Leica R4s (1983–1985)
A simplified 35mm SLR introduced to improve sales after early electronic issues with the R4.
Overview
The Leica R4s is a 35mm electromechanical SLR camera produced by Leica from 1983 to 1985. It was introduced as a streamlined version of the Leica R4, which had suffered from electronic reliability issues. The R4s removed complex exposure modes to improve dependability, offering only aperture priority and manual exposure. Known informally as the "R4 'light'", it was designed to be a more accessible and reliable alternative within Leica’s SLR lineup. In 1985, the updated R4s MOD-P variant was released, featuring improved electronics, shutter speed indication in the viewfinder, and both spot and average metering.
Specifications
| Product type | 35mm SLR camera |
| Exposure modes | Aperture priority and manual (R4s); aperture priority and manual (R4s MOD-P) |
| Viewfinder | No shutter speed indication (R4s); shutter speed indication added (R4s MOD-P) |
| Metering | Both spot and average exposure metering (R4s MOD-P) |
| Electronics | Later reliable electronics (R4s MOD-P) |
| Weight | 630 g |
Design
The R4s is a simplified version of the Leica R4, stripping away program and shutter priority modes for improved reliability. The R4s MOD-P added ergonomic improvements and shutter speed display in the viewfinder. Light seals in the MOD-P version include foam, notably a thicker seal around the film window indicator.
Context
The Leica R4s was introduced in 1983 to address poor sales and reliability concerns with the original R4, which had launched in 1980 as Leica’s first multi-mode SLR but suffered from electronic faults early in production. The R4s offered a more dependable electromechanical design. The 1985 R4s MOD-P updated the model with more advanced metering and reliable electronics, restoring confidence in Leica’s SLR system
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