Safe to buy Leica Minilux?

[kchong]

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?

 

[John Robertson]

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!!😡
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.😡
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!!

 

[Lflex]

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.

 

[raytoei@gmail.com]

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:

BBQ Tonite, Karachi.

 

[Johann Espiritu]

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:

 

[George Bonanno]

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.

 

[MRohlfing]

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.

 

[kchong]

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 🙂

 

[abumac]

Mine got the E02 after three or four month of use. It was new. Great performer anyway, but a more than weak electronic. Look for the Minilux Zoom or the CM.

Here you'll find some pics I've taken with a Minilux: http://mimpresion.blogspot.com/2008/02/mont-blanc.html

 

[Monz]

I'd say get one if it's cheap... if shutter goes, then so be it.

It produces some very nice results.


Roald Dahl by *monz*, on Flickr



Just the two of us [2] by *monz*, on Flickr

 

[bigeye]

It isn't safe.

 

[muf]

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

 

[richardhkirkando]

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.