Leica R3 Mot - True Vintage Camera

Welcome to this new site!!!!
I write Vintage Sound and also have a passion for Photography and cameras of the 70's. I will share my collection in future posts. Enjoy the blog!

Here is the beautiful Leica R3 Mot 35mm SLR. The first electronic camera for Leitz. The manufacturing was done in the Portugal facility and of course they were designed in Germany.
This body is so incredibly well built. Every detail screams quality. Released in 1974 it has had no trouble retaining it's durable shape and performance. My particular unit is completely original and was fine tuned recently. I think the shutter is the best I've ever handled. The sound of it firing is like the purr of the Ferrari! Perfection!!! Beautifully smooth and transition like melted butter.
I know they even produced a Safari model (for those outback wildlife journalists) in a green. I don't know nor have I seen it in the Mot model but know it exists in the R3. They are quite rare and in good shape get price tags.

Mot is short for the motor wind option which I have for this body. It, like the casing is handsomely constructed and connection is made to the body via a recessed wind key. Below is the latch release for the battery cartridge.

 This is true Vintage Camera equipment that defined the era of analogue Photography. Although I was too young to own a gem like when it was released I was sure to find one now that I can build onto. Of course there are many vintage camera options for you but lets just say this beauty would be an excellent place to upgrade from the high school standards offered to learn vintage photography. It's likely one that you won't ever trade in. My advice is never let it go if you find a clean one!

Finally I have the Grip as well. With the motor winder functional the grip is essential as she gets quite heavy. Batteries as well!!

Hard to find is the original case and instruction manual for the Leica R3. I found these at a later date than the camera. It kind of completed the entire set.