Description

The Leica R4 family of Leica 35mm SLR cameras was launched in 1980. The initial design was a joint venture based on Leitz's co-operation agreement of 1972 with Minolta, whose own version was launched in 1977 (Minolta XD series). The subsequent models introduced improved electronic features and TTL flash metering.

The R4 has a Leitz developed mirror box, metering, and body design making the camera quite distinct. The same body and chassis were used for all subsequent Leica R models through to the R7. Like the trend setting Olympus OM-1, the R4 was much smaller and lighter than its predecessors. Also the design was sleek and rounded in contrast with the starkly angular appearance of the R3.

Following on from the transitional R3, the R4 and its successors led the way to a considerably expanded Leica R system including many new lenses. The series was marketed from 1980 to 1996, with the original R4 being the longest running version from 1980 to 1987. The R7 was the last in the series, replaced in 1996 by the R8 which was a completely new in house development.

Viewfinder
The typically comprehensive viewfinder display included:
Exposure / metering mode
Selected aperture (small optical window)
(m and T modes) Selected shutter speed
(m, A, and P modes) Range of shutter speeds with LED indicating metered setting
(T mode) Range of apertures with LED indicating metered setting
Over / under exposure
Exposure compensation set (flashing)
Flash ready (steady, using the exposure compensation indicator)
Focussing screens are interchangeable, all with a central 7mm ring indicating the selective metering area. There is a built-in viewfinder blind but dioptre correction is by separate eyepiece.

Shutter
Seiko metal bladed electronically controlled:
Manual - whole stops from 1s to 1/1000s, X flash sync 1/100s, emergency mechanical (no power) 1/100s, B "bulb".
Automatic - stepless from 8s to 1/1000s.
Metering
A single light cell is mounted in the base towards the front pointing back at the film plane. The main mirror is semi-silvered and light passing through is reflected by a large secondary mirror onto the sensor. A small condensing lens is moved mechanically to effect the change from selective to full field metering (this can be felt quite distinctly when moving the selector between modes "a" and "A").

Exposure and metering modes
The camera offers a preset range of metering and exposure measurement modes:
m - Manual, selective measurement
a - Aperture priority semi automatic, selective measurement with exposure lock
A - Aperture priority semi automatic, full field measurement
P - Program fully automatic, full field measurement
T - Shutter priority semi automatic, full field measurement

This camera is fitted with a Novoflex Auto bellows Noflexar 1:4 105mm lens. Great for macro photography.

The Camera is in excellent condition and working well mechanically. All mechanical functions are tested and working really well including the light meter. Lens is in excellent condition as well. Takes 2x SR44 batteries.