Re: FP Shutters and Minoxes

[dlevy@worldy.com]

Bob,
I have experienced what you describe, on some older leaf shutters, but not
so on either my ETRS or the Minox. With the Minox, I usually use AE mode @
f/8 to f/16 with XP-2 and therefore am stopped down which may account for
not seeing this with the Minox. Almost all cameras I've used have had a leaf
shutter. I prefer them to the focal plane. I even prefer the Contaflex to
the Contrarex for this reason. I do wish the 2 blade aperature could be
expanded in number, but considering the physical size of the lens, I'm
thankful it isn't using - what are they called 'waterhouse' stops like some
p&s cameras do.

>I thought my Minox shutter was defective when it refused to operate. I
>discovered that for some reason the Minox battery contacts and even the
>Makrolon battery compartment itself becomes charged and acts to short the
>system. By using one of those rubber erasers from a pen-type holder to
>thoroughly clean the contacts and the chamber itself, the shutter sprung back
>to life. I use a Minox GT, but I assume this problem may affect other models
>that use the same battery system as well.

I haven't experienced this. When I had my shutter problem, the defective
part was a $7.50 piece. I had them update the shutter to the newer type from
the MDC at that time which was supposed to be improved and more reliable.
Since I purchased my Minox in 1987, and have treated roughly, except that I
keep it in its cute ER case, and it has performed without flaw. During that
time, several other p&s which I have acquired have come and gone (in the
trash). The poly case, which I was fearful of still doesn't have a mark on
it. Only the ISO plate on the bottom is showing wear. 
>
>As for the lens on the Minox GT, I never experienced flare. For all practical
>purposes it's as good as my Leitz 2.8 35mm Summaron. I hope Leica will retain
>the classic Minox 35mm models and not make it one of the zoom AF consumer
>dandies brands. 

I haven't experienced flare with the camera except in instances where I
tried to induce it. However, I do use the little lens shade. I agree that
the lens is excellent. I haven't shot it against the Rollei. Actually with
all this talk about the Rollei, it has whetted my appetite to try one out.
What is the Classic like in relation to the older models? If as good, that
is what I'll look for. I also am interested to see what happens to Minox
under Leica control. I am asuming that the EC will go be the wayside though
the LX will continue in its almost special issue only marketing. I am
fearful that Leica will re-engineer the 35 series and lose the unigueness of
the camera in an attempt to recoup its investment. If this occurs, there
will be no other manual or manual capable camera of its or the Rollei's like
in production and it WILL BE the end of an era worthly of an Irish Wake. If
it happens, I for one probably will run out and buy severl MLs with accys.
and store them for later use.   

>Of course the CL is valid Leica. I find it is delicate in some ways and
>therefore I take extra time to keep it out of harm's way. It's remarkably
>compact and passes for a P&S, which I find a great advantage in doing NYC
>fieldwork, along with the Minox and XA.

I haven't found the CL to be 'delicate', but I am somewhat more delicate
with it because I realize that though I probably would never sell it, it is
appreciating in value (unfortunately) and that the less abused ... 
Brian Levy, J.D.
Agincourt Ont.
dlevy@worldy.com