'One roll of film with the Leica Minilux' - Alexander Mailänder-Reautschnig

August 31, 2023 Alexander Mailänder-Reautschnig

The Leica Minilux is a compact film camera that truly embodies the essence of classic photography. With its outstanding Summitar lens, robust build quality, and impressive image quality, it's hard not to appreciate this gem.

Let's start with the lens. The Minilux houses a very good Summitar 40mm F/2.4 lens, which delivers remarkable sharpness and excellent contrast. Whether you're capturing portraits or landscapes, the lens performs admirably, providing rich and vibrant images with a pleasing level of detail. It's a joy to work with and undoubtedly contributes to the camera's reputation.

Speaking of the camera itself, the Leica Minilux showcases a well-built design that exudes elegance and durability. The solid construction instills confidence in the user, ensuring that this camera can withstand the rigors of regular use. It's a testament to Leica's commitment to quality craftsmanship.

When it comes to image quality, the Minilux doesn't disappoint. The combination of the superb lens and the camera's well-tuned metering system consistently delivers satisfying results. I have shot a roll of classical Kodak 400TX Tri-X with it. See the following images of it. I used the camera strict in auto setting.

However, no camera is perfect, and the Leica Minilux has two minor drawbacks worth mentioning. Firstly, the viewfinder, while adequate for framing your shots, can feel a bit small and cramped. It might take some time to get used to it, especially for photographers accustomed to larger viewfinders. Additionally, it's unfortunate that the Minilux lacks a hot shoe, limiting the options for external flash usage. This lack can be a slight inconvenience for those who rely on additional lighting or creative flash techniques. Although in my experience this is not a real drawback as the camera is more a nice little companion.

In conclusion, the Leica Minilux is an impressive film camera that offers an exceptional shooting experience. Its remarkable Summitar lens, solid build quality, and satisfying image quality make it a standout choice for enthusiasts and professionals alike. If you appreciate the art of film photography and value a compact yet powerful tool, the Leica Minilux deserves serious consideration.

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'One roll of film with the Leica Minilux' - Alexander Mailänder-Reautschnig

All images and text © Alexander Mailänder-Reautschnig