Leica R4

The Leica R4 is the camera that gave Leica's SLR line a modern set of exposure modes. Introduced in 1980, it was developed in cooperation with Minolta and shares its underlying chassis with the Minolta XD series, wrapped in Leica's own finder, metering and finish.

It offers program, aperture priority, shutter priority and full manual, with a choice of center-weighted or selective metering — Leica's narrow, near-spot pattern that reads only the middle of the frame. Selective metering is the feature R-series owners tend to miss most on other cameras.

The shutter is electronically controlled, so the camera depends on its batteries. Without them you are left with a single mechanical speed and B. Early R4 bodies had a reputation for electronic faults, and a careful buyer checks that every mode and speed works before paying.

The lenses are the reason to own one. Leica R glass is superb, and because it adapts well to mirrorless cameras it has climbed in price. A working R4 is often the least expensive way to shoot those lenses on film as intended. With a Summicron 50mm and Portra 400, it is a lovely, understated camera.