The Leicaflex series of high-end single-lens reflex 35 mm format film cameras were introduced by Leitz Camera in 1964. The first camera body was paired with the new R bayonet series of lenses. Three model of the cameras were sold by Leitz; the Leicaflex Standard, the Leicaflex SL and the Leicaflex SL2.
Late into the market with high prices and limited range of lenses and accessories, Leicaflex sales were below expectations and production ended in 1976. However, the production of the R mount lenses continued and were paired with the new Leica R3 that was developed in cooperation with Minolta, together with the Minolta XE bodies.
Leicaflex
In 1964 Leitz introduced its first single-lens reflex camera, the Leicaflex also known as the Leicaflex Standard. This was a response, albeit reluctantly, to the rising popularity of the SLR format. Ludwig Leitz, head of the company was urged to begin development by photographer Walther Benser back in 1955. This was due to Benser's opinion that the SLR camera system would soon rise in popularity.
Beginning with the introduction of the Asahi Pentax in 1957, the Nikon F and the Canonflex in 1959, all from Japan. However, Leitz did not have the expertise the Japanese had in this format. To date its leading product; the Leica M mount series was a rangefinder camera, a format long abandoned by its competitors in the Far East. Finally, development of the Leicaflex began in 1958 and the first prototype was shown in 1963. A year later the camera was released.
The Leicaflex featured a shutter speed range of 1 second to 1/2000 a second, a CdS exposure light meter (but not through-the-lens metering) and a new range of lenses with quick change bayonet (the R bayonet). The design was minimal, and the camera body was based on the Leica M. The viewfinder featured display indicators for the shutter speed setting and the light meter reading. Correct exposure is obtained by matching the needles displayed in the viewfinder. The shutter speed dial, film crank, film rewind and film count are all located on the top plate.
Due to its complicated mechanical construction the camera was extremely costly to manufacture. Its high price and lack of through-the-lens metering led to disappointing sales and only 37,500 units were made (mostly in silver chrome and about 1,000 units in black paint). Production of this camera ended in 1968.
Leicaflex SL
In 1968 the Leicaflex SL was introduced, with the SL standing for selective light. The Leicaflex SL featured TTL metering with a 5% selective measurement of the subject field, corresponding with the diameter of the circle of the micro prism. This meant that the Leicaflex SL was the first SLR camera with selective TTL metering. This was considered theoretically superior to other systems that relied on the average reading of the whole prism.
This model also featured a depth-of-field preview button. There were a few cosmetic revisions including the change of the colour of the shutter dial from silver to black and the relocation of the batteries to the camera's base plate. Models were produced in silver chrome and black paint. In 1972 a special edition was produced to commemorate the 1972 Summer Olympics, held in Munich, West Germany. The Olympic rings and the number 72 were engraved on the top plate, only 1,200 of these were produced with special serial numbers.
From 1972 to 1974 a small number of Leicaflex SL MOT were produced in black, and a few in silver chrome, with 'MOT' engraved on the top plate. These models have an internal drive shaft, which allowed an external motor to be attached for fast film winding. Furthermore, all contacts and controls were mounted externally on its base plate, thus allowing for quick mounting of the motor without the need to remove the base plate. The SL MOT, however lacked the self-timer and the meter switch in the advance lever of the ordinary models.
The Leicaflex SL (including the SL MOT) sold over 70,000 units. Production of this camera ended in 1974.
Leicaflex SL2
The Leicaflex SL2 was introduced in 1974. The new model contained several new features, but also some cost-cutting measures. Improvements included an increase in meter sensitivity (3 stops more than the previous model). The aperture indicator was added to the viewfinder, which could be illuminated by pressing a separate button (with added extra battery compartment). A redesigned mirror in the body allowed the camera to accept new wide-angle lenses (such as the 16 mm and 19 mm focal length).