LENS-DB.COM

Specification

Manufacturer description #1

Single lens reflex camera with electronically-controlled metal-blade focal-plane shutter. Two exposure measuring methods (Leitz selective measurement and Leitz largefield integral measurement) coupled with the following operating modes: aperture priority, shutter speed priority, automatic mode and manual setting.

In addition, automatic switch-over to "X" with system-compatible electronic flash units. Electronically-controlled shutter speeds from 1/1000 to about 8 sec. X = 1/100 sec. for electronic-flash synchronisation. Interchangeable focusing screens.

Detachable camera back. Automatic frame counter and film transport check. Film cartridge window. Rapid film change. Rapid lens bayonet changer. Was initially supplied under the name "LEICA R4-MOT ELECTRONIC".

Serial No. from 1533351.

Manufacturer description #2

The LEICA R4-MOT is the 4th generation reflex LEICA. It is both the most universal camera as well as the simplest to operate ever designed and built by Leitz. Its electronics serve primarily to simplify the operation and to increase photo-readiness.

For the photographer this means: Perfect problem-free pictures. The time tested method of auto-exposure with integrated or selective spot-measurement plays an important role. The basis for optimal accommodation to prevailing tasks required in simple, practical photography is achieved by a aperture-programmed- and flash-automatic exposure system.

The LEICA R4-MOT is compact and functional and it fits your hand like a glove. Operating convenience, reliability, excellent optical quality and the worldwide service network make it equally desirable for the professional as well as the serious amateur.

Manufacturer description #3

The LEICA R4 is the 4th-generation S.L.R. camera. Full use has been made of electronics to simplify its operation and increase its instant readiness. To the photographer this means perfect pictures without having to solve any technical problems. The well proven automatic exposure measuring methods for both integral and selective measurement, unique in LEICA-R models, give them a distinct advantage in achieving perfect exposures. Coupled with the instant choice of automatic shutter priority, aperture-priority, program or flash modes, the basis for optimum versatility and application to the situation is formed for a simple, practical approach to perfect photography. The design and configuration of the LEICA R4 is elegant, compact and functional; and the camera fits comfortably in the hand. Outstanding operation convenience, reliability, optical performance and its world-wide service organization make it the most attractive choice for the professional photographer, the sophisticated amateur or quality-conscious novice. The camera feature of greatest importance to the LEICA user is the end result. All of this is due to almost 150 years of Leitz experience in the manufacture of precision instruments in metrology and high-quality researcn microscopes. No other manufacturer can bring more experience in precision machining, high quality optical systems, and technical perfection to a camera than Leitz. This is why the LEICA R4 is able to meet the most stringent demands.

Like the LEICA R3-MOT, it is manufactured in the Leitz factory in Portugal using the well-proven Leitz production specifications. Conveyor belt production is ruled out, as is any compromise in favor of higher production and assembly.

Lenses of focal lengths from 15mm to 800mm are available for the LEICA R4 system. In addition to the well established facilities in Wetzlar, Germany, many of the world famous LEICA lenses are manufactured in the Leitz factory in Canada.

The outstanding advantages of the LEICA R4

• The flawless Leitz black chromium finish assures a like-new appearance after years of constant use.
• Balanced proportions along with greatest operating convenience make the LEICA R4 a pleasure to handle. It is conducive to effortless, quick and reliable photography under any condition.
• The choice of integral or seIective exposure measuring methods combined with its multiple modes, automatically meet any photographic requirement - simply. Electronics insure easy, reliable, and accurate exposure.
• The metal multi-blade focal-plane shutter of the LEICA R4 makes winding smooth and easy, and the electro-magnetic shutter release permits vibration-free, quiet performance.
• Interchangeable focusing screens permit the LEICA R4 to compose and be focused to the highest degree of accuracy possible. The primary semi-transparent mirror is coated with seventeen deposition technique dichroic coatings which reflect 70% of the light transmitted by the lens; resulting in an extremely brilliant viewfinder image.
• Motor Winder and Motor Drive - greatly extend the range of dynamic photography. The LEICA R4 is the nucleus of a universal system. Lenses from 15mm to 800mm focal length cover every photographic need. All current lenses of the LEICA R3/R3-MOT can be used on the LEICA R4 without modification.
• The large reliable LEICA R - bayonet lens mount permits quick lens change. Even with prolonged and frequent use, the precise and secure seating dimensions are retained after many years of constant use.

Integrating and selective - a guarantee for successful exposures

A simple automatic system cannot deal successfully with every lighting condition; special conditions require special measuring methods. Therefore, the LEICA R4 camera has two exposure measuring methods:

• A center weighted large field integrating method for all scenes with normal lighting conditions.
• And, as something extra, the Leitz selective measuring method, which allows measuring a specific, important portion of the scene, and is thus able to deal with even difficult lighting conditions.

In many cases the integrating method is the correct and dependable one. True in all cases if there are no extreme light- and color contrasts, no heavy shadows and when the bright and dark portions in the image plane are about even. The exposure meter now registers the result of the entire image area.

Since usually the important detail is in the center, the measurement is center-weighted.

Unusual photos are generally made under uncommon and difficult lighting conditions - against the light scenes, side light, spotlighted scenes - etc. This is the strong point of the Leitz selective measurement method. Scenes before a bright or very dark background, a portrait against the light, the view through an arched gate, open light sources - these are no problems for the LEICA R4. The measurement area corresponds to the central circle in the viewfinder. Use this circle to aim for the important image portion and release the shutter. The exposure time will consider in its exposure determination only that portion which lies within the circle, regardless of what occurs within the rest of the viewfinder area.

The selective measurement method, per se, is an excellent feature, but this is not all. Frequently, the selectively measured detail does not really belong in the middle. It is for this reason that the measured value can be stored for 30 seconds by depressing the shutter release button until the mode symbol at the lower left is extinguished. Thereafter the desired picture frame may be chosen in good time and the shutter released under the predetermined exposure value.

Measuring selectively, value storage, determination of the desired picture area and shutter release are done so quickly and easily with the LEICA R4 that the photographer can carry out these functions after a short time almost unconsciously. Obviously, this is the best prerequisite for optimum picture composition and perfect exposure without technical problems.

The programs of the LEICA R4

The programs of the LEICA R4 are designed to master any photographic situation. Their operation is so simple and reliable that the photographer can fully concentrate on the subject. The camera automatically takes care of all the technical aspects.

However, the shutter speeds and aperture can also be set manually in the event of very unusual photographic circumstances or applications. Setting the specific program is extremely simple. The program selector is changed without having to take the camera away from the eye. The symbol of the selected program appears in the viewfinder frame. All other data of importance is also visible in the viewfinder. The LEICA R4 permits instant accommodation for any photographic situation. These programs have been developed as the result of years of photographic experience.

The viewfinder - your control center for perfect pictorial composition

At a single glance the viewfinder of the LEICA R4 shows all the information necessary for the composition and accurate focusing of the subject. The viewfinder image is clear and brilliant even under poor lighting conditions.

Interchangeable focusing screens permit rapid and precise focusing for just about every photographic application.

This is the most important criterion for the full utilization of the outstanding optical performance of a LEICA-R lens.

Technical details

Type of camera: Electronically controlled 35mm s.l.r. camera with alternative measuring methods through the lens: LEITZ selective measurement or LEITZ largefield integrating measurement, combined with multiple automatic modes.

Body: All-metal body with detachable back, length 138.5mm, height 88.1 mm, depth 60mm, weight 630g. A1/4 (1/4in) tripod bush. LEICA R rapid changing bayonet.

Viewfinder: Built-in pentaprism, interchangeable focusing screens, LED display in the viewfinder, viewfinder magnification about 0.85x with 50mm lens, the viewfinder image corresponds to 92% of the film area (= picture area of a mounted slide).

Shutter: Vertically-acting metal-blade focal-plane shutter with electronically and continuously adjusted speeds from 1/1000 to about 8sec with automatic mode. Manual settings: 1/1000, 1/500, 1/250, 1/125, 1/60, 1/30, 1/15, 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 1 sec.

Mechanically controlled speeds: X (1/100 sec), 100 (1/100sec), B. 100 and B function also without batteries. Electronic flash synchronisation 1/100 sec. Automatic switch-over when system-compatible flash units are used.

Current supply: Two 1.55v silver oxide button cells for the exposure meter and the shutter.

Special technical details of the LEICA R4

Electronic self timer: The delay time of the self-timer is about 8 sec. A blinking light indicates that it is operating. This changes to a steady light signal about 2 seconds before the shutter is released.

Double and multiple exposures: When the rewind button is depressed the film transport is disengaged. The shutter can now be wound by means of the rapid winding lever without the film transporting. At the end of the travel of the lever the rewind button automatically resets. If more than two exposures are to be made on a single frame, the rewind button must be pressed again before the shutter is wound.

Databack DB LEICA R4: The databack enables the user to record data directly on the film. Negatives or transparencies may be given letter or numerical codes; for instance, when one wishes to serialize a group of photographs. The data may also be an important factor to reconstruct the specific phases or events that were in effect at the time the pictures were taken. The opportunities are manifold. Whether one takes family photos or one wishes to photograph various stages during building of a home, or for experimental photography in the laboratory, the databack allows the identification of the photograph with security and convenience. Databack DB R4 can be inserted in place of the back of the LEICA R4 and connected by means of a cable to the flash contact of the camera.

Depth-of-field preview lever: For the determination of the depth-of-field at a preselected aperture a conveniently arranged depth-of-field preview lever is depressed. This closes the lens aperture to the preselected value.

Film and battery test: A window in the camera back shows clearly if and with what film the camera is loaded. For testing the battery condition, simply depress the test button. If the red control lamp lights up the batteries are ok.

Flatness of the film: The outstanding flatness of the film in the LEICA R4 must also be emphasized: It is absolutely essential for the optimum utilization of lens performance and that excellent sharpness is maintained over the entire picture area.

The motorized LEICA R4 - for action, sequence, and remote release photos

In many situations, constant readiness for action and follow-up photos are essential for successful dynamic pictures. The Motor-Winder and the Motor-Drive for the LEICA R4 expand the possibilities of dynamic photography and of fully automatic image recording in many ways. With motor wind and film transport the LEICA R4 is better suited for quick single and sequence photos, exposures by remote electronic control units, cable or radio releases.

Photo sequences of 2 frames per second are possible with the Motor-Winder R4. The Motor-Drive R4 has 4 frame per second capability but can also be switched to 2 frames per second or single exposures. A convenient switch can select the 2 frame per second sequence while exposing. All shutter speeds can be used. The Motor-Winder uses six, the Motor-Drive ten, standard alkaline batteries or rechargeable NiCad batteries. The battery housings can be exchanged in seconds. In extreme cold, the housing can be kept body-warm and connected with the Motor-Winder or Motor-Drive with a remote connection. Also, it is of great advantage during very cold weather that the power supply of the Motor-Winder and Motor-Drive, when attached to the camera, furnish the supply current for the camera as well.

And yet another point: Even when the LEICA R4 is operated by Motor-Winder or the Motor-Drive R4, aside from the normal shutter and mirror function they are hardly audible. Experienced photographers, particularly professionals, find this especially valuable.

Motor-Winder and Motor-Drive are coupled to the LEICA R4 housing and merge into an integrated unit. Single exposures are released via the shutter release. Photos in series are released via the release button on the Motor-Winder or Motor-Drive alternatively via electrical cable release or remote control. The system shuts off automatically after 36 exposures via Motor-Winder.

Motor-Winder and Motor-Drive in combination with the Remote Control-R unit

The electronic remote control unit RC LEICA R offers a number of very delightful possibilities. It serves as the remote release for the Motor-Winder and Motor-Drive and in conjunction with the automation of the LEICA R4 opens up new dimensions of photography. The control unit fits comfortably in one hand. It can be operated by the left hand equally well as with the right hand. All controls and the function displays are visible and available on the top.

The LEICA R-system: The basis for optimal adaptation of a camera system to any task and situation

The LEICA R4 is the heart of the universal LEICA R-System. Its high quality lenses, systematically matched in focal length and speed are equally important. They are the result of many years of experience in the Leitz glass research laboratory and of more than 140 years of Leitz tradition in the manufacture of high-quality optical-mechanical precision instruments. Accessories for photomicrography, macrophotography and copying have also been developed to solve most problems and cope with all situations. The wide range of lenses extends from the Fisheye to the Vario lens; from the distortion-free 15mm ultra-wide angle lens to the 800mm tele lens. In science and industry, when used with night vision instruments or with the Universal Focusing Bellows - the LEICA R4 is easy and simple to operate.

All current lenses of the LEICA R3/R3-MOT system can be used with the LEICA R4 without modification, therefore, all owners of these lenses have easy access to the most modern state of the art in camera technology.

Manufacturer description #4

All lenses of the LEICA R 3 / R 3-MOT range can be used on the LEICA R 4 without modification, but earlier 180 mm ELMARIT-R f/2 .8 (Code No. 11919) to Serial No. 2 939 700 and 250 mm TELYT-R f/4 (Code No. 11 920) to Serial No. 3 050 600 can only be used for aperture-priority with selective measurement, aperture-priority with largefield averaging and manual mode.

Lenses of the LEICAFLEX models must not be inserted in the LEICA R4 as this may lead to damage. For use in the LEICA R cameras they must be fitted with a control cam, when they will be suitable for use in both the LEICAFLEX and the LEICA R models (restrictions as above).

From the editor

Like the R3, this was another Minolta based camera.

Leica R4 [MOT Electronic] special editions (3)

• Leica R4 Gold [10051] (1000 units) - June 1984
• Leica R4 "Everest 1982" (200 units) - 1982
• Leica R4 "Jesse Owens" (600 units) - 1986