I have been thinking of buying this camera for everyday use. I want a P&S that is simple to use, meters well and makes sharp pictures with good contrast for under $500. Is that asking to much? Would I be better off saving the money and buying something like a Yashica T4? My intentions are to have a camera that I can take everywhere without having to lug around the nikon or hasselblad. I know the lens is way slow but I have not found any info regarding picture sharpness/contrast, quality, etc. If anyone uses this camera and can give me some idea of what to expect if I bought it, I would be greatly appreciative.

Thanks in adavnce Brent

-- Brent Nichols (nichfam@usit.net), November 28, 2000

Answers

There are reviews of the Leica C1 at photographyreview.com and camerareview.com. Generally, it gets very good reviews, and I expect it is an excellent camera. However, in my opinion, you can get a P&S of comparable quality for half the price of the C1. I use a Canon Sure Shot Classic 120 P&S ($200), and I'd be very surprised if the C1 is easier to use and produces better images. FYI, I also own or have owned Olympus, Agfa, and Leica (Minilux) compact cameras, and Contax SLRs.

-- Chris Crevasse (ccrevasse@millermartin.com), November 29, 2000.

By the way, the Yashica T4 is being discontinued, so if you want one, now may be your last chance to snag one.

-- Andrew Schank (aschank@flash.net), November 29, 2000.

Ive owned everything from EOS to Blads to Mamiya 7. I love this little camera. Stylish, cracker of a lens for the price (and focal length range)and sturdy. When I'm in a hurry and not quite sure whether to pack the gear, I just grab this camera - if I can prise it out of my wifes hands!!

-- tony menz (tony.menz@alloy.com.au), December 09, 2001.

I bought a C1, having never owned a Leica before. A beautiful little camera.....and that's about it. Running the lens in and out felt like the lens barrel had sand in it. I sent it back and got another one...exact same thing. Bad batch? Isn't it supposed to be a Leica? At twice the price of other comparable P&S's, one expects a little better quality control. That aside, the camera has minimal features and a slow lens. Interestingly enough, Consumer Reports only rates this camera, somewhere in the middle, when compared to comparable cameras from other manufacturers. Of course, there are those that will swear by this little Leica C1. For me, having sent the second one back, I'm now really happy with my new Canon Z135, half the price, much better quality, twice the features and probably as good,if not a better lens. Note: I originally paid $449.00 for my C1. I've seen them now for a little over $300.00. When they get down to about $150.00, I think they'll be worth the money.

-- Jim Beucler (scepmg@earthlink.net), December 28, 2001.

Consider the Leica AF-C1. It's a rebadged Minolta Tele-Freedom, but the excellent 40mm lens is f:2.8.

-- (bmitch@home.com), December 28, 2001.