I recomended the Minilux as a quality compact to a friend who was going to China several months ago. They just informed me that on many occasions, they had to press the shutter very firmly to get the camera to take a picture. This of course adds considerably to camera shake, leaving them with many a blurry image. Before he sends it in for warranty repair (any guesses on how long that will take?), we were wondering if anyone had encountered this before. I wonder if Leica actually attempts to repair the P&S cameras, or if they just replace them.

-- Andrew Schank (aschank@flash.net), April 03, 2001

Answers

Hi Andrew,

My P&S C1 had similar problem, I can't fully press the shutter to take a picture, the only way was to use "Timer". It happened when my parents traveling in China the first time(it's the only camera they brought with them).

I emailed Leica in NJ, they just told me to send it back and then 3 weeks later, we received a new C1.

But, not long ago, same thing happened again, I can't fire the shutter, it stuck again. I haven't touched it for a while, I think it's related to the Leica QC these days. I posted response about some QC issues, but I guess the modern Leica has more QC problems.

My other old Leica P&S are fine(bought 4,5 years ago) now, just the latest C1...

-- Fred O. (yo5454@yahoo.com), April 04, 2001.

About 2 years back I had a Leica Minilux that was "totalled" by an ocean wave!

Yesterday, I received my replacement.

The shutter release does take a bit of a "press" to activate, but, I will tell you this: that is much preferred to the "hair-trigger" on the Yashica T4!

I really think it simply involves a bit of practice without film...simply play with it a bit to get the "feel" for the pressure you need.

I forgot how totally beautifully this camera is made. I had the black unit previously, but now have the titanium model, and it is solid, precise, a beautifully bronzed-gold, and perfection without compromise, with a full hard leather case, in mint condition, purchased used for a fine price. I truly prefer this to the M6 I previously owned...my moderately large hands could never quickly focus the tiny (but wonderful) lenses on the M units! That is a personal thing, and nothing against the M cameras.

Anyway: not to worry! Just practice, practice, and more practice. A stiff release is much better than a hair-trigger, in my opinion.

-- Todd Frederick (fredrick@hotcity.com), April 06, 2001.