's not out yet! Great vid, Eric.
I have one R8 since 2001 a last batch produced R8 made in my country Portugal. I still love using today because they are simply amazing build construction, the viewfinder is the best of any SLR camera ever made and the ergonomics is perfect too. I use mine in the early days whit the vario-elmar R28-70 and whit the Summicron R 50mm/f2, but I sell the Vario-elmar because I don´t like her and keep the 50mm who are amazing. Now I have the 90mm Summicron too whit the 50mm and both are a great combo whit the R8.
First of all thank you for showing samples of your pictures taken with the R8, most TH-camrs or “reviews” lack that fundamental piece. Secondly, I am too struggling hitting sharp focus with my 35 and 28mm and I wanted to know if you have found a better solution to that issue . Thanks again !
Yes, I use my m7, haha. Honestly it’s just a problem with wide angles having so much depth of field. The best way to solve it is to stop the lens down and make sure your subject falls within the depth of field range. Bummer but true
Maybe its because I managed to snag a refurbished body, but if anything, I find the R8 one of the easiest bodies I have ever used for manual focusing regardless of focal length. For context, I have used & shot a lot of cameras over the last 30 years, including Pentax, Olympus, Canon, Minolta, Nikon (many), Contax, and Rollei. My SL and SL2 viewfinders are pretty good, but not as good as my R7. To me, the R8 is even better than the R7, which surprises me quite frankly. Again, for context on lenses I have from the 21mm Super Angulon up to the 400 F6.8 APO Telyt, and have found all of them to be stellar performers. What I have finally figured out after all this time (a slow learner apparently) is that my enjoyment stems not only from slowing down to be more immersed in the image capture process, but it is the actual visual experience of bringing a composition into focus. This is missing from my experience with mirrorless cameras, regardless of how perfect the quality of these images are. Now I am planning to let go of the SL, SL2 and R7 and hope to find a 2nd R8 body.
I have always been curious about the r8! I remember wanting one when they were new too! I have been heastent to buy one because like you I already have a few m bodys and lenses!. awesome video!!!
Thanks! My advice is to just go for it. Three options. Pick your favorite focal length and just slap it on there and enjoy, pick your second favorite and shoot in conjunction with the M, or grab one of the zooms, I hear they’re stellar, for a completely different leica experience.
Hi there, I've got one of these, too - and the same macro, 50 and 35 lenses. I love them! That "F" flash mode, by the way, is really incredibly useful for using a ring-flash, or similar, with close focusing. Focus on a green leaf (a neutral-value tone) and it'll tell you what aperture to use at that focal distance. After that, just move in on your quarry - an insect, for example, and fire! Perfect macro shots every time. It won't let you balance flash with ambient light (as it is designed for use with manual flash system - you would have to manually adjust that) but it works really, really well. I think it was designed for studio work, yet this is how I use it. It is TTL flash without the electronic connections, i.e. with just about anything that will sync with a hot shoe or cable. Don't know why more cameras don't do it.
Thanks for this video. I have one and love it. I was actually aiming for the M-series, but discovered this at much more affordable prices. Also I found that I had difficulties focusing with the range finder. I have 4 lenses plus the 180mm arriving tomorrow. Can't wait for that.
@@Awasos21 I have the 28mm and 135 mm Elmarit, 50mm Summicron and 35-70 Vario-Elmar, and then tomorrow 180mm Elmarit. I am excited about that one, but it is 1.3 kg, so a bit heavy to stroll along with.
Love the video, very helpful. Question for Aperture Priority mode. When using Aperture Priority mode, what should the shutter selector be on? Does it matter?
It shouldn’t matter, but it doe’s effect program mode! I would suggest getting in the habit of setting it to the max shutter speed, but not worrying about it if you forget.
@@Awasos21 just shot my first roll, all in Manual mode. Some great results, some out of focus using 50 mm Summicron. Do you think aperture mode might be more fool proof?
Aperture priority really isn’t going to effect your ability to focus manually. All it does is speed up shooting in difficult lighting situations by choosing a shutter speed for you. If you’re having trouble with nailing focus, stop down to f5.6 for medium distance subjects, and f8 for things 3 ft or closer.
Hey! The mirror lock is up and It seems to be stuck. The advance lever is not moving forward and the shutter button either. Did you know how to fix it? I’m practically new using this camera.
Hi Pete! The 35mm is a more recent addition for me, and not a go to focal length for myself (typically I like 50mm). I’ve been using it more lately however. First impressions are good on film. Sharp and contrasty. I have not peeped the corners much. I’ve heard mixed reviews on digital, but have not tried it on my M(240) yet. I have a zeiss biogon that is my go to for my digital rangefinder. Thanks for watching!
I would spring for the r9! It’s newer and has a few updates compared to the r8. Also you don’t have to worry about bricking it if you get a winder for it (early r8s would seize up if used with the battery vertical grip)
Video @ 4:32 - "had a digital back made for it" - One should mention that there's no support for this expensive Digital-Modul-R accessory. It can turn into a 'brick' the moment it has a failure. - i.e. When it displays error code 2...
There’s 0 support for any of the R cameras unfortunately. Leica dropped them hard after the discontinuation in 2009. They’re all glorious bricks waiting to happen.
@@Awasos21 - "There's ZERO support for any of the R cameras" - Sorry but that's not true. - I'm a Leica technician who provides service for Leica R SLR cameras. - Needless to say, the much more valuable Leica M's are my most 'approved' repairs/service; some R units aren't currently considered economical to service. - i.e It's mainly the Leica R4 models that aren't recommended for servicing. Customers typically approve the service labor for their R3, R5, R6 and R7 units...
@@Awasos21 - "I'll have to call Leica NJ" - Why would you do that? I don't work there... "I'm a Leica technician" doesn't mean that I work for the Leica company,. Rather, it means that I specialize in servicing Leica's...
Because by support I mean official support from Leica. There is none. I just confirmed that with Leica as well. Yes there are third party techs, but repair is at the whim of the problem and parts supply, which is slim.
Tamron made an adaptall mount for the Leica R, however I have heard reports that it does not work well/could potentially damage the R8/R9. Proceed with caution. Unfortunately that means I would stick to only Leica lenses for an R9
Good review but honestly, people should look into the all mechanical Leicaflex SL2 or the R6.2 cameras. You didn't mention, the R8 is prone to failure and too costly to be worth repairing. The R9 might be better, but an all electronic camera with no support, that's a gamble for the deep pocket types. The all mechanical Leica cameras will keep working and increase in value till the sun goes into supernova. I have an R5 and an R7, but thinking of getting an R6.2 before the prices reach the stratosphere.
I had an r4s, but I didn’t like the engagement of the shutter button. The r8 is better for me in that regard. I haven’t had the pleasure to try an sl2 yet.
True! That’s actually with the strap shortened up quite a bit too. I’ve been changing over to Peak Design’s straps with the quick release system. Thanks for watching
Ugly? when I was first looking at getting a Leica and saw one in my favourite camera store I though it was one of the sleekest and sexiest looking SLR's I'd ever seen.
@@Awasos21 It is different, but it was one of the things that drew me to it when I first spotted mine, its a very smooth , modern looking camera. and I love my 90 mm Elmarit lens on it as well. that will produce almost 3D images if you take your time with it.
![The Real "Poor Mans Leica." [A Brief History of the Leica R]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/RysfeuQOkDo/mqdefault.jpg)
I had a R8 body with a 50mm 1.4 Summilux lens. The pictures quality was beautiful!
Thanks for this video, Eric! There are not very many videos about the Leica R8 or R9 in TH-cam like yours, so keep them coming and show us, the uninitiated, what one can do with the lenses you have.
Waiting for mine to arrive in probably a few hours 🤩 Great video, subscribed!
Nice work man, looking forward to future videos!
Thanks!
I’ve owned mine since 2000. It was (is) my first Leica body. I’m quite fond of the R system, specifically the lenses.
Highly underrated system the Leica R. R lenses are insanely beautiful and undervalued for now. Tryna snatch as many as I can while the secret's not out yet! Great vid, Eric.
Thanks!
I have one R8 since 2001 a last batch produced R8 made in my country Portugal.
I still love using today because they are simply amazing build construction, the viewfinder is the best of any SLR camera ever made and the ergonomics is perfect too.
I use mine in the early days whit the vario-elmar R28-70 and whit the Summicron R 50mm/f2, but I sell the Vario-elmar because I don´t like her and keep the 50mm who are amazing.
Now I have the 90mm Summicron too whit the 50mm and both are a great combo whit the R8.
Nice setup! If the 90mm summicron is anything like the one I have for my M system, it’s a great lens.
First of all thank you for showing samples of your pictures taken with the R8, most TH-camrs or “reviews” lack that fundamental piece. Secondly, I am too struggling hitting sharp focus with my 35 and 28mm and I wanted to know if you have found a better solution to that issue . Thanks again !
Yes, I use my m7, haha. Honestly it’s just a problem with wide angles having so much depth of field. The best way to solve it is to stop the lens down and make sure your subject falls within the depth of field range. Bummer but true
@holyjesus8603 it is , I tried another body and it worded .
Helpful and friendly review. Thank you very much.
Thanks for watching!
Super presentation!
Thank you!
Maybe its because I managed to snag a refurbished body, but if anything, I find the R8 one of the easiest bodies I have ever used for manual focusing regardless of focal length. For context, I have used & shot a lot of cameras over the last 30 years, including Pentax, Olympus, Canon, Minolta, Nikon (many), Contax, and Rollei. My SL and SL2 viewfinders are pretty good, but not as good as my R7. To me, the R8 is even better than the R7, which surprises me quite frankly. Again, for context on lenses I have from the 21mm Super Angulon up to the 400 F6.8 APO Telyt, and have found all of them to be stellar performers. What I have finally figured out after all this time (a slow learner apparently) is that my enjoyment stems not only from slowing down to be more immersed in the image capture process, but it is the actual visual experience of bringing a composition into focus. This is missing from my experience with mirrorless cameras, regardless of how perfect the quality of these images are. Now I am planning to let go of the SL, SL2 and R7 and hope to find a 2nd R8 body.
Love it! 👍
Thanks :) Hope you recognized some of the photos
I have always been curious about the r8! I remember wanting one when they were new too! I have been heastent to buy one because like you I already have a few m bodys and lenses!. awesome video!!!
Thanks! My advice is to just go for it. Three options. Pick your favorite focal length and just slap it on there and enjoy, pick your second favorite and shoot in conjunction with the M, or grab one of the zooms, I hear they’re stellar, for a completely different leica experience.
After 50 years as a photographer I think the R8 is the most beautiful SLR film camera ever made.
It’s certainly up there! Plain prism F is a beauty as well.
@@Awasos21 as well as a f2t. R,s are fragile. Almost everyone I sold came back for service. Great lenses ..leica is m.
Thanks for the video. The R8 is probably the most underrated 35mm SLR. They’re still a bargain today.
Thanks for watching!
Hi there, I've got one of these, too - and the same macro, 50 and 35 lenses. I love them! That "F" flash mode, by the way, is really incredibly useful for using a ring-flash, or similar, with close focusing. Focus on a green leaf (a neutral-value tone) and it'll tell you what aperture to use at that focal distance. After that, just move in on your quarry - an insect, for example, and fire! Perfect macro shots every time. It won't let you balance flash with ambient light (as it is designed for use with manual flash system - you would have to manually adjust that) but it works really, really well. I think it was designed for studio work, yet this is how I use it. It is TTL flash without the electronic connections, i.e. with just about anything that will sync with a hot shoe or cable. Don't know why more cameras don't do it.
It really is an interesting function!
Thanks for this video. I have one and love it. I was actually aiming for the M-series, but discovered this at much more affordable prices. Also I found that I had difficulties focusing with the range finder. I have 4 lenses plus the 180mm arriving tomorrow. Can't wait for that.
Nice! Which lenses do you have? I just got another roll back from developing. I mostly used the 28mm and 35mm elmarits this time around.
@@Awasos21 I have the 28mm and 135 mm Elmarit, 50mm Summicron and 35-70 Vario-Elmar, and then tomorrow 180mm Elmarit. I am excited about that one, but it is 1.3 kg, so a bit heavy to stroll along with.
yeah, it's definitely not a lightweight system. I haven't tried any of the zoom lenses yet, but I've seen folks post great shots with them.
Good video Mudman !! Mr.Fujicaman here!
So good to hear from you! I hope all is well and the M3 you found is still shooting for you.
I got my r8 body for 387€. I was super happy about that. Still looking for a good 50mm summilux deal and the r to m adapter.
DAG camera has a decent cheap adapter! I still want the Leica one at some point though.
Love the video, very helpful. Question for Aperture Priority mode. When using Aperture Priority mode, what should the shutter selector be on? Does it matter?
It shouldn’t matter, but it doe’s effect program mode! I would suggest getting in the habit of setting it to the max shutter speed, but not worrying about it if you forget.
@@Awasos21 just shot my first roll, all in Manual mode. Some great results, some out of focus using 50 mm Summicron. Do you think aperture mode might be more fool proof?
Aperture priority really isn’t going to effect your ability to focus manually. All it does is speed up shooting in difficult lighting situations by choosing a shutter speed for you. If you’re having trouble with nailing focus, stop down to f5.6 for medium distance subjects, and f8 for things 3 ft or closer.
@@Awasos21thank you! Will shoot the next roll on Aperture Priority, shutter set to 1/8000 and work on my focusing.
@@eagleharbour3336 good luck!
Have a Leicaflex Standard Mk. II, a Leicaflex SL and an R7. Think I’ll see if I can find an affordable R8. Thanks for posting.
My pleasure! Hope you found one
Nice work. What lens did you use for you on camera?
Thanks! Canon 5d mk iv with the 50mm f1.4.
Hey! The mirror lock is up and It seems to be stuck. The advance lever is not moving forward and the shutter button either. Did you know how to fix it? I’m practically new using this camera.
Have you tried a new battery? Otherwise you might want to try Sherry Krauter at Golden Touch
How's that 35mm Elmarit? I've been reading mixed reviews
Hi Pete! The 35mm is a more recent addition for me, and not a go to focal length for myself (typically I like 50mm). I’ve been using it more lately however. First impressions are good on film. Sharp and contrasty. I have not peeped the corners much. I’ve heard mixed reviews on digital, but have not tried it on my M(240) yet. I have a zeiss biogon that is my go to for my digital rangefinder. Thanks for watching!
@@Awasos21 Great, I plan on using it for a Leica R6. Thanks!
Yes I have Leica R8 and 24 mm couple
Nice. How do you like the 24mm?
Here in Taiwan, used Leica R8 and R9 cost roughly the same. Should I just get the R9? Thanks.
I would spring for the r9! It’s newer and has a few updates compared to the r8. Also you don’t have to worry about bricking it if you get a winder for it (early r8s would seize up if used with the battery vertical grip)
@@Awasos21 thanks for your feedback! I am planning to get a Leica for street photography.
Nice! Enjoy. I usually think the M’s for street, but the R8 and the slr lenses are beautiful too
Video @ 4:32 - "had a digital back made for it" - One should mention that there's no support for this expensive Digital-Modul-R accessory.
It can turn into a 'brick' the moment it has a failure. - i.e. When it displays error code 2...
There’s 0 support for any of the R cameras unfortunately. Leica dropped them hard after the discontinuation in 2009. They’re all glorious bricks waiting to happen.
@@Awasos21 - "There's ZERO support for any of the R cameras" - Sorry but that's not true. - I'm a Leica technician who provides service for Leica R SLR cameras. - Needless to say, the much more valuable Leica M's are my most 'approved' repairs/service; some R units aren't currently considered economical to service. - i.e It's mainly the Leica R4 models that aren't recommended for servicing. Customers typically approve the service labor for their R3, R5, R6 and R7 units...
Interesting! I was under the impression that there was no support anymore. I’ll have to call Leica NJ, I’d love a service on the R8.
@@Awasos21 - "I'll have to call Leica NJ" - Why would you do that? I don't work there...
"I'm a Leica technician" doesn't mean that I work for the Leica company,. Rather, it means that I specialize in servicing Leica's...
Because by support I mean official support from Leica. There is none. I just confirmed that with Leica as well. Yes there are third party techs, but repair is at the whim of the problem and parts supply, which is slim.
Hi Erik, I recently purchased a R9 and I would like to ask you a few questions. Do you have a website or email ? Thanks!!
Hey Gustavo! Happy to answer them here! My website is www.awasos.com
I have a Leica R9 but I don't have a lens. Can anyone recommend a third-party lens that I could use? Leica lenses are pretty expensive
Tamron made an adaptall mount for the Leica R, however I have heard reports that it does not work well/could potentially damage the R8/R9. Proceed with caution. Unfortunately that means I would stick to only Leica lenses for an R9
@@Awasos21 thank you very much!
You’re welcome!
@@Awasos21 hey there! The mirror is lock up. Did you know how I can fix it? The advance lever is also lock.
Good review but honestly, people should look into the all mechanical Leicaflex SL2 or the R6.2 cameras. You didn't mention, the R8 is prone to failure and too costly to be worth repairing. The R9 might be better, but an all electronic camera with no support, that's a gamble for the deep pocket types. The all mechanical Leica cameras will keep working and increase in value till the sun goes into supernova. I have an R5 and an R7, but thinking of getting an R6.2 before the prices reach the stratosphere.
I had an r4s, but I didn’t like the engagement of the shutter button. The r8 is better for me in that regard. I haven’t had the pleasure to try an sl2 yet.
you should take the strap off for vids. keeps getting in the way.
True! That’s actually with the strap shortened up quite a bit too. I’ve been changing over to Peak Design’s straps with the quick release system. Thanks for watching
I took your advice in my latest video!
Sweet Jesus that's ugly.
I did say it was a bit controversial. Again though, it looks and handles better in person
Ugly? when I was first looking at getting a Leica and saw one in my favourite camera store I though it was one of the sleekest and sexiest looking SLR's I'd ever seen.
@@Awasos21 It is different, but it was one of the things that drew me to it when I first spotted mine, its a very smooth , modern looking camera. and I love my 90 mm Elmarit lens on it as well. that will produce almost 3D images if you take your time with it.
Leica Elmarit ROM 3cams 28-70mm a review pls, thanx.
I unfortunately don’t own one