Leica Minilux First Impressions and Maybe Last

[@RedDotRepair]

Hey Lukas, I have your camera on my desk right now with your video playing while I perform the repair. Stoked to have your camera shipped back to you soon. I'm just now in the reassembly process as the repair went successfully. How serendipitous to run into your video. Great video!

[@lukasvanderlende]

Oh incredible! Thank you so much and I can’t wait to have it back with a new sense of trust in the camera! Glad your enjoyed the video!

[@FinalManaTrigger]

@RedDotRepair Does the new ribbon have the same issue over time, or is it a modified ribbon that's longer so it won't suffer the same fate? I have a Minilux on the way and if the replacement ribbon is better I'd send it to you to get it replaced right off the bat.

[@sonnymoon1970]

@@FinalManaTrigger im pretty sure the problem with the original ribbon is they stamped a logo onto it, which is the weak spot it breaks at.. and the new one doesn't have that problem... but don't quote me on that.. that's from fuzzy memory

[@RedDotRepair]

@@FinalManaTrigger It's not a bad idea to preemptively replace the ribbon cable. If replaced now, it's unlikely you'll encounter the E02 issue again for another 20 years or so.

[@benjhaisch]

That’s basically how I roll too though when traveling. Klasse W (28/2.8) & M6 + 50lux. Perfect small combo

[@lukasvanderlende]

Not much better than a 28 paired with a 50 or 40. That Klasse W is so nice

[@Turnipagenda]

The Klasse are IMHO the best point and shoots out there.

[@DeeRosa]

Point and shoots are so fun man. Shoulda jumped on one of these when I had the chance!

[@lukasvanderlende]

Dude it’s so good, just FaceTimes with red dot the other day and they have my camera fully functional, if you get another chance I’d do it

[@robertvonthaden]

my minilux has been a paperweight for the past 10 years... been looking for a repair recently and idk how I didn't find reddot in my searches. might have to get mine fixed now. thanks for the insight mate!

[@lukasvanderlende]

Hope you send it in and can start taking pictures with it again! My camera should be back this week!

[@sonnymoon1970]

cool think about the minilux is you can leave them on without the battery wearing out.. s.k. Grimes makes a hood for it, I just never turn mine off. Also solves the flash setting annoyance.

[@lukasvanderlende]

Mine was on because I was worried about it getting the eo2… somehow still did, but happy to have a replaced ribbon now

[@m2create_co]

Thanks for the video! Would you rather recommend the Contax T2 or Leica Minilux?

[@lukasvanderlende]

Minilux

[@jklphoto]

Very sexy in black. I purchased a new one in "titanium" around Y2K for $649. Ran it exclusively with B&W film alongside my two Nikon F100s that shot Portra 400 for small weddings. Def a bit of a squarish brick compared to the Contax T2 (which I also owned). Good luck with the repair. Let us know how it works out!

[@lukasvanderlende]

The titanium is very nice as well, thank you, hoping to get it back soon!

[@JuanHurrea]

amazing review and wonderful photos! :]

[@lukasvanderlende]

Thank you!

[@Leicam10]

The worst thing about good point n shots is that they take better photos then your real camera.

[@lukasvanderlende]

This is so true

[@tweed0929]

Skill issue.

[@IntrovertAmateur]

Sorry for you your Minilux bricked. But I have to say, I'm glad I didn't pull the trigger on one a few months ago, because of this possibility. Right now I use the Olympus Mju 1 and Canon MC for film point and shoot next to my M6. These two don't hurt as much, in case they brick, which can happen anytime with these film point and shoots. Hope you will get your Minilux fixed asap. Thanks for sharing man! :)

[@lukasvanderlende]

One of my friends has a Mju 1 and loves it. I have a XAII if I need any point and shoot for the time being but I’m hoping after this repair the minilux is solid

[@rf8221]

I haven't seen this documented else where but a cool feature that you can do with the Minilux is "zone focus". The Minilux is the only point n shoot camera that I can think of with this ability. I've had mine for just over 10 years and have been lucky with not getting the E02 error. I think it'll be a great video if you get your's repaired and share your experience with the rest of us.

[@lukasvanderlende]

That’s a great idea! Hoping to get it back in a few weeks!

[@seanimal_rex]

The Nikon 35ti and 28ti have this "zone focus" ability

[@ajnajai]

Ricoh GR has zone focus

[@rf8221]

Sounds like there ought to be a pdf on this info somewhere lol.

[@xTwistedFleshX]

Ricoh GR indeed has zone focus and actually fits in your pocket. The perfect complement to an M camera.

[@jeremygouge]

Sorry it bricked brother! The photos were awesome from it though, credit to you not the camera here. Hopefully you can get it back in rotation soon.

[@lukasvanderlende]

Thank you brother! He said it’s a week once the camera hits the shop so 🤞

[@Lawman212]

I've been living with the Olympus Epic Stylus, an originally inexpensive point and shoot. But I've never been confident about its lens. Even seeing video of your pictures showed me how much sharper a point and shoot can be. But at $1100, the minilux is an expensive upgrade. I'm sure the ribbon repair is another $500 at least.

[@lukasvanderlende]

Olympus stylus is great! I had one until it broke, unfortunately nobody fixes them (that I could find) but yeah, it’s definitely an investment for a point and shoot! And at this time the repair was $250

[@jamilor]

The Olympus Epic Stylus takes beautiful pictures.

[@sonnymoon1970]

ive got two epics and two minilux.. I think I uses the epic more.. just so easy to trow in your pocket and take great pictures

[@georgestoichev]

What film did you use for the pictures shown in the video? Is this Ektar?

[@lukasvanderlende]

Fujicolor 200, I was shocked by how it turned out

[@kenthephotoguy]

What color film did you use for your beach shots? It is very nice.

[@lukasvanderlende]

Fujicolor 200 🫡

[@Webrisernl]

Does the mini zoom and c1 also are known with this problem?

[@lukasvanderlende]

Yes, the zoom version doesn’t have an option to replace the ribbon though unfortunately, unsure about the c1

[@Webrisernl]

@@lukasvanderlende so the regular minilux 40mm can be fixed if the problem accure?

[@lukasvanderlende]

@Webrisernl correct, this camera is back and fully operational for me

[@scottwesinger8377]

How much did the repair cost?

[@lukasvanderlende]

It was $250 when I sent it in

[@无聊猿]

which one you love better T2 or minilux，bro

[@lukasvanderlende]

Minilux

[@ChrisLRobinson]

How much they hit you for the repair estimate?

[@lukasvanderlende]

$250 😭

[@lightloving683]

I’ve owned one for quite a while (~20yrs). Like yourself, paired with another body (CLE) with a 28. The 40-28 combo I find ideal when traveling. The images from my Minilux are some of my most printed work. No EO2 error yet but that time may come.

[@benjhaisch]

Nooooooo

[@lukasvanderlende]

I’m hoping to get a couple decades out of it after this repair!! Yeah I was really happy with how the camera functioned, excited to get it back

[@lukasvanderlende]

I know 😭💀

[@christopherx2216]

I am using this one and Ricoh GR 3 XDD

[@lukasvanderlende]

Great combo!