Leica 500mm f/8 MR-Telyt-R (1980–1996)
A manual-focus reflex mirror lens for the Leica R system, made in Japan with a compact 3-cam design.
Overview
This is a super telephoto prime for the Leica R mount, made from 1980 to 1996. It was sold as the Leica 500mm f/8 MR-Telyt-R. The optics are mirror-based, so it is a lot shorter and lighter than a conventional 500mm lens. It wears a Leica badge, but Minolta built it, as confirmed by Leica Wiki. The 3-cam mechanism lets it communicate aperture with Leica R-series cameras. Only about 3,800 units were made, which makes it rare but still practical for long-reach work on the R system.
Specifications
| Focal length | 500mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/8 |
| Lens type | Reflex Mirror Lens |
| Mount | Leica R |
| Lens construction | 6 elements in 5 groups |
| Weight | 750g |
| Maximum diameter × length | ⌀87×121mm |
| Filter size | 77mm |
| Order no. | 11243 |
| LLC | 197 |
| Country of manufacture | Japan |
| Maximum format | 35mm full frame |
| Total production | < 3,800 lenses |
Design
The lens uses a mirror-based optical system and a manual focus ring. It is compact, with a 3-cam design that couples aperture to Leica R cameras. The whole unit was made in Japan, in line with Leica's collaboration with Minolta at the time.
Market
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