Leica are famous for making high quality cameras, with their range finders proving to be wildly popular over the decades. Many years ago, I owned Leica IIIf and enjoyed it for several years, before eventually selling it. Last year, I decided I wanted to buy a Leica camera again, however my photographic subject has vastly changed from when I was using the Leica IIIf years ago. When I owned the Leica IIIf, I was mainly doing documentary photography, and this camera suited my workflow perfectly at the time. I wasn’t photographing subjects close-up and the small, compact rangefinder suited this workstyle perfectly. I mainly used a Summar 50/2 and a Voigtlander 15/4.5.

After getting back into film photography, I eventually started to crave a Leica camera again. I knew that I didn’t want a rangefinder this time, as this would not suit the genres of photography that I photograph currently. I knew that I wanted an SLR, this decision meant that I had two choices from Leica, the Leicaflex series of cameras or the later Leica R cameras. I eventually found a good deal on the original Leicaflex, commonly known as the Leicaflex Standard. There are two versions of the Leicaflex Standard however, these are largely subtle differences and both versions operate the same. I happen to have the first version. The easiest way to tell which version is by the shape of the frame counter. The first version is a pie/crescent shaped and the later version is a circle. There are a few other differences between the two versions however, this is not something that I will go into detail on in this blog post.

There is plenty of choice regards to lens line-up for the Leicaflex series of cameras. One thing to take note of is the difference between the cams on Leica R lenses. A quick google of the topic will explain the differences and what to look out for. I picked up a Summicron 50/2 for my Leicalfex Standard, mine is the first version which uses series VI filters and this one of three of the original lenses that was released with the Leicaflex, the others being the 28mm and the 135mm.

LEICAFLEX SL MOT + SUMMICRON-R 50/2 + FOMAPAN 200

The Leicaflex SL MOT stands as one of the most fascinating cameras in Leica’s long and storied history, representing a bridge between the company’s legendary rangefinders and its later electronic single lens reflex systems. Introduced during a period of rapid technological change in the photographic world, the SL MOT was Leica’s answer to the growing demand for professional grade SLR cameras that could combine the precision of Leica optics with the flexibility of through the lens viewing and metering. It was a camera built for professionals who demanded reliability, mechanical perfection, and the unmistakable quality that had long been associated with the Leica name.

A Brief History

The story of the Leicaflex SL MOT begins in the late 1960s, a time when the photographic industry was undergoing a major transformation. Rangefinder cameras, which had dominated professional photography for decades, were gradually being replaced by SLRs that allowed photographers to see exactly what the lens saw. Companies like Nikon, Canon, and Pentax were already producing advanced SLR systems that offered interchangeable lenses, through the lens metering, and motorized film advance options. Leica, known primarily for its M series rangefinders, could not ignore this shift.

In 1964, Leica introduced its first SLR, the original Leicaflex. While beautifully made, it lacked through the lens metering, which quickly made it seem outdated compared to its competitors. Leica responded in 1968 with the Leicaflex SL, where SL stood for Selective Light. This new model featured a sophisticated TTL metering system that measured light reflected off a specially patterned area on the reflex mirror. It was a major step forward, allowing photographers to achieve accurate exposures without relying on external meters.

The Leicaflex SL MOT followed soon after. The MOT designation indicated that the camera was factory prepared for use with a motor drive unit, enabling automatic film advance. This feature was aimed squarely at professional photographers who needed to shoot rapidly, such as sports or news photographers. The motor drive could advance film at up to three frames per second, a remarkable speed for its time. The SL MOT was not a separate model in terms of design or function but rather a variant of the SL that included the necessary mechanical and electrical connections for motorized operation.

Production of the Leicaflex SL MOT was relatively limited. Leica was already planning the next generation of SLRs, which would culminate in the Leicaflex SL2 and later the R series cameras. As a result, the SL MOT remains a rare and collectible piece of Leica history, prized by enthusiasts for its mechanical purity and its place in the evolution of Leica’s SLR lineage.

Design and Build Quality

The Leicaflex SL MOT is a masterpiece of mechanical engineering. Every aspect of its design reflects Leica’s commitment to precision and durability. The body is constructed entirely of metal, giving it a reassuring weight and solidity that immediately conveys quality. The controls are machined with meticulous care, and each movement, whether advancing the film, adjusting the shutter speed, or pressing the shutter release, feels deliberate and refined.

The camera’s design is minimalist yet functional. The top plate is clean and uncluttered, with only the essential controls visible. The shutter speed dial sits prominently on the right hand side, offering speeds from one second to 1/2000 of a second, along with a bulb setting for long exposures. The film advance lever operates with a smooth, precise motion, and the shutter release button has a crisp, responsive feel that makes shooting a tactile pleasure.

One of the most impressive features of the Leicaflex SL MOT is its viewfinder. It provides a large, bright image that covers nearly the entire frame, making composition intuitive and accurate. The focusing screen includes a central microprism area that aids in achieving sharp focus, even in low light. The viewfinder’s brightness and clarity were among the best of its era, rivaling or surpassing those of contemporary cameras from Nikon or Canon.

The TTL metering system was another highlight. Using a CdS cell, the camera measured light reflected off the reflex mirror, allowing for precise exposure readings. The meter was coupled to both the shutter speed and aperture controls, enabling photographers to see exposure changes directly in the viewfinder. This system was advanced for its time and contributed to the SL’s reputation for accuracy and reliability.

The MOT Advantage

The defining feature of the SL MOT was its compatibility with Leica’s motor drive system. The motor drive was a separate accessory that attached to the base of the camera, connecting through a series of mechanical and electrical couplings. Once attached, it allowed for automatic film advance at speeds of up to three frames per second. This capability transformed the SL MOT into a true professional tool, ideal for situations where rapid shooting was essential.

The motor drive itself was a substantial piece of equipment, powered by an external battery pack. It added considerable bulk and weight to the camera, but for professionals, the trade off was worth it. The ability to shoot multiple frames in quick succession was invaluable for sports, wildlife, and reportage photography. The SL MOT’s motorized system was also remarkably reliable, reflecting Leica’s engineering excellence.

While the motor drive was an impressive technological achievement, it also highlighted the limitations of the era, It’s huge and no doubt, no one would want to lug around this camera with the motordrive attatched in the modern age. The system was not as compact or integrated as later designs, and the external power source could be cumbersome. Nevertheless, it represented a significant step forward and demonstrated Leica’s willingness to innovate while maintaining its traditional standards of craftsmanship.

Common Issues: Prism Desilvering and Brown Spots

Despite its robust construction, the Leicaflex SL MOT is not immune to the effects of time. One of the most common issues affecting surviving examples is prism desilvering. The viewfinder prism, which directs the image from the lens to the photographer’s eye, relies on a reflective coating to maintain brightness and clarity. Over the decades, this coating can deteriorate, leading to dark or brown spots in the viewfinder.

Desilvering occurs when the reflective layer inside the prism begins to separate or oxidize, often due to moisture or chemical reactions within the prism assembly. The result is a patchy or discolored viewfinder image that can be distracting when composing photographs. In mild cases, the effect is mostly cosmetic, but in severe instances, it can significantly impair usability.

Repairing or replacing a desilvered prism is challenging. Replacement parts are scarce, and the process of re silvering a prism requires specialized equipment and expertise. Some technicians have developed methods to restore these prisms, but the cost can be high, and results vary. Many collectors and users simply accept minor desilvering as part of the camera’s character, viewing it as a sign of age rather than a defect.

Another related issue is the appearance of brown spots or discoloration in the viewfinder. These spots are often caused by the same degradation process that leads to desilvering. They can also result from fungal growth or contamination within the prism housing. Preventing further damage typically involves storing the camera in a dry, stable environment and avoiding exposure to humidity.

Shooting Experience

Using the Leicaflex SL MOT today is a deeply satisfying experience for anyone who appreciates mechanical precision and manual control. The camera operates entirely mechanically, with the exception of the light meter, which requires a 1.35v PX625. This means that even decades after its production, the SL MOT can function perfectly without reliance on electronics. The shutter mechanism, a beautifully engineered focal plane design, produces a crisp, authoritative sound that conveys confidence with every shot.

The film advance lever moves with a smooth, deliberate action, and the shutter release has just the right amount of resistance. The overall feel of the camera encourages a slower, more thoughtful approach to photography. Each frame requires intention, and the process of setting exposure, focusing, and composing becomes an engaging ritual.

The metering system, while simple by modern standards, remains remarkably accurate when properly calibrated. The selective light metering pattern measures a central portion of the frame, allowing for precise control over exposure. Photographers who understand the system can achieve excellent results, even in challenging lighting conditions. The meter needle in the viewfinder provides immediate feedback, making it easy to adjust settings on the fly.

When paired with Leica’s R mount lenses, the SL MOT truly shines. These lenses are renowned for their optical quality, delivering exceptional sharpness, contrast, and color rendition. The combination of a Leicaflex body and a Leica lens produces images with a distinctive clarity and depth that remain impressive even by modern standards. The manual focusing experience is also superb, thanks to the bright viewfinder and precise focusing aids.

Shooting with the SL MOT is not about speed or convenience. It is about connection, connection to the subject, to the process, and to the craft of photography itself. The camera demands engagement and rewards patience. Each frame feels deliberate, and the resulting images carry a sense of authenticity that is often missing in the digital age.

Legacy and Collectibility

The Leicaflex SL MOT occupies a special place in Leica’s history. It represents the culmination of the company’s efforts to create a fully mechanical SLR system before the transition to more electronically controlled designs. The SL MOT embodies the values that have always defined Leica: precision engineering, durability, and an unwavering commitment to quality.

Although it was eventually overshadowed by the Leicaflex SL2 and the later R series cameras, the SL MOT remains highly regarded among collectors and enthusiasts. Its rarity adds to its appeal, as relatively few units were produced compared to standard SL models. Well preserved examples, especially those with functioning meters and clean prisms, are sought after by those who appreciate the craftsmanship of vintage Leica equipment.

The camera’s design also influenced later Leica SLRs. Many of the ergonomic and mechanical principles established in the Leicaflex series carried over into the R3, R4, and beyond. Even as Leica embraced electronic automation, the spirit of the SL MOT, its mechanical purity and tactile precision, continued to inform the company’s approach to camera design.

For collectors, the SL MOT represents more than just a piece of photographic equipment. It is a symbol of an era when cameras were built to last a lifetime, when every component was designed with care, and when photography was as much about the experience as the result. Holding a Leicaflex SL MOT is like holding a piece of history, a reminder of a time when craftsmanship and engineering excellence defined the art of camera making.

Conclusion

The Leicaflex SL MOT is a testament to Leica’s dedication to mechanical perfection and innovation. It stands as a bridge between the company’s classic rangefinders and its later electronic SLRs, embodying the best qualities of both worlds. Its solid construction, precise controls, and exceptional optical performance make it a joy to use, even decades after its introduction.

While the camera is not without its flaws, most notably the common issue of prism desilvering, it remains a remarkable example of what can be achieved through meticulous engineering and design. The SL MOT’s combination of mechanical reliability, optical excellence, and historical significance ensures its place among the great cameras of the twentieth century.

For those who appreciate the tactile pleasure of manual photography, the Leicaflex SL MOT offers an experience that few modern cameras can match. It invites photographers to slow down, to engage with their craft, and to rediscover the joy of creating images through skill and intention. In an age dominated by automation and digital convenience, the SL MOT stands as a reminder of the enduring beauty of mechanical precision and the timeless appeal of Leica craftsmanship.

After a month or two of shooting with the Leicaflex Standard, I came across an Ebay listing for a Leicalfex SL MOT for a really good price, so I bought it and added it to the collection. The Leicalfex SL added TTL metering. with the MOT version being compatible with a motor drive. The viewfinder on this particular camera has quite a lot of de-silvering, this is an issue that effects all of the Leicaflex series however, there are clean samples out there. Aside from my SL MOT having quite extensive de-silvering, it still works perfectly. The TTL meter is really nice, with a large circle in the viewfinder outlining where the meter is taking the reading from.

Leicaflex SL MOT - The Perfect Minimalist Camera