Leitz R4 MOT
The Leitz R4 MOT is a 35mm single-lens reflex camera from Leica's R-series manual-focus SLR line, introduced in 1980. The MOT designation identifies the body as configured for motor-drive use, and the model was offered in several forms including a standard electronic version and chrome variants. When new it sat in Leitz's professional SLR range alongside interchangeable R-mount lenses.
At recent UK auction, hammer prices for the R4 MOT have ranged from around £69 to £200, with a notable older Christie's result of £446 from 2001 skewing the long-term range upward. The effective median sells for roughly £150 at saleroom level today, and condition is the dominant factor — cosmetically clean, fully functioning bodies command the upper end of that range while non-working or cosmetically tired examples drop well below £100. As of 2026 the R4 MOT remains a relatively affordable entry point into the Leica R system, and the price a buyer should expect to pay reflects that wholesale auction context rather than retail dealer asking figures.
Variants
Select a variant to filter the sales history below.
| Variant | Years | Edition | Sales | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (w/motor) | — | — | 0 | — |
| electronic | — | — | 1 | £446 – £446 |
| electronic (chrome, pre-series) | — | — | 0 | — |
| electronic (chrome) | — | — | 0 | — |
Sales History
Prices shown are UK auction hammer results — the wholesale level achieved in the saleroom. Neither buyer’s nor seller’s commission is included. Dealer and retail asking prices are typically higher.
Prices updated: June 2025
| Date | Price | Source | Variant | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 2025 | £50 | Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Instruments (Lot 11) Title: A Leica R4 MOT Electronic SLR Camera Body
Description:
black, serial number 1539999, body F-G, shutter works with short lag, meter LEDs respond. |
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| Nov 2023 | EUR 500 | Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 43 (Lot AI_20220621_1414_41631) Title: Leica R4 MOT ELECTRONIC chrome
Description:
Very early and rare chrome body (the first produced camera had the serial number 1533351) with 'MOT ELECTRONIC' engravings, large Leitz red logo, serial number on the bottom plate and lack of black plastic protection under the strap lugs, in mint condition, with body cap and bottom plate protection. Estimate: EUR 1,000 - EUR 1,200 |
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| Apr 2023 | £69 | Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: The Collectors Sale (Lot 44) Title: A Leica R4 MOT SLR Camera Body
Description:
black, serial no. 1541364, body, VG, shutter working in 1/100th mode, in maker's box, compelte with case IR677908 |
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| Mar 2023 | £106 | Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: The Collectors Sale (Lot 23) Title: A Leica R4 MOT Electronic SLR Camera
Description:
black, serial no. 1542441, with Leitz Vario-Elmar-R f/3.5-4.5 28-70mm lens, body, F, shutter not working in 1/100th manual mode, lens, F, internal |
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| Jan 2023 | £62 | Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: The Collectors Sale (Lot 73) Title: A Leica R4 MOT 35mm SLR Camera Body
Description:
body, G, with Motor Winder R4, when loaded with batteries LED lights appear to work normally but shutter erratic both with and without winder, AF (Qty: 1) |
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| Nov 2022 | EUR 200 | Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 41 (Lot AI_41_40575) Title: Leica R4 MOT ELECTRONIC black Advertising Display
Description:
uncommon German printed plexiglass advertising display (26 x 17 x 14cm), with early black Leica R4 no.1539455 (cond.B/A) still with "Mot Electronic" engravings (body cap and presentation box) Estimate: EUR 400 - EUR 500 |
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| Nov 2022 | EUR 800 | Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 41 (Lot AI_41_40875) Title: Leica R4 MOT ELECTRONIC chrome
Description:
Very early and rare chrome body (the first produced camera had the serial number 1533351) with 'MOT ELECTRONIC' engravings, large Leitz red logo, serial number on the bottom plate and lack of black plastic protection under the strap lugs, in mint condition, with body cap and bottom plate protection Estimate: EUR 1,600 - EUR 1,800 |
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| Jun 2020 | EUR 1,300 | Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 36 (Lot AI_36_38059) Title: Leica R4 MOT ELECTRONIC chrome Preseries
Description:
in 1980 the Leica R4 was presented at the Photokina in Cologne, the first produced camera had the serial number 1533351, very few R4 cameras have been finished in chrome for this occasion. It was 2 years before the chrome R4 came on the market with different engraving style. This is the second camera we have seen in 20 years, it is in mint condition, with presentation case Estimate: EUR 2,000 - EUR 2,400 |
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| Jun 2019 | EUR 1,200 | Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 34 (Lot AI_34_37082) Title: Leica R4 MOT ELECTRONIC chrome Preseries
Description:
in 1980 the Leica R4 was presented at Photokina in Cologne, the first produced camera had the serial number 1533351, very few R4 cameras have been finished in chrome for this occasion. It was 2 years before the chrome R4 came on the market with different engraving style. This is the second camera we have seen in 20 years, it is in mint condition, with presentation case Estimate: EUR 2,400 - EUR 2,600 |
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| Mar 2018 | EUR 1,600 | Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 32 (Lot AI_32_36082) Title: Leica R4 MOT ELECTRONIC chrome Preseries
Description:
in 1980 the Leica R4 was presented at Photokina in Cologne, the first produced camera had the serial number 1533351, a very few R4 cameras were produced in chrome for this occasion. It was l years before the chrome R4 came on the market - with different engraving style. This is the second camera we have seen in 20 years, it is in mint condition, with presentation case Estimate: EUR 3,000 - EUR 3,500 |
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| Mar 2007 | £312 | Christie's | — | |
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Auction: Cameras, Photographs and Optical Toys (Lot 197) Title: Leica R4 MOT cut-away no. 1533846
Description:
Leica R4 MOT cut-away no. 1533846 Estimate: £250 - £350 |
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| Nov 2005 | EUR 1,200 | Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 8 (Lot AI_8_26127) Title: R4 MOT ELECTRONIC Chrome
Description:
1980 the R4 was presented at Photokina in Cologne, the first camera had the serial number 1533351, a very few of these cameras were produced in chrome for the occasion. It was not until years afterwards that the chrome R4 came on the market. Such a camera has never been offered before and is in perfect, mint condition, includes Leica report 3/1980 where the camera is presented to the press and dealers. Estimate: EUR 2,400 - EUR 3,000 |
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| Sep 2003 | £176 | Christie's | — | |
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Auction: CAMERAS & PHOTO EQUIP, INCLUDING A EUROPEAN LEICA COLLECTION (Lot 241) Title: Leica R4 MOT no. 1542528
Description:
Leica R4 MOT no. 1542528 Estimate: £200 - £400 |
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| Jan 2001 | £446 | Christie's | electronic | |
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Auction: CAMERAS AND PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT (Lot 112) Title: Leica R4 MOT Electronic no. 1535372
Description:
Leica R4 MOT Electronic no. 1535372 Estimate: £250 - £350 |
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| Jun 1999 | £402 | Christie's | — | |
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Auction: Leica Cameras (Lot 307) Title: Leica R4MOT no. 1538167
Description:
Leica R4MOT no. 1538167 Estimate: £250 - £300 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Leitz R4 MOT worth today?
Recent UK auction hammer results place the value of a Leitz R4 MOT between about £69 and £200 for typical examples, with a median price near £150 depending on cosmetic and functional condition.
How much does a Leitz R4 MOT sell for at auction?
Most R4 MOT bodies sell for between £70 and £200 at UK auction, though a clean, fully working example with original finish can reach the upper end of that range.
Is the Leitz R4 MOT a good buy at current prices?
For a working 35mm SLR that accepts Leica R-mount lenses, the current price level offers reasonable value, but buyers should budget for potential servicing given the age and electronic complexity of the body.
Why do some R4 MOT cameras sell for much more than others?
Price differences reflect variant (standard electronic, chrome, or pre-series chrome), cosmetic condition, and whether the electronics, shutter, and meter are confirmed fully working at the time of sale.