Leicaflex SL
Famous for
- Leica's first SLR — used by photojournalists who needed telephoto reach impossible with a rangefinder
- Designed around the R-mount bayonet that became Leica's SLR standard for three decades
The Leicaflex SL, produced from 1968 to 1974, was Leica's most capable SLR to that point, adding a through-the-lens metering system to the Leicaflex platform. It was aimed squarely at professional photographers who wanted Leica optics in an SLR body — the R-mount lenses it accepted were optically excellent, and the metering system was reliable and accurate.
The Leicaflex SL never achieved the commercial dominance of Nikon's F system or the Canon F-1, but it was a respected professional tool. It established the R-mount ecosystem that Leica would continue developing through the R3, R4, R6, R7, R8, and R9. For collectors today, the SL is a well-made camera with access to some exceptional Leica R lenses at relatively modest prices.
Key specs
- type
- 35mm SLR
- mount
- Leica R
- metering
- TTL selective area
- shutter
- metal focal-plane, 1s–1/2000 + B
- production
- 1968–1974
Variants & finishes
The Leicaflex SL in chrome — Leica's professional 1968 SLR with a through-the-lens spot meter. The camera Leica SLR shooters actually used in the field; compatible with the full R-mount lens lineup.
Black Leicaflex SL — same spot-metered TTL system as the chrome version. The black finish was typically a special order and is less common; preferred for a professional, discreet appearance.
Market value
Used-market price history is coming soon.
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