Available in this sale is a used Leica Leicaflex SL in excellent usable condition. Serial number 1199481, this camera came to life in 1968, according to available online serial number dating information, in Wetzlar, Germany. The Leicaflex SL is a second generation 35mm SLR camera body and was an improvement over it’s older sibling the Leicaflex. This camera tests fully functional with accurate shutter speeds and working meter. Cosmetically it shows normal signs of use. The fully metal body carries marks in the matte finish and a couple of cosmetic dings. The body covering is completely in tact and it’s overall appearance and feel is solidly excellent. At forty-six (46) years young it’s seen some action but has many years of life to give a novice photography student or experienced and avid film aficionado.
This is the camera which brought Leica precision and the famous “Leica feel” to SLR photography. Wide-open through-the-lens metering measures a central circular area equal to one-sixth the acceptance angle of any lens attached to the camera. The area measured is sufficiently large to integrate typical scene brightness yet selective enough for accurate spot readings. ASA settings range from 8 to 6400. Through the use of a secondary mirror behind the reflex mirror a light beam is directed to the photocell on the inside bottom of the camera. This is a highly precise yet simple system measuring the exact amount of light transmitted to the film plane. Meter operation is accurate to minus 5°F.
The meter needle and shutter speed are displayed in the viewfinder which shows an evenly bright full image area. This area is 23mm by 35mm which corresponds to the size of commercially produced cardboard slides. The viewing screen consists of extra fine micro-prisms and focusing is possible throughout it’s entire area. A central focusing spot of relatively course micro-prisms gives an image which snaps in and out of sharpness for rapid focusing. A major feature of the SL is the exceptional brightness of the viewfinder which additionally adds to it’s focusing accuracy. Viewfinder magnification with the 50mm lens is 0.9. A plain ground glass version is available which is especially valuable for close-up and telephotography.
Shutter speeds range from 1/2000 to 1 second and bulb. Intermediate speeds are permitted through the entire range except from 1/60 to 1/4 second. A 9-millisecond travel speed permits electronic flash to synchronize at 1/100 second. Unlike most SLR cameras, in which the mirror is stopped by striking a strip of foam material cemented to the camera housing, the Leicaflex SL mirror is intercepted part way up by a lever which brings the mirror to a gentle stop, just prior to the shutter release. This effectively eliminates mirror-caused vibration. A true rapid-loading system for use with tongued or non-tongued (bulk loaded) films is virtually fool proof.
The Leicaflex SL system includes eighteen lenses from 21mm to 800mm. With the exception of the 35mm PA-Curtagon, 100mm Macro-Elmar and 400mm, 500mm and 800mm Telyt lenses, all Leicaflex lenses are fully automatic. This range of lenses covers diagonally measured angles of view from 3° to 92°. Reproduction rations with both the 60mm Macro-Elmarit and 100mm Macro-Elmar with Bellows-R extend from infinity to 1:1 without additional accessories. Visoflex lenses (65mm to 560mm) of the Leica system can be used with the addition of an adapter ring, although without automatic diaphragm operation.
This is a great camera and a genuine piece of photographic history. It may in fact be older than you are. The Leicaflex SL will assist the user in understanding why Leica cameras and lenses have earned their justly deserved worldwide reputation for excellence.
Specifications:
Camera Type: 35mm Single Lens Reflex
Metering: Selective TTL
Exposure Modes: Manual
Shutter Range: 1 to 1/2000th second, B
ASA/ISO Range: 8 to 6400
Flash: Cold Shoe Mount; X-sync & M-sync ports
Flash Sync: 1/100 sec
Flash Control: Manual
Mirror: Vibrationless gear damped, instant return
Depth of field preview button
Viewfinder Magnification: 0.9
Self-Timer
Dimensions: 5.8 x 3.8 x 2.24in/14.8 x 9.7 x 5.7cm
Weight: 1.7lb/770g
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