NZDavid Posted August 18, 2008 Share #21 Posted August 18, 2008 Advertisement (gone after registration) I have always found advice on this forum and the Photo.net one very helpful. I used both a Minilux and CL before getting into the M system. I also still have a Mini 3 (tiny, light, simple, very good lens.) I agree the Minilux's lens is excellent. (BTW, what film have you been using? Transparency is worth while.) Sadly, it developed the infamous computer chip EO5 problem. It would still have been possible to repair. But I reckon the M range is extremely versatile and will last for ages. If you like the quality of the Minilux results you won't be disappointed. I also agree a used M6 with a 50 or 35 Summicron would be an excellent choice. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted August 18, 2008 Posted August 18, 2008 Hi NZDavid, Take a look here Minilux. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
Pebbble Posted August 18, 2008 Author Share #22 Posted August 18, 2008 Thanks for the tip NZDavid I'm using Fuji Superia ISO 200 at the moment. I want to start using Sensia or Velvia once I get a bit more confidence with the camera and experience of its strengths and weaknesses (as well as my own of course with film). Will most definitely get an M camera in the next 6 months I think. Can't justify getting one in the very near future but its certainly on my list of wants. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Finnkare Posted August 18, 2008 Share #23 Posted August 18, 2008 Thanks for the tip NZDavidI'm using Fuji Superia ISO 200 at the moment. I want to start using Sensia or Velvia once I get a bit more confidence with the camera and experience of its strengths and weaknesses (as well as my own of course with film). Will most definitely get an M camera in the next 6 months I think. Can't justify getting one in the very near future but its certainly on my list of wants. I don't like Sensia or Velvia that much, or Fuji slides in general. Although I have a friend who loves Astia - I haven't tried. I'm in love with Kodak's warmer tones, especially of the G-series. The thing that I'm always afraid when it comes to electronic stuff is the dependency on spare parts. They can also be a very costly. Mechanical stuff tends to be more simple also; there's not much that can break without any warning, out of the blue. And less things to be happening between pressing the shutter release and opening the shutter. But more precise and regular they are, as long as it lasts. And batteries work. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MPJMP Posted August 18, 2008 Share #24 Posted August 18, 2008 The minilux was my "starter Leica" also. While not a "true" Leica, it really is an excellent camera in its own right, I carried mine everywhere for several years and took some amazing pictures with it. Recently, I even considerd picking up a used one on eBay as a pocketable backup to my MP. Definitely experiment with slide and B&W film. I like Fuji Provia 100 and Kodak Tri-X. Ilford XP2 Super is also a great and convenient B&W film that you can get processed anywhere. If you want to stick with color print film for convenience, Fuji Reala has a nice smooth look. You're next step would be a used M6 (or M7 or MP) and a 35mm Summicron lens. You can cover a lot of ground with that combo and it gives you the full Leica rangefinder experience. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pebbble Posted August 18, 2008 Author Share #25 Posted August 18, 2008 Thanks Finnkare and MPJMP Im very excited about getting onto the M system. I just need to find a goode deal on a used M6 or 7 and I'll be away Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rocheung Posted August 21, 2008 Share #26 Posted August 21, 2008 Hi, Yesterday night, I just bought my 2nd minilux in my life. The previous one I have bought for many years ago when I just came out to earn money. However I sold it just one year, not the E02 problem but my financial problem. I was quite sad that I sold it but frankly speaking I have no way to go at the moment. After many year upset, I bought the DB exclusive version last night, brand new. Now I own a M6 and a minilux. Both of them are very impressive. For the M6, it gives you a reliable and stable feeling which a Voigtlander cannot give you. For the Minilux, the think it is the best compact camera in the world even better than the contax. Of course the drawback is the E02 problem but somebody said the latest production of Minilux has eliminate this problem. Anyway, I don't want to use it because I really love it so much that I don't want to make any finger prints on its body, since it used to be my 1st Leica in my life. Please enjoy your Leica whatever it is an M or minilux. Anyway, I sincerely hope that you will own a M later. Regards Alex Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
NZDavid Posted August 21, 2008 Share #27 Posted August 21, 2008 Advertisement (gone after registration) You may enjoy Erwin Putt's minilux lens review: OlderMlenses It's an excellent lens. One advantage of the Ms (as with all separate component systems, computers, hi-fis, cameras) is that if the body needs repairing, you still have the lens. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pebbble Posted August 21, 2008 Author Share #28 Posted August 21, 2008 Rocheung Thank you for that reinforcement of my decision to get the Minilux. I am really enjoying using it and hope to post a few images in the near future. I may at some point move on to a proper M system but I doubt whether i will ever get rid of the Minilux. Its a beautiful object itself and one that has to be used (even with the risk of the E errors) to appreciate how good it is. NZDavid - thank you for that pointer. Lots of technical details which were over my head, I must admit, but still a fine piece of analysis Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rocheung Posted August 21, 2008 Share #29 Posted August 21, 2008 Hello, Try your best to get the minilux which was right before stopping production. My one was a special edition which produce in 2002 and the shop told me that it is the last lot, the serial no. 21613XX. But for the general version, I am not very clear about the serial no. but I think you may have to ask somebody else. I heard the people said Leica had done some improvement work on the E02, but I don't know it is real or not. But I do recommend to have a try first. Hope somebody may help you here too. Cheers Cheung Rocheung Thank you for that reinforcement of my decision to get the Minilux. I am really enjoying using it and hope to post a few images in the near future. I may at some point move on to a proper M system but I doubt whether i will ever get rid of the Minilux. Its a beautiful object itself and one that has to be used (even with the risk of the E errors) to appreciate how good it is. NZDavid - thank you for that pointer. Lots of technical details which were over my head, I must admit, but still a fine piece of analysis Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rocheung Posted August 21, 2008 Share #30 Posted August 21, 2008 Hey one more thing you need to take care, if you buy a full set which include the genuine leather case, I advise you not to use it. The problem is that leather case fit the camera very much. I found that the zipper may scratch the body very easy. That's very likely scratching your heart too. So that I advise to get a bigger case to accommodate it. Good luck Regards Cheung Rocheung Thank you for that reinforcement of my decision to get the Minilux. I am really enjoying using it and hope to post a few images in the near future. I may at some point move on to a proper M system but I doubt whether i will ever get rid of the Minilux. Its a beautiful object itself and one that has to be used (even with the risk of the E errors) to appreciate how good it is. NZDavid - thank you for that pointer. Lots of technical details which were over my head, I must admit, but still a fine piece of analysis Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pebbble Posted August 21, 2008 Author Share #31 Posted August 21, 2008 Rocheung Many thanks for that advice. My one has a 215xxxx serial number so assume that is just the normal one. But that is fine. I don't have the cover but am currently using a "sock" until I can find an appropriate case. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rocheung Posted August 22, 2008 Share #32 Posted August 22, 2008 Sorry, just made a mistake that I think that you have bought it. Anyway, you made a great choice. Enjoy your snapshots. Cheers Rocheung:) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pebbble Posted August 24, 2008 Author Share #33 Posted August 24, 2008 well less than a fortnight since the purchase of the Minilux, I've now gone and bought a M6 "Classic" 0.72. I've put on the Summicron 50mm f2 on it. I'm only 1/3 of the way through my first roll so no idea how the shots will turn out, but wow what an intuitive, uncomplicated and well designed camera. I have spent less than a minute on looking through the instructions manual. It's just so intuitive. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bill Posted August 25, 2008 Share #34 Posted August 25, 2008 Resistance is futile... well less than a fortnight since the purchase of the Minilux, I've now gone and bought a M6 "Classic" 0.72. I've put on the Summicron 50mm f2 on it. ...told ya so... Congratulations on your new adoption! A fine choice. Post some results when you can. Regards, Bill Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
k_g_wolf ✝ Posted August 25, 2008 Share #35 Posted August 25, 2008 >> Pebble You better stop touching these cameras. Handling a LEICA can be very addictive. And: Cut your creditcard into pieces otherwise your camerabag will soon be too small. Good luck with your purchase, great choices. Enjoy ! Best Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pebbble Posted August 25, 2008 Author Share #36 Posted August 25, 2008 Bill you did you did. Although my bank manager will crucify me, at least I will now die happy :-) K G Wolf - I know. I've played with them before for a few minutes in the shops etc, buts its only when you spend a few hours with them that you realise the elegance of these things. I can't wait to see the results. Roll on the M9..... :-) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
hunghang Posted August 25, 2008 Share #37 Posted August 25, 2008 I did the opposite (well, sort of). I had the M6 .72 for over 2 years now. Loved every thing about it. I have now gone and bought a second M6 (.85 this time) and a minilux knowing that I cannot go wrong with the lens on it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Half-Handed Posted August 27, 2008 Share #38 Posted August 27, 2008 The Minilux was my first Leica too and it took fantastic photos until it developed the dreaded E02 error. I replaced it with a CM which I love and still carry with me most places. I would love an M6 but I still can't quite bring myself to shell out that much money on a camera... maybe one day if I win the lottery or my bonus comes in. Until then I also use a Hexar AF which is a lovely camera (with its limitations) and capable of taking some amazing images. I wish Leica did more to introduce people to the delights of Leica photography at a more affordable price. They've stopped doing film compacts, the replacement for the Digilux 2 was too big and unwieldy and the digital compacts are just plain poor. Ho hum. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pebbble Posted August 27, 2008 Author Share #39 Posted August 27, 2008 Half-handed, I've been wanting an M system camera for the best part of a decade, however until the last 12 months I wasn't really into photography and only took snaps when I was only holiday etc. I couldn't therefore justify splashing out on any M system and it was hard even to justify getting my first DSLR last year. However, in recent months I've been totally devoted to photography and whilst it was still a tough decision to take the plunge with the M6, I'm glad I did. I should have the results of my first roll later this week, so hopefully there will be at least one passable photo which I can post here. However the last few days have been as much about the pleasure of using the camera. Its difficult to describe. And although it can't do half the stuff of my Nikon D300 it does offer an entirely different perpective on photography and the need to see and take time. The Minilux and the CM are great (I would love to try the CM one day) and I am sure those plus the Hexar give you loads of pleasure. I hope one day the numbers will come up for you (and me) and we can clear out the whole of a Leica shop. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Half-Handed Posted August 27, 2008 Share #40 Posted August 27, 2008 Well, I for one look forward to seeing some of your shots with the M6. Maybe they will tip me over the edge! The CM is lovely, though if you have a Minilux and it works there isn't enough about the CM to persuade you to upgrade. Digitally I shoot with a D40 and a Sigma 30mm 1.4, which is almost compact enough to let me take it anywhere. I've read in lots of places that the Hexar is like an autofocus M6 (although I doubt anyone who has an M6 would say that), it will have to tide me over until some cash materialises! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.