Greyscale
Veteran
A Leica Mini Zoom ... sure it is a plastic Japanese Leica, but it is probably the only Leica that I will be able to afford in the foreseeable future.
From what I understand, the Mini Zoom was built by Kyocera (although I have seen claims that it is a Hyundai(!?!), or a Minolta), but it does have Leica glass, anyway. And the price was right.
From what I understand, the Mini Zoom was built by Kyocera (although I have seen claims that it is a Hyundai(!?!), or a Minolta), but it does have Leica glass, anyway. And the price was right.
Greyscale
Veteran
That would have been posted in the high-rent district at the top of the forum.I thought I would see a photo of a nice user M3.
And I would still be sleeping ... and dreaming.
kshapero
South Florida Man
What exact model is it? At least let us droll that it is a Leica.
Greyscale
Veteran
Akiva, it is this Leica:
http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-wiki.en/index.php/Mini_Zoom
I am hoping that the pictures it produces are drool-worthy, at least.
http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-wiki.en/index.php/Mini_Zoom
I am hoping that the pictures it produces are drool-worthy, at least.
Greyscale
Veteran
I am wondering if the specs on that Wiki page are correct. 1:1.4 at 35mm seems outrageously fast for a little AF camera.
Greyscale
Veteran
I think it should read 1:4 instead of 1:1.4. Otherwise, we would all be crawling over each other to grab one.
raid
Dad Photographer
Congrats!
What did you pay for this camera?
A good alternative for a "real Leica" is a LUMIX with a Leica lens.
What did you pay for this camera?
A good alternative for a "real Leica" is a LUMIX with a Leica lens.
Greyscale
Veteran
Raid, I paid $28.00 for it including shipping.
sevo
Fokutorendaburando
IIRC it does not, but in all honesty I'd take a Kyocera zoom over any lens Leica could manufacture for an estimated maximum 40€ production cost.
gb hill
Veteran
Enjoy the camera. As they say, it's all about the glass!
Greyscale
Veteran
It has a Leica Vario-Elmar 35-70mm lens.
sevo
Fokutorendaburando
raid
Dad Photographer
Ducky
Well-known
The red dot may be worth $28 to someone with a FSU copy..
SteveM
Established
I've had one since new in the early 90's. It's easy to use, but like all P&S cameras, focus and exposure can be fooled. Regrettably, the zoom motor has packed in and it's not worth repairing, so it's sitting in a drawer unused. At your price though, it's hard to go wrong - enjoy.
Steve
Steve
btgc
Veteran
Well, it's clear this bird flew from gardens of Kyocera, Panasonic or whoever has made this compact camera. Does it really matters? I yet have to see really bad camera from major manufacturer, at least, if speaking about THAT era.
I'm just interested how it will compare to Lexio 70 - lens and ergonomics-wise.
I'm just interested how it will compare to Lexio 70 - lens and ergonomics-wise.
Greyscale
Veteran
I will post side by side results when I put a roll through the Mini Zoom.
I think ergonomically, a better comparison would be with the Yashica T4/5 zoom, not much will beat the Lexio for compactness or design of control interface.
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SteveM(PA)
Poser
I bought one of these new in '94, paid almost $400! It took nice vacation snaps in the Caribbean and England. I loved it very much. Needs a new battery, but I have no doubt it would fire right back up.
raid
Dad Photographer
I have a LUMIX that I bought used for less than $200. It has a 14X optical zoom by Leica.
TheHub
Well-known
http://www.flickr.com/groups/leica_mini-zoom/ <-- the Flickr group for that camera has some nice photos Post some of yours when can. It's always nice to see what a small camera can do
Post some of yours when can. It's always nice to see what a small camera can do