Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1998/06/19
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Hello friends: Today I attented the Leica roadshow in my hometown in Belgium. All Leica binoculars, spotting scopes, M & R cameras, lenses and accessories, compact cameras were on display and could be tested. Of course, the newest items were present, such as the new Minilux Zoom, M6 0.85x, Tri-Elmar-M, 180mm APO R, 50mm 1.4 R. I tried the Minilux Zoom. This is a great camera by the looks and handling of it. It is quite the same as the Minilux, but looks better because it has a full titanium cover. The lens cannot retract in the body, however, so in the inwards position, you have to put a lenscap on it for protection (although there is a plastic see-through cover on the lens that stays on the lens while taking pictures). Its major drawback in my opinion: the loss of aperture-priority mode. So you can only use this camera as a P&S camera in program mode. Otherwise functions are the same as the Minilux. Both cameras will stay in the catalogue, but the Minilux has been discounted, as the new Minilux Zoom is sold at a price that is slightly higher than the original price for the Minilux. A major selling point will be the add-on flash capability. The same internal flash is built-in like the Minilux, but now you can add an additional flash (Leica sells a titanium flash with guide number 20 for it, that looks terrific), in fact any SCA 3501 compatible flash unit like the newest Metz series. The representatives showed me their test photos and I must say they look truly impressive! This camera is a winner. So, if you don't need the maximum lens opening of the Minilux (f/2.4), this one would be THE choice. I also tried some of the super-wide angles on the R8 (Fisheye 16mm, Elmarit 19mm and Super Elmar 15mm). They give impressive images (I don't have any such lens yet, but now I am tempted to buy one, probably the Elmarit 19mm as the reps (and some luggers) recommended it highly). Best greetings from a very warm Belgium, Pascal - -------------------------------------------------------- Check out: http://members.xoom.com/cyberplace/ - -------------------------------------------------------- Macintosh PowerBook G3 - it eats Pentium notebooks for lunch - -------------------------------------------------------- <<< PGP public key available on request >>>