ron_gregorio1 Posted September 18, 2000 Share Posted September 18, 2000 I'm interested in getting a friend's Leica Minilux w/ 40mm 2.4 lens. However, when I tested it, the lens won't retract fully when the camera is switched off. There are no more digits on the LCD display so I think it's off, but the lens stops short of going in the body, thus preventing the lens cover from covering it. My friend showed me a trick to fully retract the lens. He would turn the battery cap at the bottom of the camera half-way open then close it fully. By doing this, he can retract the lens fully. I'm now having second thoughts in getting his camera because of this glitch. I don't want to always turn off the camera by turning the battery cap. Does anyone know how to overcome this? Would this be repairable? <p> Also, does the Bulb function on the Minilux work like a toggle switch, or do I have to hold it down to keep the shutter open? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david_killick Posted September 19, 2000 Share Posted September 19, 2000 Alas Ron, I would not recommend buying this camera. The fix may well be reasonably simple but then you may just get stuck with a duff camera. Ask your friend to get it fixed first, or check the repair cost and deduct it. (Be careful - do you want a friend and no camera or a duff camera and no friend?) My first minilux had faulty electronics; I sent it back to the dealer and it was replaced straightaway. Since then, absolutely no problems. It has an excellent lens and is capable of first-class results. Get a new camera or go through a dealer with a warranty! There is also something to be said for the classic simplicity of the Leica M. You have to keep the shutter depressed during B (it is not like the old T) but the LCD does give you a very useful readout of ti Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robin_smith Posted September 19, 2000 Share Posted September 19, 2000 Ron <p> I had the same experience with my Contax T2. It was the last nail in the coffin and I sold it (it was an intermittant fault). I actaully prefer the Minilux, but I remain wary of these retracting lens cameras because of jams, so have tended to steer well clear of them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ron_gregorio1 Posted September 21, 2000 Author Share Posted September 21, 2000 Thanks for the replies. I'm now having second thoughts on this camera. It's a pity since he's selling it now for half the price of a new one. It's still in good condition after I tested a roll of film through it, but it has that annoying glitch. Maybe I'll look around for a new one. I'm also considering a Ricoh GR1s instead. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
denice_martone Posted October 2, 2000 Share Posted October 2, 2000 Hi Gregorio, <p> My minilux developed this problem so I broke down and had it fixed for $300 at Leica in NJ. I suppose I could have sold it but I really liked it a lot. I also have an M-6TTL but use the minilux for traveling and for slide work. I suggest looking into the newer versions that come with a zoom -- they are great cameras. <p> Denice Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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