Is it time for Leica to make a decent compact? I don't no what the results are like from the "cheap" ones but they seem so plasticy and lightweight. I understand the minilux(not zoom) gives good results but the viewfinder is awful,like looking down a long tunel! Howabout a minilux 2 with a more useful 35mm f2,decent v.f.and manual control.Any thoghts?

-- steve (s.s2@uk.dreamcast.com), February 10, 2002

Answers

Sorry about the spelling before anyone picks me up on it!

-- steve (s.s2@uk.dreamcast.com), February 10, 2002.

I know the Minilux Zoom may not be as sharp as the prime lens Minilux but it still produces GREAT IMAGES! I have both of them and I think the zoom is highly under-regarded. As one of its best features is to zoom it to 70mm and you get a highly portable short-telephoto lens outfit producing stunning shallow DOF shots.

Steve, in response to your questions, and it has been discussed before in previous threads; I think the answer is yes. They could do with a II minilux with a faster shutter speed. And faster/instant shutter release. Thats my 2 cents worth. Cheers,

-- sparkie (sparkie@mailcity.com), February 10, 2002.

Yes, it's time for a new Minilux. Faster shutter speeds up to 1/2000 and a faster lens down to f1.5 if possible.

-- Alfie Wang (leica_phile@hotmail.com), February 10, 2002.

Have you look at the Contax T3 in black. My friend loves his. He used to have a minilux but is vary happy now with his T3. Just wondering. scott ;0)

-- Scott Evans (scottevans@mediaone.net), February 10, 2002.

I have just bought a new Contax T3. Everything is fine but one thing bothers me - it scratch the negative from the 25th exposure onwards. Does anyone here has any similar experience and what you have done to solve the problem? Anyway I am also waiting for a new version of the Minilux to try out, it should be coooool. Regards,

-- tom tong (tom.tong@ckh.com.hk), February 11, 2002.

Every time I see a Minilux posting I breathe a deep sigh - of exasperation. My Minilux gave up the ghost with a completely out-of-the-blue EO2 electronic meltdown which necessitates a new shuter costing USD150. So I'm sticking to rangefinders and SLRs, thank you very much!

-- David Killick (dalex@inet.net.nz), February 13, 2002.