Minox GT or ML?

[SimonK]

So, I'm thinking I'd like to try a Minox. Perfectly happy with my XA and XA 2, but you know - the grass is always greener and all that. So, in terms of spec and ebay prices it seems down to a GT or ML. Does anyone have any advice one way or the other on which to go for? Thanks.

 

[sleepyhead]

Used to have an ML - loved it except that it cannot do exposures longer than around 1/15th in dim light with fast film (ASA 1600) - the longest possible shutter speed is dependent on the ASA set for some reason, so sold it. The lens is WAY sharper than the XA's with a a bit more contrast, and about as sharp as the XA2's, but without the vignetting that you get wide open with the XA2.

If I remember correctly, the ML takes a more common battery and has AE lock by pushing the shutter button down half way, which the GT lacks. All these Minoxs are very prone to shutter magnet failure, so be prepared to waste some money on bad ones. I have owned 4 such cameras in the past 30 years - finally got sick of their un-reliability.

I now use the XA2 and two Contax Ts.

 

[user237428934]

So, I'm thinking I'd like to try a Minox. Perfectly happy with my XA and XA 2, but you know - the grass is always greener and all that. So, in terms of spec and ebay prices it seems down to a GT or ML. Does anyone have any advice one way or the other on which to go for? Thanks.

One disadvantage of the minox is, that you have to guess the distance. The sharpness scale (don't know the correct english name for that) on the lens works pretty well but at close distance with aperture 2.8 it's just guessing.

If you want to buy a new toy, go on. But I doubt, a Minox is much better than an Olymus.

(Had a XA2 and Minox GTE many years ago).

 

[user237428934]

Used to have an ML - loved it except that it cannot do exposures longer than around 1/15th in dim light with fast film (ASA 1600) - the longest possible shutter speed is dependent on the ASA set for some reason, so sold it. The lens is WAY sharper than the XA's with a a bit more contrast, and about as sharp as the XA2's, but without the vignetting that you get wide open with the XA2.

If I remember correctly, the ML takes a more common battery and has AE lock by pushing the shutter button down half way, which the GT lacks. All these Minoxs are very prone to shutter magnet failure, so be prepared to waste some money on bad ones. I have owned 4 such cameras in the past 30 years - finally got sick of their un-reliability.

I now use the XA2 and two Contax Ts.

ML has AE lock? That may be a reason to hava a minox.

 

[sleepyhead]

Yes, it has AE lock.

The ML also has Program mode in which it will set both shutter and aperture. God I wish these cameras were more reliable!!!:bang:


Here's some pics from my (now sold) ML:

 

[ChrisPlatt]

I've had both models; I prefer the 35ML. It has a combination
of excellent features not found on other models, including:

-Program and aperture-preferred AE
-LED shutter speed indication in viewfinder
-Uses readily available PX28 battery (available even at Walmart!)
-Exposure memory lock
-Autoexposure to 4 seconds (documented)
-Accepts standard threaded cable release

Chris

 

[ZeissFan]

Whenever purchasing nearly any used Minox, ensure that the shutter fires accurately across its range.

From what I've read and from my own experience (five models), the shutters are prone to being problematic. Nice little cameras, but make sure the shutter works before you hand over your cash.

The GT is a newer model, so you should have a better chance to get one that is still working correctly.

If you can find it, the Balda CE 35 is a nice little camera with a very decent lens and what appears to be a more reliable shutter.

 

[SimonK]

Thanks for your responses. And what about the Voigtländer Vito as an alternative?

 

[ZeissFan]

If you mean the black plastic Voigtlander Vito from the 1970s, it's the same camera as the Balda CE35. It's a Tessar-type lens and suitably sharp.

If you mean the prewar and postwar folding camera, then that's a different discussion. The folding Vitos are excellent cameras.

 

[raid]

I have been using a GT for about 15 years without any problems. The lens is sharp, and the meter is accurate enough for slow slide film, which means that it is very accurate. The camera slips into my pocket quite easily, and it is feather light.
I have never used an ML, but I know that it costs more than a GT.
I use the +2 adjustment quite often on the GT to compensate for backlighting.

 

[btgc]

I'm not against Minox, but hey - just look at Yashica Electro MC. Well, it has 40mm lens instead of 35mm, also uses readily available 6V 4SR44 battery (can use PX28 or 4 stacked SR44).
Electrical shutter isn't heard to be weak point, and camera offers nice package of scale focused good contrasty f2.8-16 (4/3) lens, allowing Av exposures up to 4sec. All this beauty costs almost nothing.

Heck, I even got second one, silver finish in addition to my black user 🙂

Sure, MC doesn't have that distinctive ferry-ramp style lens cover...otherwise it's very capable scale-focus camera.

 

[rovnguy]

The little Minox is cute and fun to use, but it is just not reliable like my XA and XA-4. I do enjoy the Minox B I have, but it is an entirely different creature. If you find that you like the Minox GT/ML type camera, lay down some extra cash and get a Rollei 35.

 

[btgc]

The Minox 35 cameras are significantly smaller than any Yashica 35, and perhaps half the weight.
IMO these are crucial factors if the camera is to reside in your chest pocket.

K. Nakamura writes "[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The Minox 35 GL is the smallest production 35mm camera ever made."[/FONT]
I've just checked dimensions of GL against MC (it's much smaller than G-series) and without lens they are exactly same size. I carry MC in coat/jacket pocket.

Regarding weight - for me, lighter isn't better. That way I prefer metal bodied MC over more shake-prone XA-series. YMMV.

No, I'm not pushing MC as ideal camera, but it's really worth considering.

 

[btgc]

Since its lens does not fold like a Minox 35 nor is it removable,
by no meaningful measure is your Yashica nearly as compact

But..to use, Minox gate should be opened - and then dimensions again are same. If one just carries Minox not using it - it's clear win over MC 🙂

OK, you convinced me....MC with it's short lens barrel without DOF scale isn't very compact, it takes regular screw-in filters and lens hood (making it even more bulkier), it's heavier - so let's don't make cult camera from it.

 

[motrhead]

I would recommend the GT. They seem to be reliable. Mine proved to be more reliable than my deceased XA, plus the Minox lens is better (no dark corners like the XA!). Earlier Minox shutters can eventually quit, but so do XA circuit boards. The GT has the 2x exposure compensation switch and self timer, shutter speed indicator in the finder, and takes a standard threaded remote cable release. You can get a 30 second exposure with ISO 25 film, and I know mine does more than 4 second exposures with 100 ISO.
I find it way easier to use than a Rollei 35, and the Minox is more "pocketable" than the Rollei.

 

[Gadge]

You may find this info useful....lifted from an old Photo.net thread by Gerald McMullon

"When the MDC was released Minox incorporated all the sophisticated improvements of the latest ML. The ML was given a new shutter "making it more reliable than ever". 14010e IX/92 covering at least serial numbers 7171451-7178701. {7250 out of 178700 cameras} "

I have one in the above serial # range and it has been reliable to date.
The features of this model are great with good optics, AE lock, Program and AV modes, back light compensation, self timer, some good flash models plus great size and weight means I often choose it over other possibilities in the Gadge stable 🙂

 

[Gadge]

http://www.submin.com/35mm/collection/minox/index.htm

 

[amhildreth]

try a Ricoh FF-1 instead. Same basic camera, but the build quality feels better with a few more metal parts.

 

[csouvannarath]

I have a Minox MB(just like ML without Program mode) that uses a newer easier to find batery, and a Ricoh FF1 with a sharp lens. I like them both, they take great pictures I usually shoot slides with them. The Minox MB is Aperture priority, the Ricoh is Program only(if you set the aperture other than A you only get shutter speed of 1/60) since I prefer Aperture priority I like the Minox better. I have my Minox with me most of time everywhere I go, scale focus is not too hard to deal with with wide angle lens it makes to think harder.

 

[raid]

I find the lens in the GT to be sharper than almost all P&S cameras I own, except maybe the Zeiss 35mm 2.8 in the Contax T2.

The GT is amazingly small and light, and this makes it a very special camera when on location. It is silent. There is no sound.