Leica R-mount is back from the dead thanks to new lenses from Meyer Optik Gorlitz

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Leica R-Mount is reborn from the ashes of 2009 thanks to another German lens manufacturer Meyer Optik Gorlitz

Meyer Optik Gorlitz lens range against a white backdrop
(Image credit: Meyer Optik Gorlitz)

Today is a day I never thought I would see, the Leica R-Mount which saw the rise of such amazing cameras from the German luxury brand such as the Leica R4 and the amazing Leica R8 and R9 is now back. Discontinued in 2009, the mount has arisen from the ashes like the phoenix thanks to another German lens manufacturer. Meyer Optik Gorlitz has announced that all of its previously released lenses, except for the Biotar 75 II, are now available with a native R-mount…I honestly can't believe I am hearing that right!

Meyer Optik Görlitz Biotar 58 f/1.5 II against a white backdrop

Meyer Optik Görlitz Biotar 58 f/1.5 II  (Image credit: Meyer Optik Görlitz)

This update caters to the demands of photography enthusiasts using Leica's R-mount system, which, despite being discontinued 15 years ago, continues to enjoy significant popularity and support within the second-hand market - I know as one is currently in my basket on a well-known second-hand website!

Marco Pfeiffer, Managing Director of Meyer Optik Görlitz has this to say about the announcement:

“We have repeatedly received inquiries from people interested in Meyer Optik who requested R-versions of our lenses. This camera system, which is appreciated by many, has a limited range of compatible lenses. Additionally, the design of R-mount cameras often prevents adapting lenses from other systems, such as M42 or C-EF, due to their differing flange focal distances. To address this, we decided to release native R-mount versions of our lenses. We hope this serves as an early Christmas present for R-system users.”

Meyer Optik Görlitz has become known for its commitment to versatility, offering its lenses in up to 12 different mounts. This extensive compatibility ensures photographers across a wide range of systems can enjoy the brand’s renowned optical quality. Unlike many competitors, Meyer Optik Görlitz emphasizes convenience by producing native versions tailored for each mount, eliminating the need for adapters and ensuring optimal performance

Meyer-Optik Gorlitz Trioplan 35mm f/2.8 II shot on a white background

(Image credit: Meyer-Optik Gorlitz)

The newly updated R-mount lenses, alongside the rest of Meyer Optik Görlitz’s lineup, can be purchased directly from their website or through select specialty photography retailers, such as B&H.

Orders will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis, though the company warns of potential delivery delays during the holiday season.

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Sebastian Oakley
Sebastian Oakley
Ecommerce Editor

For nearly two decades Sebastian's work has been published internationally. Originally specializing in Equestrianism, his visuals have been used by the leading names in the equestrian industry such as The Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), The Jockey Club, Horse & Hound, and many more for various advertising campaigns, books, and pre/post-event highlights.

He is a Fellow of The Royal Society of Arts, holds a Foundation Degree in Equitation Science, and is a Master of Arts in Publishing.  He is a member of Nikon NPS and has been a Nikon user since the film days using a Nikon F5 and saw the digital transition with Nikon's D series cameras and is still to this day the youngest member to be elected into BEWA, The British Equestrian Writers' Association. 

He is familiar with and shows great interest in street, medium, and large format photography with products by Leica, Phase One, Hasselblad, Alpa, and Sinar. Sebastian has also used many cinema cameras from the likes of Sony, RED, ARRI, and everything in between. He now spends his spare time using his trusted Leica M-E or Leica M2 shooting Street photography or general life as he sees it, usually in Black and White.