Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2000/11/27
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]I have a 35 GSE + Flash, purchased new about three years ago, after the camera had been discontinued. I liked the design better than the (more expensive) GTE with that big red Minox logo across (sounds familiar, eh?). The lack of multicoating on a four element lens didn't bother me. And the GSE comes without that silly, fixed skylight filter (sounds familiar, again?)! The camera fired the flash whenever I opened the lens door, but the warranty repair took only some two weeks. I live in Germany, so it went throught German mail (usually ovenight delivery) direct to Minox in Giessen. Although it is all plastic it is "Mercedes Benz" quality plastic (not "Daimler-Chrysler" for godness sake!!!). Just open and close the retractable lens and will know what I mean. The camera is quite reliable, but its small size is seductive in terms of carrying it in gritty, tight pant pockets rather than properly protected against dust. I understand the camera is not sealed and dust can cause trouble in the electro-magnetic shutter control. Here in Germany Minox 35s are easily available used and cheap for DM 200+ and often for less. But many samples I checked in shops had a slighlty loose film back. Probably nothing serious, but a very noticeable difference to my "new" GSE. Don't forget that some are 20 years old! So I do not regret of having bought my sample "new" and with non-mercury batteries. Overall I would say the Minox 35 is more appropriate supplementary camera for R/M users than these rebadged Leica point and shoot cameras. However, I wonder about the Minox/Leica marketing strategy, because both companies offer rebadged p&s cameras under their name. Check for further details: http://www.greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a.tcl?topic=MINOX%20FAQ Hans-Peter