There's lots on the web for this camera.
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Features:
Quality 35mm zoom compact camera with high-grade titanium body High-speed Leica Vario-Elmar 35-70mm zoom lens (f/3.5 to f/6.5) Fully automatic controls with additional manual settings Hot shoe for optional add-on flash unit, plus built-in flash
Editorial Reviews Amazon.com Product Description The Leica Minilux Zoom offers the fastest zoom lens ever put on a compact Leica--the Vario-Elmar 35-70mm zoom lens. Housed in a body of high-grade titanium, this is one of the most versatile and deluxe compact 35mm cameras ever made. Another feature that makes the Minilux Zoom stand out is a hot shoe mount for the Leica CF flash unit (sold separately) in addition to the built-in flash. This allows you to reduce red-eye and light up objects from a greater distance. The Minilux Zoom also offers an active infrared autofocus or manual focusing from about 28 inches to infinity. The exposure metering system is center-weighted for extremely accurate exposures. Other outstanding features include a self-timer with 10-second countdown indicated by a flashing red light, tripod thread, data back for date imprinting, and an exposure value memory function which allows you to calculate your exposure from an object that is not in the center of your picture frame. The Minilux Zoom also has a number of exposure and focus settings that allow for a great deal of creative control. It can even be set to start out on your preferred mode every time you turn on the camera.
About Leica Seventy-five years ago, the first Leica camera was introduced to the public at the 1925 Leipzig Spring Fair. At the time, it was by far the most innovative 35mm camera ever produced (as well as one of the very first). Since then, no camera in the world has been more widely acclaimed for continuously meeting the highest standards of excellence in both optical precision and design quality. Notably, many internationally acclaimed photographers such as Henri Cartier-Bresson and Sebastião Salgado have used Leica cameras throughout their careers. We think you'll find that Leica compact cameras maintain the same integrity as the M and R models used by the pros, but at more affordable prices. The lenses in all Leica 35mm cameras are still designed by the Leica optical department in Solms, Germany. Every compact camera is also tested for quality in Germany before being released. When you choose Leica, you are buying into one of the great traditions in the history of photography.
Expensive but well worth it..., February 5, 2002 Reviewer: Matt (see more about me) from Brooklyn, NY USA I'm going to make it very simple. Leica when it comes to cameras is like a Land Rover when it comes to jeeps. Of course you can buy a Cherokee or a Chevy Blazer but if you want reliability, quality and durability you would go for Land Rover. Same goes for Leica... If you are looking for strong, sharp, durable piece of equipment that will not fail you and has possibilities of being expanded, Minilux Zoom is the way to go. You have to realize before purchase that this camera has a relatively short zoom by industry standard (only 2x). Lens is not as fast aperture wise as original Minilux. But the quality of optics and output is superior to many cameras and comparable only to Contax T series. This camera is not for everyone due to the price and some features that are fairly limited for regular/average user. On the other hand for a pro, serious amateur or journalist Minilux Zoom offers features (manual focusing, exposure compensation and full flash control) that they would truly appreciate. Having control over their exposure in such a small package without compromising the image quality is quite rare to get. Anyone who had to drag/carry his/her SLR (single lens reflex) cameras will understand and cherish the value of this piece. Also in order to fully benefit from this camera a basic knowledge and understanding of photography principles is very helpful. Also additional possibilities such as mounting extra flash, bulb mode and cable release makes it an all around camera as well.
Reviewer: Clement Trudeau (see more about me) from Scottsdale, AZ USA I have owned both the Minilux and the Minilux Zoom ; I have since resold the Minilux Zoom. The lens is simply too slow compared with the less expensive Minilux which uses a fast (bright) 40mm lens which is much closer to what the eye sees (50mm).I worked for the National Film Board of Canada,I have used many cameras but when I travel I bring only the Minilux because it takes incredible pictures even in the worst low light conditions and even without the flash; I use inside churches and museums with the flash turned off. A zoom this size is simply too slow to be useful, 3 steps forward or three steps back will produce the same result with the Minilux and you will be able to take incredible pictures in those low light conditions. Save your money, buy the Minilux. It's the lens that counts.
Superp, February 15, 2001 Reviewer: Boonchai from Bkk, Thailand Yes, it is an excellemt one . buT gotta learn and experiience how to use it for better result eg. yr hand must be quite steady when shoot. But the result is more than I can say! If money is no object , should get one.
Terrific Quality Compact, January 3, 2001 Reviewer: Craig Calhoun from New York, NY USA The only realistic competition for the Leica Minilux zoom is the Contax. For a bit more money, that has an equal or better lens and is smaller. But, it also fits hands and fingers less well and has somewhat more complex mechanics (since Contax decided to add an automatic lens cover--convenient, but a likely maintenance problem). The Leica Minilux gives one the confidence of quality construction and an attractive, slightly retro, design.
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