Leica R8
The Leica R8 is a 35mm single-lens reflex (SLR) film camera that was first introduced in 1996. This professional-grade camera marked a significant departure from Leica's previous SLR designs, being the first R-series camera developed solely by Leica, separate from any collaborations with Minolta.
The Leica R8 features an electronically controlled vertical metal-blade shutter with speeds from 32s to 1/8000s in automatic modes and 16s to 1/8000s in manual. It has a highly sophisticated metering system and was the first Leica with six-segment matrix metering to go with the standard center-weighted and spot metering modes. Despite being a much more modern SLR camera, it is manual focus only, a distinction that sets it apart from contemporary cameras such as the Nikon F5 or Canon EOS-1n which were autofocus capable. Among its many other features are the ability to do multiple exposures, a mirror lock-up and a special "F" mode for measuring flash exposure without exposing or wasting film. The Leica R8 uses the Leica R bayonet and requires 3-cam, R-only, or ROM lenses for full metering functionality.
The camera was designed by Manfred Meinzer and features a minimalist design aesthetic akin to the Leica M rangefinder. The camera's build quality is robust, with a modular chassis made of metal body castings, a zinc top plate, and a rubberized bottom. One of the unique aspects of this model is its compatibility with the Digital Modul R (DMR), a user-installable 10MP digital back that can convert the film body into a digital camera. The R8 is also known for its unique, rounded, and bulbous body design, which critics have often dubbed the "Hunchback of Solms".
Blue Moon Camera and Machine llc
- sales@bluemooncamera.com
- (503) 978-0333
- (503) 978-0370
-
8417 North Lombard Street
Portland, OR 97203
All rights reserved ©2026, Blue Moon Camera and Machine llc
v. 8.4.6 | 2026-07-20 20:28:41
Oops! Our website needs to cool down for a minute.
In the meantime, some features and components may not load or work correctly. Please try again in a few moments.