Leica R4 made in portugal or germany? difference?

swimcraze · 1st August 2004

Hi

My friend is looking at Leica R4 and is wondering if there is a difference in the sets that are made in Portugal and those made in Germany. Any idea where is a good place to get used Leica lens?

thanks.

czeyang · 1st August 2004

Got this information from Australian Camera Dec 2000 issue:

R4 unveiled at 1980 Photokina, share some body parts with the Minolta XD-11.

R4s appeared in 1983 and was a slightly cheaper version minus the program and shutter-priority auto modes, but retaining the choice of metering methods with the aperture priority auto exposure control.

R4s mod 2 in 1986 introduces some ergonomic improvements including an easier to use exposure compensation facility. The mod 2 also had improved film transport controls (chiefly a stronger rewind crank) and a slightly revised viewfinder display.

Buying do's and don'ts:

don't buy one of the earlier samples. These are marked "R4-MOT Electronic" with serial numbers starting in the sequence 1 53X XXX to around 1 54X XXX and are plagued with electronic problems. Some of the early cameras badged just "R4" may also have dubious reliability so look for serial numbers starting 1 55X XXX and beyond.

One problem is bubbling effect which occurs on the top plate of both the chrome and black finish models.

Hey if you want to see the article I can pass you the magazine. Realized it doesn't really specify if the country of origin makes a difference.

icebooke · 2nd August 2004

I've got one R4. Been looking for a buyer, cos I wish to get two R9 bodies. Moving to digital when the back comes out.
Drop me a PM if your friend is interested.
Low price.

1st August 2004	#1
swimcraze Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: my heart in san francisco Posts: 2,234	Leica R4 made in portugal or germany? difference? Hi My friend is looking at Leica R4 and is wondering if there is a difference in the sets that are made in Portugal and those made in Germany. Any idea where is a good place to get used Leica lens? thanks.

1st August 2004	#2
czeyang Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 273	Got this information from Australian Camera Dec 2000 issue: R4 unveiled at 1980 Photokina, share some body parts with the Minolta XD-11. R4s appeared in 1983 and was a slightly cheaper version minus the program and shutter-priority auto modes, but retaining the choice of metering methods with the aperture priority auto exposure control. R4s mod 2 in 1986 introduces some ergonomic improvements including an easier to use exposure compensation facility. The mod 2 also had improved film transport controls (chiefly a stronger rewind crank) and a slightly revised viewfinder display. Buying do's and don'ts: don't buy one of the earlier samples. These are marked "R4-MOT Electronic" with serial numbers starting in the sequence 1 53X XXX to around 1 54X XXX and are plagued with electronic problems. Some of the early cameras badged just "R4" may also have dubious reliability so look for serial numbers starting 1 55X XXX and beyond. One problem is bubbling effect which occurs on the top plate of both the chrome and black finish models. Hey if you want to see the article I can pass you the magazine. Realized it doesn't really specify if the country of origin makes a difference. Last edited by czeyang; 1st August 2004 at 10:39 PM.

2nd August 2004	#3
icebooke Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 412	I've got one R4. Been looking for a buyer, cos I wish to get two R9 bodies. Moving to digital when the back comes out. Drop me a PM if your friend is interested. Low price. __________________ http://www.mylaohome.com Your Home Away from Home. Laos.