What is the Leitz R4 Mot Film Camera?
The Leitz R4 Mot Film Camera is a high-end film camera that was first released by Leitz in 1980. Designed for professional photographers, this camera is part of the renowned Leica R series. It is a 35mm SLR (Single Lens Reflex) camera, known for its exceptional build quality, precision mechanics, and superior image quality.
Key Features
– Motor Drive: One of the standout features of the Leitz R4 Mot is its built-in motor drive, which allows for continuous shooting at a rapid speed of up to 2 frames per second. This feature comes in handy for capturing fast-paced action or when shooting in situations that require quick consecutive shots.
– Rugged Build: The camera body is made of high-quality metal alloy, ensuring durability and longevity. The controls are well-designed and easy to operate, providing a seamless shooting experience.
– Wide ISO Range: The Leitz R4 Mot boasts an impressive ISO range of 12 to 3200, allowing photographers to adapt to various lighting conditions with ease. This versatile range ensures high-quality images in both low-light and well-lit environments.
– Interchangeable Lenses: Like other cameras in the Leica R series, the R4 Mot features an interchangeable lens system, giving photographers the freedom to use a wide range of Leica R lenses. This flexibility allows for creativity and adaptability, ensuring the capture of diverse subjects and scenes.
– TTL Metering: The R4 Mot utilizes Through-The-Lens (TTL) metering, which measures light levels directly through the lens, resulting in accurate exposure readings.
Release Date and Pricing
The Leitz R4 Mot Film Camera was released in 1980 with a launch price of around $1,200. Considering inflation, this price would be equivalent to approximately $4,000 in today’s market. Despite its premium price, the R4 Mot was highly sought after by professional photographers due to its exceptional performance and craftsmanship.
Today, the Leitz R4 Mot is considered a classic and a collector’s item. Used models can still be found in various online marketplaces, often commanding prices ranging from $500 to $800, depending on their condition and accessories included.
In conclusion, the Leitz R4 Mot Film Camera is a highly regarded 35mm SLR camera that offers professional photographers precise control, excellent performance, and exceptional image quality. With its rugged build, motor drive, wide ISO range, and compatibility with a range of Leica R lenses, it proved to be a versatile tool for capturing stunning photographs. Despite its age, this camera continues to be a testament to Leica’s commitment to producing high-quality equipment.
