very sharp lens, very fast lens, quality of construction, light meter, built in flash, excellent red eye reduction integrated lens cap, and aperture priority mode

Maximum shutter speed is 1/400. Minimum focusing distance is a little long.

This is a fantastic camera. I was stunned when I saw the results from my first set of prints. The lens is extremely sharp, and the detail in my pictures is like no other camera I have ever used. Because of the fast lens, and the slow max shutter speed, I use primarily 100 speed film. I also own a Nikon N80 with the 50mm 1.4 lens, and the pictures from the Minilux are better. I don't know how some of the people that have posted messages can actually post a "negative" review. This camera fits into your pocket, has a built in flash, an incredible sharp lens with an aperture priority mode, and will outperform many if not most SLRs.

It does not have the flexibility, control or autofcus capabilities as an SLR, but it is easy to use and not a burden to bring with you. If I could only own one camera this would be my choice.

Similar Products Used:

Yashica T4, Contax T3, Nikon SLR's

good finiished, beautiful body, also shape len

slowly focus, less function, big problem in metering

with my friend, we went to the camera shop to buy smaller camera than we have. minilux was the our answer, but 1-2 months after that we found its metering was broke [chect compare with our camera]. we back to the shop and found that we have to change some parts about metering system. so,we decided to sell it at the same shop that we bought, it's suck. what's happening about leica[the legend of leitz camera], just point&shoot camera they can't make it works.

Customer Service

1/10

Similar Products Used:

contax rx
nikon fm2n
canon eos 5,eos 55

Excellent lens, but not necessarily better than Ricoh GR1 - just different.

Build quality is excellent. Solid, feels like it will last a lifetime.

Price - if compared to buying an SLR with a prime lens of similar quality.

Metering - good for a compact.

40mm lens. Not really wide angle, not quite standard. Would prefer either 35mm or 50mm - minor quibble.

Large and heavy.

Expensive when compared to other compacts.

Noisy - motor wind and shutter are almost silent, focusing sounds like a drill.

Controls and viewfinder info. are not as helpful or intuiitive as those on (for example) a GR 1.

A good camera for the travel photographer who is prepared to work within the limits of a camera with a (1st rate) fixed lens. Along with the GR 1 (different focal length, much smaller and lighter, also quality) it has effectively made my SLR redundant for most trips abroad. Just remember that it is only a compact in the broadest sense of the word and those after minimum size and weight may be better looking at other quality compacts.

Customer Service

N/A

Similar Products Used:

Ricoh GR 1, various SLRs.

excellent lens and max aperture, classic design. Its size really suit for manhand.

seem to pricy

If you love to take photo in low light condition, Minilux can do fantastic image as you may have never done before from any compact. Otherwise to bring Minilux as your purse and proud to put it on and to raise it to shoot subject you want , that bring your funny day.

Customer Service

haven't used it yet

Similar Products Used:

None

Lens, lens and lens.
Nice body, good shape, feels solid.
Controls good but not great.

Big for a compact, see Minox 35.
Focussing noise - whirrs loudly,
Heavy, but see strengths.
Shutter top speed too slow.

Was looking for a Minox. Got this instead. How lucky can you get. Photos are unreal. I cannot believe the color and contrast and resolutionproduced. I wanted a lght camera but realistically the Minilux is probably the right weight. Suit person into photography, and who can appreciate what they're getting

Customer Service

Not needed

Similar Products Used:

Canon AE35ML

A superb lens...just as you would expect from a Leica.

None

The superlative on film performance and tank like construction make this camera a superb picture taker.

Similar Products Used:

Ricoh GR1. Yashica T4 Super.

lens is so good i make 16 x 20 pics that no one believe are 35mm compact camera

none

best lenses, sharp, good colour reproduction. slides really shine when shown on a leitz projector

Customer Service

do not know

Similar Products Used:

rollei 35s

Splendid lens, strong flash (for a compact), accurate exposure and focus.

None

It is an excellent camera capable of professional results.

Similar Products Used:

Rollei 35, Olympus XA, Leica M6.

amazing lens quality, portabitlity, stunning design, comfortable to use, it's a leica

Manual mode doesn't show state of focus, no zoom

Quirky Leica point and shoot that allows manual focus and aperture setting, takes stunning photos, looks stunning, and needs only one thing...a zoom lens. PS: The new zoom lens doesn't allow you to go down to 2.4 nor select anything manually. Choose between a better lens or a zoom lens, but choose a Leica.

Customer Service

not yet used

Similar Products Used:

Nikon and canon

Quality of optics

Yes. Auto focus kept focusing beyond the subject.

I enjoy the fast lens. I long for a zoom and wish it would focus closer. For manual focus, I would like some type of confirmation. The meter sees a bright light and will not use the flash resulting in an underexposed frame. Considering the price difference, I would recommend the Olympus Stylus Epic as a better choice. The Leica's lens is better but not by the ratio of price.

Customer Service

Leica was very slow responding. After I received the camera back, it was fixed correctly and I've had not further problems.

Similar Products Used:

Olympus Stylus Epic
Cannon Sure Shot and Cannon 115 zoom.