CameraWorth.com

Leitz R8

The Leica R8 is a 35mm single-lens reflex camera introduced in 1996, using the Leica R bayonet mount. It was positioned at the top of Leitz's manual-focus SLR line and is recognisable by its distinctive stepped-prism, heavily contoured body designed by Manfred Meinzer.

At recent UK auction, hammer prices for Leica R8 bodies have ranged from around £140 to £600, with a median close to £330 — wholesale saleroom levels rather than retail dealer asking prices. As of today in 2026 the R8 sells for noticeably less than it did in the early 2000s, when Christie's results above £800 were not unusual, and what a body is worth now depends heavily on cosmetic condition, shutter function and whether a motor drive or DMR digital back is included. Clean, fully working examples continue to pull toward the upper end of that value range while cosmetically tired bodies settle near the lower bound.

Variants

Variant Years Edition Sales Price Range
(digital) 0
explosion 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.

Date Price Source Variant
Mar 2026 £69 Flints Auctions
Oct 2025 £189 Chiswick Auctions
Jul 2025 £139 Chiswick Auctions
Mar 2025 £275 Flints Auctions
Nov 2024 £438 Flints Auctions
Oct 2024 £380 Harper Field Auctions
May 2024 £775 Flints Auctions
May 2024 £600 Flints Auctions
Apr 2024 £250 Special Auction Services
May 2023 £362 Flints Auctions
Apr 2023 £500 Special Auction Services
Jan 2023 £300 Flints Auctions
Nov 2022 £400 Flints Auctions
Apr 2022 £1,875 Flints Auctions
Nov 2020 £298 Flints Auctions
Oct 2019 £312 Flints Auctions
Aug 2019 £280 Harper Field Auctions
Sep 2004 £597 Christie's
Jun 2004 £358 Christie's
Dec 2003 £564 Christie's
Sep 2003 £881 Christie's
Jun 2002 £1,410 Christie's
Oct 2000 £940 Christie's
Jun 2000 £705 Christie's
Jun 2000 £822 Christie's