Product Description
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.
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.
