[Leica] leica c1- initial reactions

[Photovilla@aol.com]

I just received my first "boat-load" of Leica C1's and I thought I'd share a 
few initial reactions. (I figure Leica delivered them by boat since I ordered 
them about 4 months ago!<ggg>)

1. Nice design...the look in chrome is great. I like the curvy "H" design 
better than the "boxy" Minilux design. (more like the Z2x, but nicer)  They 
have a script Leica logo on top that is quite nice and, of course, the red 
dot on the front.  Chrome is a satin type finish...a little "dull" and 
restrained as it should be. 

2. Controls are minimal and in what seems to be an intelligent layout. It has 
an "OFF" button...which I personally find essential. 

The lens being a 38-105 is probably the best feature in my opinion. I hate 
the 38-70mm range of most p&s cameras and I think that extra bit of tele will 
go a long way. The lens does look a bit odd when zoomed all the way 
out...kind of like a Pinoccio camera.<g> Zoom is relatively quiet, but not as 
quiet as a Minilux Zoom I don't think? Shutter is very quiet...just a little 
"tick." 

3. Camera is smaller and lighter than I expected. It is more of the size of 
the Z2x than the Minilux. While the camera does have a metal shell, it 
doesn't feel as sturdy as a Minilux or Contax TVs...but at the same time it 
feels a bit more substantial then the Z2x which is all plastic. 

4. Nicest packaging of any Leica product except the black paint M6. I know 
this doesn't adds much for most, but considering it is targeted at the P&S 
consumer I think it was a smart move. It looks a lot like the pattern in that 
latest M6 brochure. Black box and "hypno-dots" with C1 embedded in like a 
color vision test.

Over all I think it is a winner for the price and will sell well so long as 
Leica can supply them. 

later,
Rich