Safe to buy Leica Minilux?

kchong

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I'm about to buy a Leica Minilux off someone... Is there a serial number range or indicator that tells me it won't have the E02 problem?
 
I'm about to buy a Leica Minilux off someone... Is there a serial number range or indicator that tells me it won't have the E02 problem?
In a word NO!!
Mine was repaired twice by Leica and the problem happened a third time, Leica wanted £250 to repair it with no guarantee that It wouldn't happen again!!.
I would be very wary about buying one, unless its very cheap, sorry to disapoint you. A camera which promised so much, when working gave great results. I'm not sure if the zoom model has the same problem.
I removed the lens on mine and use it as a magnifier, the remainder is now landfill!!:mad:
Frankly when I dismantled mine, I did not think it was very well constructed, a lot of plastic
they went on about titanium!! unless titanium is a soft metal I'd say it is sprayed with titanium as outer body is very easily bent.:mad:
P.S. when I got mine it came with a Wenger Swiss Army watch in genuine titanium which my watch repairer says is a good quality
swiss quarz movement!! The watch is still working fautlessly since 1995 I'm wearing it as I type this. Ah well win some lose some!!
 
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There was a recent discussion, and the general consensus, as I remember it, was that it is not a camera worth paying serious money for as it cannot be repaired. No safe range was mentioned.
 
i took very nice pictures from it, absolutely no problems for 18 months with it, then i sold it 6 months ago to a friend, 2 months later the e02 error happened.... just when you though it was safe....


a safer option could be the zoom:

miniluxz-6.jpg


BBQ Tonite, Karachi.
 
I have had mine for a few years (I got it NOS of the 'Bay). Many rolls of film later, it still delivers great results for me. But as you can see, YMMV. I personally like it a lot, and is, for me, the analogue twin of my Leica X1.

Some sample photos:

2660203454_925e319005_z.jpg


2697506082_4148076084_z.jpg


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2657751445_8008440d47_z.jpg


4925457293_e01dee60bc_z.jpg
 
I'm sorry to report I bought one new from Tamarkin through Jim Lager. It was such a horrible performer it was taken back without any reservations whatsoever.
 
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I had one.

As I got the E02 very soon after I bought it, I sent it to Portugal for repair (about Euro 130).

Then I used it for a while, but did not like it. The lens is great, but the autofocus was not reliable. Well, what is the use of a great lens if I can't get the focus where I want it? At least one out of 3 fotos the autofocus was a little bit off.

Also, I could not stand the sound of the camera.

And then, a viewfinder that small is ridiculous for a camera of the 1990's. If I want that kind of Leica feeling I just use my Barnack, that's much more fun.

Sold the Minilux.
 
Thanks, gents. As I've seen before, the results look great but the prospect of a potential $250 paper is scaring me off. Guess I'll save the money for something else.

Johann, it'd be really interesting if Leica did release a new analog companion to the X1. I'd love to see what they come up with :)
 
Don't go near it unless it's the price of a dvd. It's a great camera, but could very quickly become a regret that may bring tears to your eyes.

Paul
 
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I got one for $125 on craigslist. It got the E02 several months later, and I sold it on ebay for the same price I paid. I guess that worked out ok for me.

Great lens, but I also had issues with autofocus accuracy. I don't like having no indication as to what I'm focusing on. But if I found another at the same price, I'd go for it.
 
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