Slightly OT: Which Leica Compact?

[dmchadderton]

Minilux £205
Minilux Zoom £300
CM £650
CM Zoom £750

(all prices new)

I'd prefer smaller, and I'm not too bothered about the zoom (I'd rather have a smaller body and faster lens).

My feeling is that it's down to Minilux or CM - is the CM worth so much more?

 

[richard_l]

Get the fixed focal length Minilux or CM. I had a Minilux until it was stolen. That 40mm/2.4 Summarit compares favorably to any lens I've ever used. If I needed a P&S, I would get another Minilux in a heartbeat. Attached is a Kodachrome taken with the Minilux.

Richard

 

[Leicanthrope]

As you're quoting sterling prices, I assume you're in the UK. Unfortunately, however, the prices you quote for the CM & CM Zoom are now both £100 short of the RRP, though for all I know they may be available from some dealers for the prices you quote. The lowest price for the CM I'm personally aware of is £695, which is from Wey Cameras. However, Leica UK have a promotion at the moment which offers a free ER case, which I think normally retails for about £70.

For what it's worth, though I've not used either, my impression is that the CM is superior to the Minilux, though the review that appeared in Amateur Photographer was rather mixed.

 

[richard_l]

.....For what it's worth, though I've not used either, my impression is that the CM is superior to the Minilux, though the review that appeared in Amateur Photographer was rather mixed.

The CM has a top shutter speed of 1/1000 rather than 1/500 and (possibly) a better menu system.

 

[Leicanthrope]

Another point in favour of the CM, which you're probably already aware of, is that, unlike every other Leica compact, it is actually made by Leica, as well as having that classic Leica look. I've been very tempted by it, but I haven't seen enough informed opinion on it to be prepared to pay that kind of money purely for its prestige value (and the undoubted quality of the lens, of course).

 

[RayPA]

Get the fixed focal length Minilux or CM. I had a Minilux until it was stolen. That 40mm/2.4 Summarit compares favorably to any lens I've ever used. If I needed a P&S, I would get another Minilux in a heartbeat. Attached is a Kodachrome taken with the Minilux.

Richard

Timely discussion for me, since I'm in negotiations for a Minilux. I too, decided on the fixed focal length (non-zoom) camera. I think the used/secondary market (*bay) price of these is decent right now, and a good deal can be had (provided this thread dies a nice and quiet death). 😉

 

[atelier7]

Ray, did u get the minilux? what are your thoughts on it? very tempting offer from KBCamera...

 

[RayPA]

Ray, did u get the minilux? what are your thoughts on it? very tempting offer from KBCamera...

I did get it. It's not the zoom, but the one with the 40/2.4. It came with the fitted leather case, and is the all black model. The lens is very sharp and contrasty. The AF locks. The manual focus setting is actually a series of fixed length distances. It is AE or apeture priority. The camera is DX only, which can be a little frustrating (default is 100 ASA). The flash has several operating modes. The camera is quick and easy to use.

I took the camera to Disneyland this year, and it performed flawlessly. It's fun to use, well made, and classy. I've attached some photos below (the largest file is about 500Kb)
🙂
🙂