Leica's first SLR — the Leicaflex that launched Leica's R-mount SLR system.
The Leica Leicaflex is the original Leica SLR camera, introduced in 1964 as Leica's first single-lens reflex model. It marked a significant departure from Leica's rangefinder heritage and established the Leica R system that would continue through the R9 in the 2000s.
The Leicaflex uses 35mm film, the Leica R bayonet (which it helped establish), a split-image/microprism focusing screen, centre-weighted TTL metering, and a horizontal cloth focal plane shutter. It accepts all Leica R-mount lenses, though some later lenses with additional cam followers require the R3 or later body for full metering coupling.
The original Leicaflex is a 'one-cam' body — it uses only the original cam system on the lens bayonet. Leica R lenses subsequently added second and third cam systems (2-cam, 3-cam) for compatibility with newer body generations. On the original Leicaflex, only 1-cam and 3-cam lenses provide full metering coupling. Collector value is significant.
Test shutter operation across all speeds. Check metering accuracy with a known lens. Verify viewfinder focusing screen clarity. Test film transport mechanism. The 1-cam metering limitation should be understood for practical use with the R lens system.