I just got into the M system a few months ago (M6 TTL .72 with a 35 Summilux ASPH & 90 TeleElmarit) after three years of using a Minilux. Although I really grew to love the Minilux and made some great photographs with it, I find that it goes unused since the arrival of the M6. I'm also having a hard time using its relatively small viewfinder after having used the M6.

Having been bitten by the Leica M bug, I'm now asking myself these questions:

Should I sell my Minilux and use the funds toward another lens or a second (M4 or M6 .58) body? (It's the rare black edition, so I bet I can get a decent amount for it.) Part of my rationale for parting with it is due to it's auto-everything circuitry. Just how many years of service can I expect from a Minilux? Should I sell it now, while it's in great shape and still functioning?

Or, on the other hand, should I just hang on to it for now? Does the saying about never selling a Leica apply to a P&S? I'm sure I'll have a second M body and some more lenses eventually. It is, after all, a great camera. And I must admit that I like owning the rare black version. (Is it true, by the way, that HCB shoots with a black Minilux these days?) And then there are times when it's just more appropriate to carry a simple, no-brainer camera in the coat pocket.

Quite the tough call, as you can see. I keep flip-flopping back and forth (though hardly losing any sleep over it). Each argument is valid, although the issue of the Minilux's longevity may very well sway me to liquidate this little gem.

Thanks in advance for any ideas or opinions you have to offer. I wouldn't know where else to go for this advice on this subject. (I'm beginning to think of this forum as the support group for the Leica addict.)

-- Luke Dunlap (luked@mail.utexas.edu), January 29, 2002

Answers

P&S cameras have their own position - they are not meant to compete with your M6, they are there ...just in case. I have a T3 at home, 35Ti and GR1v at my office and a T5 in my car, just in case I need a camera when my M6 is not around. Regards,

-- tom tong (tom.tong@ckh.com.hk), January 29, 2002.

Sell the Minilux, buy another M body, and spend a hundred bucks or less on an Olympus Stylus to go in your pocket.

-- Dave Jenkins (djphoto@vol.com), January 29, 2002.

Sell it while you can. My minilux developed the fatal EO2 error which will necessitate a costly new shutter ($US150) but I might just sell it as is. It did produce some memorable pictures, having been around the world several times and dropped from a skilift. It has a first-class lens, but any model M just feels better IMO. My wife's tiny mini 3 ain't a bad camera, though and is a dinky P/S.

-- David Killick (dalex@inet.net.nz), January 29, 2002.

I bought a used Minilux as a last-ditch backup camera, and to take on overnight business trips when most likely I won't get the chance to shoot much of anything. This duty used to be covered by my now- retired Rollei 35S. Stragely (or maybe not) I find myself using it in preference to the M when facing action-type shots, as I much prefer AF to the rangefinder for that. When (not if)the Minilux dies, I will undoubtedly replace it with a digital...so I won't need to cart along film, either.

-- Jay (infinitydt@aol.com), January 29, 2002.

My fondness for the Minilux is no less than the M6. Some occasions call for M6 but there are times that I am glad I brought Minilux. Although I got two M6 body, I rarely bring both. I usually bring M6 with Minilux on my trip. And I use them both, probably with different films, or with 28mm/21mm on M6 to compliment Minilux's 40mm lens or when I forget to bring the external flash for M6, Minilux comes to the rescue.

If anything, I will probably sell one M6 body and keep the M6-TTL. I am not a professional and demand roughness on my gear so I guess the M6/Mini combo kind of works for me.

Just my two cents, Chi

-- Chi H (chihuang@yahoo.com), January 30, 2002.

"Part of my rationale for parting with it is due to it's auto- everything circuitry. Just how many years of service can I expect from a Minilux?"

In all P&S cameras with an extending lens there is a flexible circuit strip that moves in and out with the lens. This circuit strip usually fails in a few years depending on use. You can call Leica to ask how much it would be to replace this part. It is around $150 in my part of the world so it is OK for a Minilux or T2 but cheaper plastic cameras goes in the trash as a result. Zoom cameras are even more vulnerable. Remeber P&S cameras were designed for people who shoot a roll or two over holidays and birthday parties.

-- ray tai (razerx@netvigator.com), January 30, 2002.

Hi Luke,

I have the minilux and zoom together with my M6ttl's. The minilux's are my back-ups if anything fails on the M6 while i'm abroad, and I will at least come home with some shots. Unless you Really need the cash, I'd keep it if I were you. You might regret selling the little guy. Their smaller and light and easier to use than your M6. Cheers,

-- sparkie (sparkie@mailcity.com), January 30, 2002.

I agree completely with Ray. Your Minilux will eventually fail and you are unlikely to feel ready to repair it. It is no big deal I suppose if you paid $600 for it and it lasts 5-6 years then the cost is $100-120 per annum, not too bad really. I am not sure that most of us think like this though.

-- Robin Smith (smith_robin@hotmail.com), January 30, 2002.

I have a Minilux that I like a lot. However it had the EO2 fault at about 2 years age and I had the shutter replaced for $150 by Leica . How long of a life should this new shutter have ?

-- Dave McDonald (davidmcdonald@peoplepc.com), February 02, 2002.