[Leica] Minox

["Jeff S" <segawa@netone.com>]

Roger,

For what it's worth, the first two cameras I got to use at around the age of
12 were a Rolleicord III and Minox C! I still have the Rollei.

No doubt that today, I'd do a better job at not photographing my finger with
the "C", and would better  appreciate it's more advanced features, such as
the built-in ND filter and shutter speed control, but these days, the Minox
for me uses 35mm film!

If anyone can provide a brief rundown of the various Minox 35 models (they
*are* Leica products after all...), that'd be great. So far, my knowledge is
limited to:

35EL: The original, aperture-priority auto camera with 35mm, f/2.8
Color-Minotar lens. PX-28(?) mercury cell power, convertible to 2x CR1/3N
power.

35GT: Looks same, but with AE lock, backlight comp switch.

My experience with the 35EL has been that it's capable of embarassingly good
performance, and works very well for the M owner who pines for a 35
Summicron, but comes up a few hundred $$ short. But...the M's easier to use
well! Nevertheless, the Minox's combo of fast lens, very quiet operation (on
par with a Rollei TLR--the M6 shutter is deafening by comparison) and
"decisive moment" speed make it a gem. It handles lots better than the fussy
Rollei 35, too. Someday, I'll turn my EL in for a newer model :-)

Jeff

- -----Original Message-----
From: Roger Beamon <roger@beamon.org>
I've become a fan of that other Leica product lately known as
Minox. There is a great list catering to subminiature cameras. It is
about 75% Minox oriented due to the ubiquitous nature of the
Minox.