The Resurgence of the Leica R-Mount: A New Era with Meyer Optik Görlitz

The Leica R-mount, a revered name in the world of photography, has made a remarkable comeback, much to the delight of photography enthusiasts and collectors alike. Originally discontinued in 2009, the Leica R-mount was responsible for some of the most iconic cameras produced by Leica, including the R4, R8, and R9 models. These cameras were not only celebrated for their superior build quality and exceptional optics but also for their contribution to the evolution of 35mm SLR photography. The revival of this mount is attributed to the efforts of Meyer Optik Görlitz, a German lens manufacturer known for its high-quality lenses and innovative designs. By reintroducing the R-mount, Meyer Optik Görlitz has tapped into a niche market that continues to thrive in the second-hand market, where these cameras are still highly sought after for their mechanical precision and unique imaging characteristics.

Meyer Optik Görlitz’s decision to revive the Leica R-mount is a strategic move that reflects the company’s commitment to addressing the demands of photography enthusiasts who still use the R-mount system. The managing director of Meyer Optik Görlitz, Marco Pfeiffer, explained that the company had received numerous requests from customers for native R-mount versions of their lenses. This demand highlights the enduring popularity of the R-system, despite its discontinuation over a decade ago. The limited range of compatible lenses for R-mount cameras has posed a challenge for users, as adapting lenses from other systems often results in suboptimal performance due to differing flange focal distances. By offering native R-mount versions of their lenses, Meyer Optik Görlitz aims to provide a seamless experience for photographers, ensuring optimal performance and eliminating the need for cumbersome adapters.

The revival of the Leica R-mount by Meyer Optik Görlitz is akin to an early Christmas present for R-system users. The brand is renowned for its versatility, offering lenses in up to 12 different mounts, which allows photographers using various systems to enjoy their optical quality without compromise. This approach not only caters to the diverse needs of photographers but also underscores Meyer Optik Görlitz’s dedication to providing convenience and flexibility. Native versions of each mount eliminate the need for adapters, ensuring that the lenses perform at their best. This development is a significant step forward for Meyer Optik Görlitz in catering to the needs of R-mount system users, reinforcing the company’s reputation as a leader in the field of optical innovation.

The updated R-mount lenses from Meyer Optik Görlitz can be purchased directly from the brand’s website or through select retailers. However, the company has issued a warning about potential delivery delays during the holiday season due to high demand. This announcement reflects the excitement surrounding the revival of the R-mount and the anticipation among photography enthusiasts eager to get their hands on these newly available lenses. The first-come, first-served basis for orders emphasizes the importance of acting quickly to secure these coveted lenses, which are expected to enhance the capabilities of R-mount cameras and breathe new life into a beloved system.

Meyer Optik Görlitz’s decision to support the Leica R-mount is a unique move in the industry, as not many companies have continued to support the Leica SLR mount since its discontinuation. The author of the original articles reviewed several Meyer Optik lenses, including the 58mm f1.5 and Trioplan 35mm f2.8, and expressed excitement about the potential shift in the industry towards supporting older DSLRs. The film photography world has experienced fluctuations in recent years, with millennials initially boosting its popularity, only for Gen Z to shift their focus towards retro-digital cameras. This trend has sparked interest in older camera systems, such as the Canon 5D Original, and may lead to more brands offering support for these vintage models.

The Leica R-mount, introduced in 1964 by Leitz, served as the camera mount for Leica’s 35mm SLR cameras until its discontinuation in 2009. The final R-mount camera produced by Leica was the R9, which marked the end of an era for the R-system. Despite its discontinuation, the R-mount has maintained a lively presence in the second-hand market, where it continues to be appreciated by photographers for its mechanical precision and classic design. The decision by Meyer Optik Görlitz to release all current lenses for Leica R cameras, except for the Biotar 75 II, starting today, is a testament to the enduring appeal of the R-system and the company’s commitment to meeting the needs of its customers.

The majority of Meyer Optik Görlitz lenses are now available in at least 11 mounts, with some offered in 12 mounts, showcasing the company’s dedication to going above and beyond for photographers. This extensive range of mount options is uncommon in the industry and highlights Meyer Optik Görlitz’s focus on versatility and customer satisfaction. By providing lenses that cater to a wide range of systems, the company ensures that photographers can enjoy the unique imaging characteristics and creative possibilities that Meyer Optik lenses are known for, regardless of their preferred camera system.

Meyer Optik Görlitz has spent the past few years rebuilding its reputation after the brand changed hands multiple times. In 2021, the company re-launched and promised to be a “real company again,” focusing on delivering high-quality lenses and innovative designs. After announcing new lenses, the company had a quiet 2024 but has plans for 2025, including the release of completely new lenses. This commitment to innovation and quality is evident in the hand-made production process and the sourcing of materials from German partner companies, ensuring that each lens meets the highest standards of excellence.

The history of Meyer Optik Görlitz as a German manufacturer of high-quality lenses spans more than 125 years, during which the company has established itself as a leader in the field of optical innovation. Known for their unique imaging characteristics and creative possibilities, Meyer Optik lenses have become a favorite among photographers seeking to push the boundaries of their craft. The company’s dedication to quality and craftsmanship is evident in every lens they produce, making them a trusted choice for photographers around the world.

The revival of the Leica R-mount by Meyer Optik Görlitz is a significant development for photography enthusiasts who continue to use this classic system. By offering native R-mount versions of their lenses, Meyer Optik Görlitz has addressed the limited range of compatible lenses available for R-mount cameras, providing a solution that enhances the capabilities of these beloved cameras. This move not only caters to the needs of R-system users but also reinforces Meyer Optik Görlitz’s reputation as a leader in the field of optical innovation.

The newly updated R-mount lenses, along with other products from Meyer Optik Görlitz, can be purchased through the company’s website or select retailers. This accessibility ensures that photographers can easily obtain the lenses they need to enhance their R-mount cameras, allowing them to continue exploring the creative possibilities offered by this classic system. The revival of the Leica R-mount by Meyer Optik Görlitz is a testament to the enduring appeal of this iconic system and the company’s commitment to meeting the needs of photographers around the world.

In conclusion, the resurgence of the Leica R-mount thanks to Meyer Optik Görlitz is a significant development in the world of photography. By offering native R-mount versions of their lenses, Meyer Optik Görlitz has addressed the limited range of compatible lenses available for R-mount cameras, providing a solution that enhances the capabilities of these beloved cameras. This move not only caters to the needs of R-system users but also reinforces Meyer Optik Görlitz’s reputation as a leader in the field of optical innovation. As the company continues to expand its lens mount support and develop new products, the future looks bright for photography enthusiasts who appreciate the unique qualities of the Leica R-mount system.