Leica R7 Review
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- Опубликовано: 27 июл 2024
- In this episode, Greg and I review the Leica R7 which was launched in 1992 and produced until 1997. The R7 is a single lens reflex camera which replaced the R5 and R-E and was sold simultaneously to the fully mechanical R6 and R6.2 which represented deviations from the general development path towards increasing electronics in cameras.
The R7 was the first Leica with fully automated TTL flash control, came with a digital display of shutter speeds in the viewfinder and automatic DX film sensitivity. Interestingly, the camera’s base had to be extended by 10.7mm to create sufficient space for the new components needed.
Other than that, the camera’s form factor and body configuration is just like the R4, R5 and R6. Please note that the later R8 and R9 were significantly more bulky and optimized to be used with digital backs.
Greg purchased the camera new in the 1990s and is the original owner of this R7 here. For our review, we took the camera out on two photo walks around Würzburg shooting Fuji C200 and Adox Silvermax.
Let’s take a look at the results.
Gear used:
Leica R7 with
24mm f/3.5 Elmarit-R
35mm f/2.0 Summicron-R
50mm f/2.0 Summicron-R
60mm f/2.8 Macro Elmarit-R
90mm f/2.0 Summicron-R
28-70mm f3.5-4.5 Vario-Elmar-R
80-200mm f/4.0 Vario-Elmar-R
Films used:
Fuji C200
Adox Silvermax
If you'd like to get in touch or see some early behind the scenes footage, find me on Instagram: / analog_insights
Always an oasis of civilised calm in a world gone mad. Another gem.
I do watch these videos on Sunday mornings because they are so calming and yet informing
Yes, another great video. So enjoyable to watch, even a second or third time around. RS
Thank you guys. You are too kind.
Beautifully done Max and Greg, you know I think this is the best way to do a camera review. many lately speak against gear reviews but I disagree and this shows how talking about the camera can be balanced beautifully with the great images it produces, that along with the appropriate soundtrack elevates the review. perfect format guys dont change a thing.
I love my Leica R6 I also have a small collection of lenses and I really appreciate your channel featuring the R7 a true fantastic camera.
Those R mount lenses really are astonishingly good. In many cases better than current lenses imo.
Lived a few years in Würzburg in the early 2000s and I also own a Leica R6.2. Great to see all these places again and the (in my opinion) underrated R-series being presented so nicely. Thank you!
Than you for this video. I look forward to youor videos. it is good to see how much you all regard film photography. I began photography in 1975 with a Contarex and have loved using film cameras ever since.
Good to see all you guys are ok back in to it
Kindly askin' 4 a review of Leica R8. Thank you!
I am always a bit shocked if I see these reviews of you. Shocked not by the information which is presented beautifully and invite me to take such a camera in my hand again, but by the pictures you both take. Joel Meyerowitz said that there are photographers who collect things and others who create connections. Just remembering myself that such cameras were the tools of photojournalists showing us the sometime disturbing view on human interactions with the world. Still love all your reviews, for your dedication and kindness.
Another super video. A delight to watch
Always a pleasure to watch your videos. Some of the best reviews online. With the electronics, you could always rebuild the circuit boards if they fail, so long as you have a knack with soldering and such. It's something I'd be comfortable with doing.
Thank you for the review of this wonderful camera. A similar review of the Leica R5 would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you. Good idea. We will look into that. 👌🏻
nice review ... was going asked on your thoughts between the 6.2 and 7 , but you answered that ... an enjoyable episode
Very nice review, and great photos to go with it. I didn’t realize the R7 was made that recently. The mechanical R2 has me interest now as well. Cheers.
This content is documentary level. The host a fashion model. Love this channel!
Best reviews on the Tube. Bravo.
great video, as always. I also bought my first LEica the other day. I had just considered buying one from the line. The R7 and R6.2 were my favorites and I would ALWAYS pay the extra cost for an R6 or 6.2. If something in the electronics should break, you can still continue shooting without any problems. I decided to buy a M6 myself. the price is quite high now but the good repairability and the fact that the camera is rather a valuable investment convinced me.
I really like using my R cameras including an R7. Your videos are done in good taste with inoffensive music and well dressed presenters. Always enjoy the information.
Thank you for such inspiring reviews. The Leica R7 was the last of the Minolta inspired Leica SLRs. An important piece of Leica history. I would enjoy having you do a review of the Leica R8, a camera ahead of its time and 100% Leica inspired. Some call it the Hunchback of Solms, but I view it as a stroke of innovative genius that compares to the iPod, on the cusp of the digital photography revolution.
Terrific photographs as usual !! Lots to learn. Thank you. RS. Canada
Thank you for this review! I'm not actively looking to replace--or supplement--my current SLR(A Contax N-1 and the 24-85 lens) but your review has simply and clearly resolved one of my long standing questions about the R system; which lenses for which camera. That lens/body compatibility chart will be very useful should I decide to explore the Leica R. And, even after this excellent review of the R-7, I think I'd probably be happier with a 6 or 6.2 for similar reasons as you've stated.
Lastly, I really appreciate the pacing and calmness of all your reviews.
I started out in Leica SLR experiences with the R7 but eagerly bought the R8 when It came out and it is a stunning improvement!
Der Adox Silvermax ist wirklich ein spitzen Film, habe neulich meinen ersten in einer Contax iia Belichtet und in Tetenal Paranol S entwickelt, der Dynamikumfang, ist einfach erstaunlich.
P.S. wie immer ein schönes Review von euch! Macht so weiter mit der Qualität, einfach super wie ihr das macht.
Poly Chrome Technik , vielen Dank 😀, Greg
Recently bought a R6.2 in very nice condition (preparing for the day when old electronics in cameras die) and have to say that I’m really impressed with how it handles. One thing that it would welcome is the OFF (or lock) setting on shutter dial. There is a general dearth of reasonably priced R lenses in the marketplace though. Good work as usual.
Greg looks so content
Very good review like Analog Insights can do.
I like very much your format of review whit very good explanation of stuff reviewed and the mix of images and soundtrack is very good too.
I wish to see a review made by Analog Insights of the Leica R8, so please made one as soon as possible.
Another great video
Hermosa cámara y muy buenas fotos, un saludo desde Bogotá Colombia.
As always, great choice of music. Really enjoy your reviews, how about one on the Pentax Spotmatic?
Wie immer: Tolles Video!
Excellent video ♡
Still waiting for the leica m5 episode 🙊
Nice video. While we are on the subject of Leica R lenses you might want to do a video of the Leica R 180mm APO Telyt f3,4. Originally designed for the military this lens has a stunning performance even wide open. I have the lens but I don't have a film based Leicaflex R. I have used the lens on my Leica M10 and Leica mono 246 with incredible results. I also used it on a LUMIX S1R (the cousin of the Leica SL2 digital) and the results are stunning. If used in conjunction with "high resolution mode" on the S1R and SL2 the images are just incredibly vibrant and sharp - my TIFF files are 1GB. Since you have a R film body it might be interesting to test.
David Puglia, the Apotelyt R 180mm f3.4 was for a very long time the pinnacle in Leica lens design. Congratulations that you own one. cheers, Greg
hi Max. thanks for another great review and walk around this lovely small town. This looks like a very beautiful bit of kit, although 92% finder coverage is somewhat disappointing for a pro grade camera.
Love my r7.. like the slightly larger body.. my hands aren’t large but it does fit better and for me more stable ( I have owned an r4s and re) would love a second body in silver. Results can be stunning .
Hello Max, got back to this post... R7 is a gem, much cheaper than R6.2. Interesting ly Mr. Paepke from Düsseldorf if I am right, is still able to repair those. Got my OG R6 relaced whole shutter unit.
Thank you for your comment. Very helpful. Really appreciate it.
Thank you!!!
Haze inside the lens appears mostly due to decomposed oils and / or grease that lubricates all gearing inside. However, that appears mostly if the lens is stored at the hot attic for prolonged time. Now if you can get such lens for next to nothing it still pays off to buy it, and to clean it either yourself or to pay someone else to do it for you.
Thanks for your comment. I agree with you.
My favorite slr are Nikon FA/F3/FM3A.They are made in good quality and I love their designs. Lens are great, cheap and easy to find.
So well done, as always! I’ve heavily considered getting the Leica R7 versus the R3, and Leicaflex SL. It was very helpful and entertaining to watch your in-depth review!
I owned an R4 and a Leicaflex. Loved the Leicaflex SL better than the R4. Now I am thinking of getting another one. Not sure if I should get the R7 or go back and get the R4 again. Still have 2 R lenses 250 telyt and 50mm R Cron
How is the 250 thinking or getting one for mirrorless
nice video!
The camera is beautiful, but the photographers - I’ve never seen any street photographers dressed this stylish 😂
In a 1950s Leica manual, the front cover is a man in a full business suit, shooting nature out of his convertible top car. :-)
When I worked in central London, I did a lot of street photography in my lunch time wearing a business suit and tie. But perhaps these guys are also Jehovah's Witnesses - do they have them in Germany?
@@dukenukem5768 yes, we do.. sadly
I have a specific question to ask about this video. But before, I would like to say that I have watched it se real time because it’s one of the most beautiful video I ha e seen on RUclips.
It’s a great documentary on the Leica R system. Moreover, the photos are absolutely marvelous while the film pictures following the photographers are beautiful. I appreciated very much your attention to details from the beginning to the end. Thank you very much.
Coming back to my question, I was wondering who was the artist who plays the music and who composed it. It would be nice if you could add the music credits to all your videos. In advance, thank you!
I apologize for the mistyping in my message.
I miss the old videos when you took photos to models and so on. It was very entertaining. If you mix the review with a photo shoot would be great.
Having now put some film through the camera, the one accessory that I think it can do with is a soft release, to just lift the shutter release point a little. Same is true for the R8.
Another great video. Thank you for sharing.
What is the brochure you have.
Thank you Max and Greg! A beautiful video amd some excellent images! It would be interesting to hear Greg's opinion on Leica vs Pentax lenses how they compare and so forth... Asking as someone who is trying to decide between buying a Leica R7 with one lens, or a Pentax K2 with several
Simeon Korobov if you have only a certain amount of money to spend and you are looking for a relieable piece of camera technique with excellent lenses you never fail with the decision for a Pentax K2 and some of the gorgeous Pentax primes. I know what I am talking about.
Cheers and best regards, Greg
Really cool camera, but compared to other camera’s it had old technology. It blows my mind that the viewfinder covers 92%. I would expect it covers 100%, because leica being one of the best designers and manufacturers of optics. But maybe they’ve done that because of a compromise.
The only real reasons to buy that camera was because of the lenses and build quality. It was at that time just a rich mans toy. Because companies like newspapers bought canon or nikon, because they simply had more technology packed into there camera systems, they had a bigger assortment and of course they were way cheaper.
In my opinion as a normal average person, beautiful camera but not the worth money at that time. But now they are absolutely worth the money. Because no one wants a a leica R, everyone wants a leica M; so the prices are dirt cheap for these things.
Great video btw, love your content.👍🏻
More technology not means is better the Leica´s R camera have all you need to take great pictures whit outstanding build quality in body and lenses.
Not any Nikon and Canon comes close to Leica in build quality and it´s not a rich man toy it´s a classic camera look and in the right hands they are capable of great results.
If you try one Leica you will see and never wanted more other camera...Just try ok?
@@rmle23 I know, Leica's are beautifull and just a work of art. But still it stays a rich man toy.
At the time of introduction, the R7 body only cost around plus or minus 4000 dollars. And the cheapest lens would cost you around a 1000 dollars. I dont know about you, but spending 5000 dollars on a camera with only one simple lens is for a normal person just insane.
But I don't know about you, but if you ever held a top of the line camera from Nikon, Canon or Minolta, you know that they aren't build cheap. And are workhorses meant for the professionals.
Very good video as always, thanks, what’s the main difference between R5 and R7 Leicas?
That is my first Leica.
I like this review format. R7 is a bit taller than r4,r5 and r6 by the way. R8 and R9 are both way too big for me for street shooting. I still have my r4s and re cameras.
R7 👊🏽🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥👌🏽
I would love a review of minolta dynax 7. I think it is wrongly unknown. Great viedo
Yes! I also have a Minolta Maxum 7 ( US Version ), its such an amazing camera yet overlooked.
How about the Maxxum 5? Dirt cheap and just finished a trip with the excellent 28-70 2.8 + 50mm 1.7 lenses. 😬
This camera looks great but for some reason it would feel a bit akward for me using a SLR from Leica instead of a rangefinder. If I ever get a Leica, it will definitelly be a rangefinder.
I have a question for anybody, actually. I bought an R7 early this year and downloaded the manual. With my other SLRs, when you close the film advance lever, the battery & meter turn off but I couldn't find anything in the manual about this for the R7. I'm always turning the camera off when I'm out walking around - at that rate I can't take a meter reading and just leave it while I'm out. I turn it off and on again (from the shutter speed dial), take a meter reading AGAIN - it's like starting over all the time. Anybody?
Wonderful video. I’m wondering if you would share why you would prefer the more mechanical version (6.2?)? Is it to do with reliability, no electronics to break? Or some other reason? Thank you
Thanks for your comment. Yes, exactly. And because it would better fit my personal collection than another SLR with automatic metering modes. So a very subjective assessment. Hope this helps. :)
What book is that with the cross-sections of the R7? That looked super cool!
Also Leica r4,r5,r6, r7,r8 and r9 will give you option of spot or average metering and not center-weighted.
Or review of the Pentax 645n? Thanks 😊
This channel is amazing, your videos are great but is there anything you could do about the reverb?
Pathfinder they need to print and hang some photos.
Thanks for your feedback. And yes, the "problem" really is my large living room and preference for as little furniture as needed. :)
Regarding haze I think storage is a big issue, but maybe that’s obvious anyway.
Nice video. I'm looking for some opinions on the 250 mm cam 3. I might want to get it for mirrorless. My only critique would be it's okay to wear your sweater.🤷😂
Like 😊
Hi, what about a long and productive collaboration with Minolta in mirror technology(SLR). The lenses are very similar in design, the optical circuits are identical, but they cost slightly less?
Minolta was contracted by Leica to make the 15 & 16mm as well as the 80-200mm 3 cam lenses. That tells you how well Leica thought of Minolta products, to put their name on a Minolta lens. Minolta probably made other Leica lenses, but those three I have shot or have owned.
We discussed the partnership between Minolta and Leica in depth in our Leica R3 video. :)
@@AnalogInsights R7, R3... In the interests of completeness (and if you make it States-side) you should collaborate with Eddie on an R5 video: ruclips.net/video/OICczXJ_GVg/видео.html
❤️❤️❤️ 2:39
I remember when R7 was released back in day's. It was nothing special back then and now even less.The Contax RTSIII was back then two years old camera and was space shuttle for Leica R7 by all means.
eagleeye photo, the Contax 35mm reflex cameras are great gear and combined with the fantastic Zeiss lenses they are absolutely worth to have. But unfortunately they are difficult to find and so the lenses and the Contax cameras have the same electronic issues as the Leicas have. But in a summary I would agree you.
Cheers and best regards, Greg
@@ianthomas465 The ebay is full of it and lenses are a bit pricey but cheaper then Leica.
I am wondering how in manual mode the meter recommendation is shown as opposed to the value you set.
Your chosen shutterspeed is shown in digital numbers in the viewfinder, at the same time the R7 shows you with a light balance the deviation from the "correct" exposure between +1,5 and - 1,5 EV in numbers (+1,5 +1,0 +0,5 0 -0,5 -1,0 -1,5) on the right side of the viewfinder. If the set aperture and shutter speed deviate by 2 or more exposure values from the correct value, the symbol -> or
@@MrZosh Interesting, thanks.
THE BEST LENS FOR THR R7 IS THE 50MM SUMMICRON OR 35 SUMMICRON?
5:39 : is that a tourbillon complication on Greg's watch?!
Yes. :)
Weren't some of the Rs made in Canada? However, I could be thinking of the wrong model.
R4 was made in Portugal. While some M4 was made in Canada.
Do you know of a reliable shop in Germany to send cameras to to have light seals redone? And in your experience, how much does this usually cost?
Jakob Rieck , you should look for Foto Ostendorp in Schonungen. He ˋs the one who repairs my cameras, except the Pentax. Therefore I have another adress. Cheers, Greg
I guess the answer is a little late but Paepke Fototechnik in Düsseldorf specializes in Leica Rs (they bought the original equipment from Leica)
The camera body can be bought for a reasonable price but Leica glass can get expensive.
Thanks for your comment. That is generally true but Leica R lenses are relatively inexpensive given the quality you get.
A bad copy of Minolta XD series. All was well untill I decided to upgrade from R4s (an equally a bad camera) to R7. Within weeks the electronic system failed. My dealer, promptly sent the camera to Germany for service and it came back after 6 months with a note saying the camera was not handled well. I had to pay for postage and service. The camera had no sign of misuse nor was it. In a few months time the same problem popped up. It was sent back again to Leica Germany again for repair. The camera came back after a few months together with a note saying, that the camera was probably dropped! Postage and service charge again. There was no dent nor sign of misuse. (Leica advertise that R cameras are built to withstand heavy beatings) The dealer informed me that Leica seldom does any service free, inspite of the fact that the camera was under warranti period. I finally got rid of the camera. My Olympus OM1 and OM 2n which was much elder to R4 and R7 still works and works well. The R lens is nothing but hype too. Zuiko or Nikkor performs as good or sometimes better than the R lenses. The OM 1 in the used marked is more expensive than used R cameras.
How many Greg's camera collection? Make a vlog about it.
We’re enjoying his camera already! Not knowing how many, or which camera Greg owns makes it a surprise for us in these videos. He must own a whole lot that for sure.
Канал пленочных сектантов😂😂😂😂buy sony alpha and get love!
As always, great choice of music. Really enjoy your reviews, how about one on the Pentax Spotmatic?