Minilux, how many of you have had problems???

[micromoogman]

I'm just about to buy a used Minilux. But all reports of error messages, faulty shutters etc. is holding me back.
Could we make a simple research here how many of you that have one, or know a Minilux that is non operating, and how many of you that have a fully working unit. Time owned, problem free period etc. Give me your data please! Thanks!

 

[__hh]

The first one I bought "mint" from fleaBay turned out to have the dreaded E02 fault..... I did manage to get my money back.

The second one bought as new old stock from an RFF member here has been nothing but good news and a pleasure to use. Whilst too early to say and keeping my fingers crossed, this little gem is a keeper for me.

 

[ClaremontPhoto]

After ten years daily use my Minilux had an E02 error which was fixed same day at a very reasonable price indeed.

It's a great camera, probably my favorite of all time.

Go ahead - you won't regret it. Some people like to whinge; I prefer to make photos.

 

[1alfred]

I`ve got a Minilux Leica M3, and have not had any real trouble with it. It`s kind of crappy, though - like a digital Holga. Weird colors sometimes, and it seems like the shutter is a little slow - if you move the camera during the exposure, the picture won`t get blurred in a normal way, its more like the whole picture is being "dragged". Straight lines becomes curvy (sort of). I wouldn`t recommend it as a serious tool, but as a toy.

 

[micromoogman]

A toy, indeed? Are we talking about the same camera? A digital Holga would be fun though 🙂

 

[ClaremontPhoto]

I`ve got a Minilux Leica M3, and have not had any real trouble with it. It`s kind of crappy, though - like a digital Holga.

I put 35mm film in my Minilux.

Are we talking about the same camera?

 

[__hh]

I`ve got a Minilux Leica M3, and have not had any real trouble with it. It`s kind of crappy, though - like a digital Holga. Weird colors sometimes, and it seems like the shutter is a little slow - if you move the camera during the exposure, the picture won`t get blurred in a normal way, its more like the whole picture is being "dragged". Straight lines becomes curvy (sort of). I wouldn`t recommend it as a serious tool, but as a toy.

I think you may be referring to the Minox M3 digital replica?

 

[1alfred]

Blush, - ahem, blush, hunghang, you`re right, I`m way down on a "Gran Coronas" here, it`s a beautiful red wine.... You know the rest....

 

[1alfred]

oh, and to you, mocromooogman - I`m sorry for the mixup.

 

[micromoogman]

heh, it's cool man. now, drink more of that wine 😉

 

[1alfred]

If you insist:angel:

 

[takeda72]

I used mine for two years (the previous owner bought it in 2001, I guess). I really, really loved the camera... until the error E02.

 

[MRohlfing]

Mine got the E02 disease short time after I had bought it. I had it fixed (cost quite a lot) and it works since then, but I do not use it very often. I don't like the sounds the camera makes and I don't like the very small viewfinder. Has a very good lens, though, and the pictures come out well.

 

[Rayt]

I have four of them right now all bought used. As you can tell I really like the Minilux. The 40mm Summarit has the color and tonality of any other Leica lens. Three of them developed the E02 the very first few rolls. Talk about bad luck. The four one I bought a few months ago (got it because it came with the hard to find original everready case) and so far so good. You can buy lens hoods for the Minilux from SK Grimes. Leica will fix the E02 for $90 or there abouts and they are good for at least 2 years after that. I think if you can find one at around $250 used then even with the E02 which will happen eventually then it is still worth it.

 

[Ducky]

I just got one from a fellow RFF member and it appears to be fine. Everything moans and groans as it should being an AF auto advance ps and the display is sharp and readable. I'm hoping that, after years of use it is a good one. If not I'm sure there's a DIY repair post someplace on the web.
I'll run film this weekend.

 

[hamradio]

Great info in this thread. Minilux's have always intrigued me...they are the only way I could ever afford anything with a leica logo. 😀 They look like a great camera to keep in one's pocket and bring everywhere.

 

[Michiel Fokkema]

Hi,

I had two and both got the E02 error. One was repaired and is oke until now. With the other I didn't bother because for the price of the repair I bought a minilux zoom.
The last minilux I gave to Kully who had it repaired.
I now use a CM which IMHO is a much better camera then the minilux anyhow.
But this CM had the battery sign problem. I took three times back and forth to Solms to get it okay. But they paid for it and now it is perfect.
I'd never buy another minilux unless I know it was repaired already.

Cheers,

Michiel Fokkema

 

[micromoogman]

Ok, the one I have in mind is litterary new, 20 rolls have been shot, box and papers comes with it, looks mint. He wants $235 for it. From what I understand the fatal E02 error could come up anytime, not just from wear. Maybe I'll look for a Contax T2 or a Rollei AFM35 instead...or just try it out, whatever!
One thing that I think is a real bug with Minilux, beside that E02 matter, is that you have no manual Iso setting... Tri-X @ 800 or 1600 is standard for me. How do you fellows cope with that?

 

[__hh]

I'd say... GO FOR IT... $235 is relatively low risk to own a classic P&S...

if it turns out that the minilux is not for you, I am sure that you can sell it off and even make some money on this camera..... you have not got a lot to loose....

You could always underexpose it by 1 or 2 stops (that's possible with the minilux)... not sure about ASA overide (but could be possible... I should check the manual and will let you know)

 

[ClaremontPhoto]

From what I understand the fatal E02 error could come up anytime...

It's not fatal, it's not even expensive to fix. After ten years I had that error and it cost only about €130.

The asking price for the camera you're looking at is very good.

As the camera has DX ISO film speed sensing you'd need to use exposure compensation. It's a sticky setting, unlike the flash modes which are not-sticky.