The Leica R9 (2002) is the final camera in Leica's R-series SLR line, refining the R8 (1996) with a 1/8000s maximum shutter speed, improved multi-segment metering, and compatibility with the Leica Digital Modul R (DMR) — a removable digital back (10 megapixels, Kodak CCD sensor) that transformed the R9 into a digital SLR. The body retains the R8's distinctive asymmetric design with the sloped top plate, large grip, and understated black finish. All Leica R-mount lenses (with appropriate ROM chip or non-ROM flagging) attach and meter normally. Manual focus is standard; a focus confirmation LED in the viewfinder assists.
Reference
Find film for your Leica R9
Recommended film stocks for the 35mm format your camera takes.
**Electronic dependence** — no mechanical fallback; CR2 batteries required for all operation. Verify battery compartment condition.
**ROM compatibility** — R9 fully supports ROM-chipped lenses; older 1-cam and 2-cam lenses require an adapter collar for full metering compatibility.
**Shutter accuracy at 1/8000s** — the top speed is a key differentiator; test with a shutter tester to confirm it achieves full speed.
**DMR compatibility (if purchased)** — the DMR was fragile and is now rare; a working DMR adds value but is not essential for film use.
**Price tier** — used R9 bodies command significant premiums over R8 and earlier R-series; verify genuine R9 vs. R8 by the 1/8000s specification on the shutter dial.
**Service history** — high-end Leica bodies should be serviced every 10–15 years; ask for CLA documentation.
About this camera
Leica's last SLR — the R9 paired the R8's distinctive industrial design with 1/8000s shutter speed, multi-pattern metering, and a unique Digital Modul R that turned it into a DSLR.
Key Specs
Frequently asked questions
What film does the Leica R9 use?
The Leica R9 shoots 35mm film.
What battery does the Leica R9 take?
The Leica R9 uses a 2x CR2 lithium battery.
What lens mount does the Leica R9 have?
The Leica R9 uses the Leica R (bayonet) mount.
What shutter speeds does the Leica R9 offer?
The Leica R9's shutter speeds range from 16s to 1/8000s.
Leica introduced the R-series in 1964 with the Leicaflex — a late entry into the SLR market that used the existing Leica lens heritage in a new reflex design. The R-mount evolved through the Leicaflex SL (1968), SL2 (1974), R3 (1976, Minolta co-development), R4 (1980), R5 (1987), R6 (1992, fully mechanical), R7 (1992), R8 (1996), and finally the R9 (2002).
The R8 and R9 were developed wholly in-house by Leica without Minolta involvement (unlike the R3–R7), giving them a more distinctly Leica character. The R9 added the 1/8000s speed and re-engineered electronics to support the DMR digital back, which was developed with Imacon/Hasselblad and launched in 2004. The DMR was a genuine hybrid attempt — allowing R9 users to switch between film (the film back) and digital (the DMR) on the same body with the same lenses.
Despite its technical sophistication, the R system never achieved the iconic status of the Leica M rangefinder. Leica formally ended R-system production in 2009 and ceased DMR production shortly after.
Why It Matters
The Leica R9 is significant for several reasons. As the last Leica SLR, it represents the end of a 45-year lineage of German precision SLR manufacture. The R-system lenses — APO-Summicron-R 90/2 ASPH, Summilux-R 80/1.4, Elmarit-R 19/2.8, Summicron-R 35/2 — are among the finest SLR lenses ever made, and they mount and meter on the R9 with full compatibility. The 1/8000s shutter speed and 1/250s flash sync are genuinely superior to most film SLRs.
The DMR option, while now obsolete as a digital capture device, was an innovative engineering solution that prolonged the R9's commercial relevance past the peak of the DSLR transition. Today the R9 is used primarily as a film camera by photographers who own R-mount lenses and want a modern body for them.
Lenses & Accessories
Leica R bayonet (1-cam, 2-cam, 3-cam, ROM variants). All Leica R lenses from Leicaflex era onward mount with appropriate cam configuration. Notable lenses: APO-Summicron-R 180/2 ASPH, APO-Macro-Elmarit-R 100/2.8, Summicron-R 35/2, Summicron-R 90/2, Elmarit-R 28/2.8 ASPH, Summilux-R 50/1.4, Noctilux-R 50/1.0 (extremely rare). Accessories: Digital Modul R (DMR), Motor-Drive R (adds ~3.5 fps), Leica SF58 and SF40 flash for TTL, ROM adapter for older lenses.
Sample Photographers / Notable Use
Peter Karbe, Leica's chief lens designer, documented R-system lens designs shot on R9 bodies for optical testing and publication.
Used by Leica-loyal professionals who required the R-mount lens range for documentary and editorial work.
Thomas Hoepker (Magnum Photos) used Leica equipment including R-system for commissioned work.
Contemporary use: primarily by collectors and dedicated R-mount users who want a modern body for their R lenses.
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