Leica R-E
Leica launched the R5 in 1987 as an update to the Leica R4. Then in 1990 the introduced the Leica R-E as a pared-down version of the R5, at a slightly lower price. The biggest difference between the R-E and R5 was the omission of Shutter Priority and Full Program exposure modes, there the R-E basically has just Aperture Priority and Manual exposure modes. The R-E still enjoys the TTL Flash Exposure Control capabilities of the R5, as well as the top 1/2000 shutter speed.
The R-E allows the user two metering modes: a Full Field Integral Mode as well as Selective Mode. The Full Field Integral mode reads the entire viewfinder image and balances everything it sees to an 18% value, averaging the lightest and darkest parts of the scene. In Full Field Integral the R-E has an EV range of EV1-EV20 at ISO 100. This mode is only available in the Aperture Priority setting. The Selective Mode is similar to the Partial modes found in other cameras where metering is based only on a large central spot in the middle of the finder and everything outside that central circle is ignored. When used in Manual exposure mode the camera defaults to Selective and has an EV range of EV3-20 at ISO 100. Additionally the Leica R-E has exposure compensation from -1 to +2.
While a sophisticated looking (and feeling) camera, the Leica R-E is actually very straightforward, which has endeared it to a select group of Leica R users over the decades since its introduction. Beyond the exposure and metering modes, other features of the Leica R-E amount to a depth of field preview lever and an electronic self-timer (9s delay). Manually selectable shutter speeds range from 1/2 to 1/2000, where automatic shutter speeds can range from 15s to 1/2000 when in Aperture Priority mode. While the shutter is electronically governed and battery dependent, their are Bulb, X-sync, and 1/100 settings that can be fired mechanically and without the aid of batteries. The viewfinder eyepiece has a built-in diopter adjustment of -2 to +2 and the R-E features interchangeable focusing screens with the user able to choose between five difference screens (counting the standard screen the camera came equipped with). Finally, the Leica R-E can accept both the Motor-Winder R and Motor-Drive R accessories. The Leica R-E also should be used with 3-Cam or 3rd Cam Only Leica R lenses. The instruction manual itself references the risk of damage with previous Leicaflex lenses, but our research only suggests that 1-cam and 2-cam lenses are fine and just have to be used in stop down mode for accurate light meter readings.
While you don't see many Leica R-E cameras on the market these days compared to the other R models, the R-E holds up pretty well, especially for users looking for a more straight-forward Leica R body. The camera feels solid in hand and holds well and the controls are simple to learn. If you want a great way to shoot some Leica R glass, you can do much worse than the R-E.
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