Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2000/03/25
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]On 23-03-2000 19:07 Francesco Caciolli wrote: >I'm new on this list; just a question about a used minilux: someone can tell >me something on this 'little' camera? I mean general functioning, bz bz >motor, battery, lens sharpness .. > >Any suggestion? There are a few resources on the net that you can try: Photography with a compact has a very extensive Minilux section: http://members.aol.com/waponi/photos/phd.htm Pascal has already mentioned his excellent site: http://members.xoom.com/cyberplace/ Do a search on Deja.com--I have written several long postings in the past on my experiences with the Minilux. Also, please check out my web site (address below)--I've got a few pictures posted that I've taken with the camera as well as a little bit of a write-up. I looked at the Contax T2 when I bought the Minilux. Initially, I couldn't decide, wondered around the store, and ended up buying a Contax G2! Went back a couple months later and looked at them both again. It was hard to choose one over the other, but I basically opted for the Minilux for two reasons: 1) slightly faster lens (2.4 vs 2.8) and 2) single major control dial (two layers) on the Minilux vs two controls on the T2 (aperture on the lens and another control on the top for everything else). I thought the single control would be easier and faster to use. I love the Minilux--it's never really let me down. The lens quality seems to equal that of the 50mm Summicron on my M6 Classic or the 45mm Planar on the G2. There's the tinest of pauses between pressing the shutter and hearing it release; not quite as fast as the M6 or G2, but okay if you know it's going to happen and plan for it. The built in flash is pretty strong and the functionality of the "auto" behind the flash is pretty good; when there's enough light, the flash doesn't go off. I have a digital camera (cheapo Kodak) where the flash always flashes when the camera is set to "auto flash;" regardless of the amount of light. The flash on the Minilux only goes off when it needs to. One complaint I have on the Minilux is that it takes 6 presses of a button to turn the flash off and the camera doesn't remember the flash mode when you turn it off and back on (but it does remember the exposure control! go figure...). The Minilux is a bit boxy in construction; there are definitely slimmer cameras, even in 35mm (the Olympus Epic Sylus comes to mind). But it is sturdy--I wouldn't have any hesitation about just putting it in a pocket (a big pocket) and carrying it everywhere. When I bought mine, the dealer had given the book to someone else (I live in Las Vegas--some tourist lost her book...); he eventually replaced the book, but I really didn't need it--the camera is simple enough to use you don't need any instructions. The shutter only goes to 1/400th--If you load 400 speed film and then try to shoot outdoors in sunlight, it'll balk a bit. It works great with B&W and slides as well as color print film; the color balance on the lens and meter seem to be good. On my web site, the photo of the Effiel Tower replica at the Paris Hotel was taken with the Minilux, as were several other shots. Good luck with your new camera! Les Bonser Technical Writer and Amatuer Photographer Las Vegas, Nevada http://home.att.net/~lbonser (home of the PhotoDog!)