I know lots of you use P/Ss as well as your Ms and Rs, but has anyone used Leica mini 2s or 3s? A word in praise of the mini 3, which my wife picked up for the princely sum of USD100. Cons: limited shutter speed (1/250 max), auto only (+2EV override) no lenscap (but no problem if treated carefully, less to go wrong, quieter, and makes camera faster to use). Pros: really small goes anywhere (like skiing), excellent 32mm f3/2 lens. More reliable than my minilux which packed up. Simple and effective. Too simple to sell? Leica doesn't make them anymore. Why not, I wonder? Do people prefer zooms? Any other comments on preferred P/Ss and ow they compare?

-- David Killick (dalex@inet.net.nz), April 02, 2002

Answers

I've owned the Mini ( not the 2 or 3) since 1988/9. It takes SHARP pictures and the lens is fast by P/S standards. All three versions are a steal if you can find them because they're cheap and generally under appreciated. Ironcially, much of the functionality introduced on the Mini's represents much the core functionality in the Minilux, Minilux Soom, C1, etc.

-- Barbano (joseph.barbano@symmetron.com), April 02, 2002.

I had a Leica mini but wasnt happy with it, the results were just marginally better than the average compact. I traded it in on the Leica Mini 2 and it was better in that it prefocused but still its results werent what i would consider a super compact. So I then traded it on a Yashica T5 (T4 super in the USA)and instantly found the results i was looking for out of this type of camera. I gave Leica its fair share but it simply couldnt match the Yashica in focusing accuracy, exposure and lens quality. Then the Mini 3 came out but wasnt prepared to risk it when I am very happy with the Yashica. Very glad your happy with the Mini3, I have always been curious what its results would be like, if you ever get some pics scanned please email me a couple.

-- Joel Matherson (Joel_2000@hotmail.com), April 02, 2002.

I have used the Mini I and II. The II is much better because of the exposure compensation feature and (to a lesser degree) the red-eye reduction feature. They serve as a handy (and lightweight) alternative to having to carry a flash, are quick and easy to use, serve as a backup camera, offer the possibility of using a different kind of film than in your main camera, and provide an inexpensive alternative to having to hand your M6 to a stranger to take your picture in front of Eiffel Tower. You also can give it to a companion to use, so that you are not the only one having all the photographiic fun. It is auto focus, so all they have to do is point and shoot.

-- Jim Lennon ((jim@jmlennon.com)), April 02, 2002.