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Leica S Medium Format Camera

The Leica SL Chrome is a film camera from Leica — known for its Leica R Lens Mount and 35mm SLR Format. Used copies start from $499 on GearFocus, with buyer protection on every purchase.

Leica S Medium Format Camera

Leica S Medium Format Camera

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Camera OverviewLeica SL Chrome

The Leica S Medium Format Camera is a vintage 35mm SLR film camera manufactured during the 1960s, built around the Leica R lens mount. As a manual focus, focal plane shutter-equipped SLR, it represents the precision engineering and craftsmanship that defined Leica's professional camera lineup during that era. Designed for 35mm film, it accepts interchangeable lenses including brand-specific Leica R optics as well as compatible third-party lenses, giving photographers a degree of flexibility when building out a system.

The camera weighs 830g, reflecting the solid, all-metal construction typical of professional-grade SLRs from this period. Flash connectivity is handled through both a hot shoe and a PC sync port, accommodating a range of external flash units and studio strobes. The focal plane shutter is a hallmark of SLR design, allowing full lens interchangeability without light leakage concerns.

With its manual focus operation and purely mechanical approach to photography, this camera appeals to film shooters who value tactile, deliberate shooting experiences. It is well-suited for collectors and working film photographers alike who want to shoot with a historically significant Leica SLR platform.

Key FeaturesLeica SL Chrome

Leica R Lens Mount: Accepts interchangeable Leica R optics as well as compatible third-party lenses, giving photographers flexibility in building a shooting system.

35mm SLR Format: Shoots standard 35mm film, making it straightforward to source film and have rolls developed through widely available labs.

Focal Plane Shutter: Built-in focal plane shutter allows full lens interchangeability without light leakage, a defining characteristic of SLR camera design.

Manual Focus Operation: Purely manual focus system encourages deliberate, precise shooting suited to both film enthusiasts and photographers trained in traditional technique.

Hot Shoe and PC Sync: Hot shoe and PC sync port provide compatibility with a wide range of external flash units and studio strobes.

All-Metal Construction: Solid, professional-grade metal build quality typical of Leica SLRs, with a substantial feel in hand.

Camera SpecificationsLeica SL Chrome

Leica SL Chrome full specifications
SpecDetail
Use CasesPortrait, Landscape, Street, Studio
TypeFilm
Lens MountLeica R
Hot ShoeISO Standard (Universal)

DescriptionLeica SL Chrome

The Leica S Medium Format Camera is a 35mm SLR film camera from the 1960s, built around the Leica R lens mount with manual focus operation and a focal plane shutter. Weighing in at 830g, this camera carries the substantial, purposeful feel of a professional-grade vintage SLR. It accepts interchangeable lenses, including brand-specific Leica R optics and compatible third-party lenses, making it a functional platform for film photographers looking to explore the Leica R system.

Flash users will appreciate the dual connectivity options: a hot shoe and a PC sync port, supporting both portable and studio flash setups. As a product of the 1960–1969 manufacturing era, this camera represents a significant chapter in Leica's SLR history and continues to attract collectors and dedicated film photographers seeking a mechanical, hands-on shooting experience with classic Leica engineering.

ProsLeica SL Chrome

  • Leica R lens mount supports interchangeable lenses including brand-specific and third-party options
  • Dual flash connectivity via both hot shoe and PC sync port for versatile lighting setups
  • Focal plane shutter design enables full lens interchangeability

ConsLeica SL Chrome

  • Manual focus only — no autofocus support for faster-paced shooting
  • Limited to 35mm film format with no medium format capability despite the product title reference
  • As a 1960s vintage camera, sourcing service, repair parts, and CLA work may be challenging

ReviewsLeica SL Chrome

VideosLeica SL Chrome

This £2K Medium Format Leica is a Bargain...With One Major IssueKai W

Resources & DownloadsLeica SL Chrome

Frequently Asked QuestionsLeica SL Chrome

What lens mount does this camera use?+
This camera uses the Leica R lens mount. It is compatible with interchangeable lenses including brand-specific Leica R optics and select third-party lenses.
What film format does this camera shoot?+
This camera is designed for 35mm film. No other film formats are listed in the specifications.
Does this camera support flash?+
Yes. The camera features both a hot shoe and a PC sync port, allowing connection to a range of external flash units and studio strobe systems.
Is this camera autofocus?+
No. This is a manual focus camera. Focusing is performed entirely by the photographer through the lens.
When was this camera manufactured?+
According to the specifications, this camera was manufactured during the 1960s (1960–1969), placing it within the early era of Leica's SLR development.
How heavy is this camera?+
The camera weighs 830g as listed in the specifications, which is typical of the robust, metal-bodied construction of professional 35mm SLRs from this period.

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