Re: [Leica] R4--A bad Camera?

[Ted Grant <tedgrant@islandnet.com>]

Peter in NJ wrote:

>I would like to know what makes the R4 such a criticized camera. Not that I
>plan to argue about or defend its merits and/or faults, only that I would
>like to understand from much more knowledgeable "Leica" people what its
>faults are in absolute terms and relative to other R Leicas. Too, what
>should I be alert about in using this oldish camera (which looks like it
>just came out of the box!)?>>>>>>>

Hi Peter,

The R4 camera is just as good as most other R cameras. Unfortunately I and
others got models first off the line that I beleive had some of the guts
left over from the R3 or some such thing.

I had purchased three bodies and motors, most times I use three cameras at
the same time. Two of the R4's worked OK no problems from day one. However,
the third body was absolutely a dog, in and out of the Leica service
department more than I had it. I'd ship it from Victoria to Leica Canada in
Toronto, get it back out of the box and something else or the same thing
was malfunctioning.

Finally after it crashed in the middle of a "once in a lifetime shoot" and
costing me more money than a new camera, I gave them an option ...."Give me
a replacement or I'll smash this one to pieces on your front steps and have
the media in attendance while I do it!"

They thought I was kidding, that was until I turned up in Toronto, camera
in hand, national TV crews, wire service photographers and locals in tow to
record the smashing event.  Surprise! :)

I received a new camera immediately! :)

It isn't that the R4 is a rotten camera, merely some of the early models,
no idea what serial numbers to look for, but they are walking disasters.
The sorry part? Not all of the early cameras were a problem as was the case
with two of the 3 I owned, never a problem with them, they were traded for
newer R configurations later.

That's one story of many on the R4 and there are just as many positives
from photogs who never had a problem and are still using them today since
they're original purchase.  So it's a tough tag for the R4 to carry, as I
understand later configurations had changes to the guts.

So if you have a chance to get a "like new R4" a suggestion, post the
serial number and the lads can give you an idea whether it's early off the
line and purchase caution should be excerised.
ted





Ted Grant
This is Our Work. The Legacy of Sir William Osler.
http://www.islandnet.com/~tedgrant