What Minox 35 Do You Recommend?

[mozart 2]

I am considering the purchase of a Minox 35mm camera for my son-in-

law, who is a truck driver, but who is also becoming very interested

in photography. I thought that this small compact camera would be

very appropriate for his on the road experiences and for any other

type of quick candid shots he might wish to make.

 

Since we are giving he and our daughter a refurbished Canon A-1 with

a few lenses to begin their family photography - they are soon to be

parents, I think that the addition of a Minox 35mm camera would be an

added treat for him and his on the road experiences.

 

Unfortunately, it has been a long time since I worked in a camera

shop - decades - and I am not currently up to date on the better

models - reliability, performance, etc. of the various compact Minox

models.

 

Any thoughts or shared experiences will be greatly appreciated.

 

Thanks!

 

Bill

[keith_slater]

I can tell you without hesitation to not get a kiev 35 as a cheap replacement. I wanted a small pocket camera and liked the minox 35's. I bought a kiev 35, it lasted one roll. I ended up getting a olympus

xa2 and am now quite happy.

[MTC Photography]

Minox 35ML, Minox GT-E, GT-E2, GT-X

[jeffpolaski]

Ditto Martin. If my ML ever totally failed, I'd probably replace it with another one.

[subminiature]

<p>The Kiev 35A is very good and very cheap, unfortunately even a new one may

have problems. The one I have, which is new, gives the same readings under all

light conditions. There is also doubts about getting one that is light tight.<br>

<br>

A GT or any of the later models are good and usually reliable. See</p>

<p><a href="http://www.submin.com/35mm/collection/minox">

http://www.submin.com/35mm/collection/minox</a></p>

<p>ML, MB, Touring, MDC models have LED readings for the shutter speed, the

other models use a swinging needle. As personal preferance I prefer the ML for

this reason; among others.</p>

<p>The Minox 35mm has no built in flash and so you factor that in - more cost

and more to carry. Any second hand camera may also need servicing; many have

been left unused for a decade and a simply cleaning of contacts may be

sufficient and then they last years without problems. Also being plastic you

can't leave it where the sun may heat it up and a cab or car are hostile places

to keep a camera.</p>

<p>I would also consider a Minox M*142 as this camera is sold for $40 has an

excellent lens and being brand new comes with warranty. This are old stock. I

have also picked up CD112 and CD70 for even less, brand new. I prefer the size

of the CD150, but that is much more money (120EURO).</p>

<p>For a camera to carry and for which the biggest lost is the current film look

at the large number of near mint APS cameras. A Canon Ixus II or III is under

$40, more if complete with original packaging. they are made of metal (still a

lot of plastic parts) have zoom and built in flash. </p>

<p><a href="http://www.submin.com/aps/collection">

http://www.submin.com/aps/collection</a></p>

<p>Film is more expensive to process, but they are so compact and neat that you

will not leave it behind and can take photographs any time the opportunity

arises. Some photographers are buying them to carry in the car in case of

accident, even cheap ones (e.g. Minolta GX-2 for $8) even thought they don't

really like the format. Short length films also mean you can get processing more

frequently - more cost, but also more fun.</p>

<p>If size is not an issue I would select the 35ML with MF35ST and M*142 as first consideration. </p>

<p>Gerald</p>

<p> </p>

[gadge]

Bill,

 

You might like to be aware that the ML is said to have had a major shutter revision to help relibility and that this is detectable by serial number range. I forget where exactly, I discovered this a while ago on the 'Net and what the serial numbers were and don't have time to look it up now but maybe I will remember later or some kind person will post a link. I seem to recall that the revised ML model coincided with the release of another Minox which also had the revised shutter (MDC?).

 

The ML's program exposure and exposure lock features gives good handling for snapshots with the option of AV exposure when needed for DOF control. Exposure adjustment is easy using the manual film speed setting or the built in little button for backlight adjustment and there is a self timer too. There are a couple of flash options in ML specific models or many other brands via the hot shoe if you aren't fussed how it looks on the camera body. All in all a nice little package that gives good results.

[gadge]

http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=008BK7

[gadge]

The site in question re the serial numbers was in fact subminiture site referenced earlier in the thread. See info under ML model.

 

Here is an example pic that I shot with an ML:-

 

http://www.photo.net/photo/3147121

[dan_mitchell4]

The 35ML is a great camera and uses an easily available battery, unlike some other models. With a fast film it makes a very good "always in your pocket" camera.