I'm interested in getting a friend's Leica Minilux w/ 40mm 2.4 lens. However, when I tested it, the lens won't retract fully when the camera is switched off. There are no more digits on the LCD display so I think it's off, but the lens stops short of going in the body, thus preventing the lens cover from covering it. My friend showed me a trick to fully retract the lens. He would turn the battery cap at the bottom of the camera half-way open then close it fully. By doing this, he can retract the lens fully. I'm now having second thoughts in getting his camera because of this glitch. I don't want to always turn off the camera by turning the battery cap. Does anyone know how to overcome this? Would this be repairable?

Also, does the Bulb function on the Minilux work like a toggle switch, or do I have to hold it down to keep the shutter open?

-- Ron Gregorio (gregorio@gtzth.org), September 18, 2000

Answers

Alas Ron, I would not recommend buying this camera. The fix may well be reasonably simple but then you may just get stuck with a duff camera. Ask your friend to get it fixed first, or check the repair cost and deduct it. (Be careful - do you want a friend and no camera or a duff camera and no friend?) My first minilux had faulty electronics; I sent it back to the dealer and it was replaced straightaway. Since then, absolutely no problems. It has an excellent lens and is capable of first-class results. Get a new camera or go through a dealer with a warranty! There is also something to be said for the classic simplicity of the Leica M. You have to keep the shutter depressed during B (it is not like the old T) but the LCD does give you a very useful readout of ti

-- David Killick (dalex@inet.net.nz), September 19, 2000.

Ron

I had the same experience with my Contax T2. It was the last nail in the coffin and I sold it (it was an intermittant fault). I actaully prefer the Minilux, but I remain wary of these retracting lens cameras because of jams, so have tended to steer well clear of them.

-- Robin Smith (rsmith@springer-ny.com), September 19, 2000.

Thanks for the replies. I'm now having second thoughts on this camera. It's a pity since he's selling it now for half the price of a new one. It's still in good condition after I tested a roll of film through it, but it has that annoying glitch. Maybe I'll look around for a new one. I'm also considering a Ricoh GR1s instead.

-- Ron Gregorio (gregorio@gtzth.org), September 21, 2000.

Hi Gregorio,

My minilux developed this problem so I broke down and had it fixed for $300 at Leica in NJ. I suppose I could have sold it but I really liked it a lot. I also have an M-6TTL but use the minilux for traveling and for slide work. I suggest looking into the newer versions that come with a zoom -- they are great cameras.

Denice

-- Denice Martone (dm1@is2.nyu.edu), October 02, 2000.