Leica R3 vs. Minolta XE Comparative Review

For this video, Greg and I drove all the way out to the holy city of Wetzlar in order to do a comparative review of two cameras from the 1970s, namely the Leica R3 and the Minolta XE-1. The Leica R3 came out of a collaboration between the German Ernst Leitz company (which later became Leica Camera AG) and the Japanese camera manufacturer Minolta. The two cameras share many parts. Time for an in-depth comparison.
Gear used:
Minolta XE-1
Minolta MC 28-70mm
Minolta MD 70-210mm
Leica R3
Leica Elmarit-M 24mm
Leica Vario-Elmar-M 28-70mm
Leica Summicron-M 90mm
Films used:
Ilford FP4+
Ilford Pan F 50
Dev & scan:
www.meinfilmlab.de
If you'd like to get in touch or see some early behind the scenes footage, find me on Instagram: / analog_insights

[@Raychristofer]

Hello Max I have to give you credit for still showing your images even though the cameras malfunctioned. some reviewers might have a meltdown or not upload the episode but its important that you did and had a balanced viewpoint. Ive shot episodes over when i realized I made errors but maybe I can learn from this. my favorite shot was those mirrored disc sculptures. its good you have shooting partners to spar with. just this morning I uploaded a review of the Super Takumar 28mm, took about 2 months to put together. keep doing your thing bro.

[@barrycohen311]

Well said man. Actually, those cropped ones were really interesting. I can even see someone pushing them as some art photography concept.

[@Raychristofer]

@@barrycohen311 Very interesting. I never thought of that.

[@NBartrina]

You excel in getting a lot from sometimes not so great topics. Another example today. Great video , as always. I learned something I never heard before.

[@paulsehstedt6275]

I started shooting Minolta SRT101 in 1968 and used a couple of bodies untill 1999, when I had to change too leica R 6.2. Minolta was a sturdy camera for a press photographer. Easy. reliable and fast change of lenses. I've still my first SRT101 as well as my R 6.2

[@northof-62]

I'm revisiting your review today as I'm picking up my first Minolta - the simplified XE-5. Exciting times! Double likes from me! (The seller, a Spaniard living here in Norway didn't want any money until I've tried it, he just mailed it to me including film and a 50mm 1.7! Real photographers are the nicest people!)

[@stillben]

This is a new angle...historical context camera history and review. Bravo

[@ChizAfterHours]

Hi Max! I ended up buying an XE-7 back in December of 2019 after watching this video. Sadly, the aperture contacts inside are corroded, but with an external meter the camera is a joy to use. Eventually I will send it out to be internally refurbished. I wanted to add though that I really enjoy your content on your channel and your passion for these vintage cameras. At the end of your Minolta XD-7 video you talked about how the camera was passed down to you from your father. My collection (4 cameras so far) is all Minolta, but it began a few years ago when I had to dust my Dad's SrT-202 off for my college photo class. I've run countless rolls through the camera, but just the other night I was out with my Dad doing some night shooting around town. He stopped and just smiled as I unloaded my last roll and commented on how he had done that countless times over his life with the very same camera. He bought it brand new in 1976. In 1977 my parents got married, and ever since then that camera had documented their lives and my own until he put it away in 2008 with four frames shot on a roll of Kodak Gold 200. Fast forward to 2017 and I finished that roll for my first time with an analog camera, and today I shoot one to three rolls a week (besides digital). It's these connections that really make keeping these old tools going worth while, and I'm sure you would agree that many of them will last forever. Again, thanks for the great videos and your personal opinions and stories that make the videos great. Best wishes.

[@JustinEspejo]

your videos are always so informative!

[@joefaracevideos]

Thanks you so much Max and Greg for this wonderful video that highlights two interesting cameras. This video provides a wonderful service to the whole community of analog shooters. Danke schön

[@sundarAKintelart]

Thank you for bringing back the beautiful memories. I used XD 11, XE-1, x-700, SRt Super and many Minolta lenses. The very unique 24mm f2.8 VFC, which I still keep.

[@punkrachmaninoff]

holding a minolta in a 3-piece... classic.

[@douggottlieb]

Your videos are always terrific but this one was particularly enjoyable! THANK YOU for sharing the photos with "issues." I actually LIKE the odd, panoramic looking unintended cropping caused by the mirror blockage, even in the portraits! My only complaint about this (and all) of your videos is that it makes me want to buy more old cameras! THANKS

[@whitegeorgejefferson4348]

Nobody does comprehensive technical reviews better. Additionally, the diction, the turtlenecks, occasional glasses, calm intelligent delivery, and music all make for a well-rounded final product.

[@AnalogInsights]

Thank you so much for your kind feedback. I really appreciate it. 🙏🏻

[@davidjb9199]

@@AnalogInsights Totally agree. One of the reasons I subscribed. Hope that feedback helps! Your reviews/videos are one of the reasons why I acquired an R7 and 50mm ver 2 F2. Extremely solid choice. Also enjoy my Contact RTS II with Carl Zeiss 50mm F1.7 very much. Very hard to say if my favorite cameras are Japanese or German these days....Good Job.

[@sophrapsune]

Great review, very honest. Somewhere in that video is a lot of love. Need a repair of that mirror! Thank you.

[@franktatom1837]

I purchased an XE-5 last year and had a camera repair service clean and adjust it. When I got it back, I shot a roll with it and noted that, on some shots, the meter seemed off. I traced the issue to the ISO dial on my camera (working it back and forth while looking in the viewfinder, the meter would jump about). By working it back and forth, the contacts finally began to function properly, and the issue was solved. Of course, one's hand often touches the ISO dial when shooting, which could cause this issue.

[@quite1enough]

this channel is simply amazing..

[@AnalogInsights]

Oh wow. Thank you so much!

[@rmle23]

Great video about two very good cameras The R3 is based in Minolta XE design, but inside they are some differences, the XE only have a small electronic board above the pentaprism and the R3 has that same board and more two more boards they are mounted laterally to the pentaprism housing. In the mirror box they have another CDS cell for spot metering that XE don´t have. The shutter is better constructed in the R3 and more smooth too. I know this differences because I made by myself a complete restoration in my R3, specially in the viewfinder.

[@jllanesphoto]

Beautiful video. Bought a Minolta XE7, great camera. Thank you!

[@amplifierheadache]

I acquired my XE-7 last summer at a community rummage sale, the camera was a black body, came with a 50mm f2 lens, and case. I picked it up under 10USD fast forward a few months and while getting a exam at my dentists office he told me that he had his fathers cameras and would I be interested in them as he would love to see someone use them who actually enjoyed shooting film. I of course said yes. A week later I picked up a Yashica Tl-Electro and a Minolta XG-1, the Yashica unfortunately was broken, and my attempts to repair it made it abundantly clear that there wasn't too many salvageable parts from it. I found use still in it's 50mm 1.9 lens and case for my J-5 however. The Minolta was a different story, the camera was fully operational with the exception of the meter which will not light up, but the icing was the 50mm 1.4 lens that was on the body. About four days later my town was unfortunately destroyed by a devastating wildfire. I was able to save my modest camera collection as the fire ceased it's crawl a mile from my home, but the area was a loss and I had also lost my job and such and was forced to relocate. I am very fortunate and blessed to have survived and sustained minimal loss from the fire itself. But last year had numerous misfortunes, none of which I am dwelling on. I continue to further my collection of lesser loved machines and my skills in the arts. Keep up the good work, I myself am getting ready to relaunch my second (now main) channel with better quality videos and content. Cheers -Shane

[@-webfootoctopus7896]

One of the best channel... really

[@charlesmorgan8440]

Everything is so personal, but while I like Minolta lenses a lot, I utimately decided the Leitz R lenses produce the most pleasing images of any 35mm format camera I've shot.

[@marcp.1752]

Whileas i do like the Leica-R Lenses, i've found them overrated, overpriced. Contax Zeiss C/Y Lenses back then, 35-40+ years ago, have been sometimes even better, -sharper...whileas being cheaper, than the Leica-R Gear. I am shooting them for decades.

[@Original_Pepe_Pupu]

I still have an XE-7 (which came in all-black). The shutter mechanism still feels wonderful.

[@kultursender6507]

The haptical feeling when using the R3 is impressively. It is a heavy and very well made housing and precise mechanics. However the camera is from the 1970s and the electronic of the lightmeter system becomes more and more unreliable. It needed four trials until I have bought a perfect Leica R3 from a collector - a camera that looks like just produced by Leica Portugal and fully functional with original leather-ever-ready-case. To keep such a Leica alive, professional lubrication and replacement of the lightseals on the camera backdoor is strictly required. Most of the Leica R series cameras can be bought for a small amount about 100 Euro up to 400 Euro. R6, R8 and R9 are more expensive, of course. But - this is important for analog beginners: It is very very difficult to find suitable Leica R-lenses on the used market. A standard lense 50mm f 1:2 normally cannot be found under 300 Euro. Wide angle lenses are quite more expensive. It is generally a danger by buying such older lenses to get one that has fog or fungus inside the optical lense system. While a little dust is normall and unavoidable. A special thing on Leica lenses is that they are using cemented lenses. In some cases this can spark off problems with fog between the lenses if the lense was roughly used or inexpertly storaged. It is really important to proof the serial no. and production year of the lense before the purchase. Early production series are made for Leicaflex models. They also have a Leica R-bajonett. However most Leica R-lenses produced before 1976 do not provide the controll curve that is needed to transfer the apature setting from the lense to camera (Leica R3, R4, R5, R6, R7). This does mean: By using a older Leica R-lense (made before 1976) the camera light meter is not ready for open apature measuring due to the missing controll curve on the lense bajonett. It is necessary to press the apature stopp lever (right side of the camera´s lense attachment) to receive correct informations from the camera lightmeter before taking the picture/ pressing the trigger.

[@ashzhu3085]

I've never shot film. I started my photography in the digital era. However I still find your channel inspiring. I think it's because no matter film or digital, the same photography is behind them.

[@joshing_you7871]

Wow just bought the Minolta Xe-1 for $80, it’s my first film camera. Thank uou

[@DutchAussieProductions]

Thanks for the video. My Minolta XE-1 still works perfectly after all those years. This has been and still is my all time favourite camera. I can pick it up and after switching on can make a photo within a second. Something I still can't do with my Sony A 77M2. I still use the Minolta lenses.

[@DE-iv8if]

The Shutter of the Minolta XE-1 / XE-7 actually was a Co-Developement between Leitz and Copal (Copal-Leitz-Shutter CLS). As far as I know, it was mainly developed by Leitz (Germany) and modified for Mass-Production and produced by Copal (Japan) and used exclusivly in Cameras from Leitz (Leica R3) or Minolta (XE-1,-5,-7).. I liked its Sound..

[@benconover72]

Excellent vid thanks.

[@Falkenroth1]

I own a XE-7. Inherited it from my grandfather. Excellent condition and shoot film from time to time with it. Awesome feeling camera in the hand. Still have the receipt when he bought it in 1977. Paid $800 for it and a Rokkor 50mm 1.4 which i have also and use it on my mirrorless cameras.

[@Daniel.Anugerah]

Great Video. Got the XE because of this video

[@ceritat625]

Lovely video as always, I learnt something new even though I would most likely never buy or use these cameras, the knowledge I gained is valuable. Well said, film photography is just like life, one has to take the good with the bad and the unknown is the very thing I love about it. I intensely dislike the predictable nature of digital photography, but this is just my opinion of course :).

[@AnalogInsights]

Thanks so much for your comment. I really appreciate it. Happy to hear that you could get something out of it even if the cameras are not your cup of tea. :) And yes, I can relate to your dislike of the predictability of digital photography. There are always two sides to the coin though. :)

[@Stefan.Rehmann]

Super Video mal wieder :-) und was für ein Zufall, ich habe auch eine LEICA R3 ;)

[@VirtualGuth]

I appreciate both Minolta and Leica cameras & lenses. I purchased a Minolta XD11 back in the late 70’s and shot with it for more than 20 years. I loved the camera but unfortunately more than once it developed the same intermittent problem as the XE1 in this video. I finally lost all faith in the camera the third time the metering system began to fail. In 2000 I purchased a Leica M6 TTL. Given the going rate for these cameras and their associated lenses I had thoughts of selling my M system. So a few years ago I found a nice Minolta CLE for a good price. In the end I wound up keeping both the M6 and the CLE. I’ll typically shoot black & white film in the M6 and color film in the CLE. The two cameras complement each other very nicely and the multi-coated M-Rokkor lenses are little gems.

[@keldmikkelsen5246]

I have two Leica R3s that both have a (congenital) defect. The film advance is very tight. It is so tight that the winder (Winder R3) gives up/stops halfway through the film roll! (I have four R3 winders - and they all show the same problem!). Even without a winder, it's remarkable that Leica's engineers have overlooked this problem (the film stretch gets tighter and tighter as the number of exposures increases!). Another issue is the similarly poorly constructed flimsy plastic take-up spool, which makes it extremely difficult to load film into the camera safely. Instead of the Leica R3, I would suggest a Nikon F3 or an Olympus OM-2n for those who want to shoot with film. Two reliable cameras (with electronics that still work perfectly!) with lenses at a fraction of what Leica lenses cost!

[@dummatube]

We bought Leica R3, R4 and R4s and R8 cameras then invested over $25.000 in the M Series digital models and lenses. They were all constent - that is they were ALL consistently the most unreliable cameras we have ever used for commercial photography! Like Jaguars we had to buy two of each so that we could use one while the other one was visiting the service center every other week! To top things off the snobbish Leitz staff had no interest in offering any support or loan equipment when our production pressure was on! We use Fujifilm cameras now and are 100% happy with their interface, technology and brilliant support!

[@calvinchann1996]

I’d say definitely change up to Leica. I recently acquired a R6.2 for when the electronics in these old film cameras die. Loving the feel of it.

[@NorceCodine]

Every Leica SLR was ten years behind the competition and they hoped that enthusiastic amateurs will shell out thousands of dollars for the Leica lenses, which in turn will keep camera production alive. But by the 1990-s every Leica was hopelessly obsolete, while the Minolta Dynax 9 (Alpha-9 in Japan) was challenging the Nikon F5 for SLR supremacy and Minolta lenses were among the most affordable. Thats the company you want.

[@splootan]

Great video as always! Quick question I’m thinking of getting either the Leicaflex or the R3! Which one would you recommend? Thanks 🙏

[@marcelocampoamor4761]

Hi Max, well done. As you know the R3 has two years later technological advancement in terms of electronics in relation to the XE-1, I think the emergence of Olympus compact cameras OM-1 and OM-2 made Minolta no longer focused on large cameras and instead focused on the XD-7 which was a much more advanced camera than both the R3 and XE-1 cameras. If I remember correctly, the XD-7 ,was your first camera. and it became the basis for the further development of the R series internals.

[@ssejllenrad561]

Love this channel. The fact that Pau Gasol is the host is an added bonus. Hehehe! Seriously though... Sometimes, stepping back and relieving oneself from the toxicity of the growing gearhead consumerism mentality of modern photography is the way to go. New doesn't necessarily mean better. More AF points this, higher resolution that, finer pixels here, newer sensor there. Ugh. Thank god film photography is still alive.

[@russelljenkins756]

I have nothing but love for analog anything, but it’s good to see film photography making a comeback. I took two years of darkroom only to watch it all disappear … Currently I own a Fuji T4 but a lot of my camera collection centers around Minolta and Olympus, three XD11’s. After watching this, at some point, I will buy a R3.

[@christopherward5065]

That was really wonderful. I wanted to be shooting FP4 with orange or, yellow filters and getting beautiful tonal black and white with you. The two cameras were indicative of two companies at the tops of their games. Minolta lenses were beautiful and Leitz are renowned for their glass. The R3 cameras were overpriced and a little too precious to be universally used as tools but, I think Sebastiao Salgado shot many of his most iconic images through Leica SLRs. That beautiful microcontrast and tonality paid riches in lending that show-stopping three dimensional plasticity to his portraits in the field.

[@UwePeche]

The XE is my most used Camera ever. You get mechanical a Leica with cheap (but good) Lenses.

[@briceliaud7693]

Hi. Thank you for your work on this channel! The colors of all your pictures always look really good. When I think to my (negatives and my) scans, I feel jealous ! Do you develop your films by yourself, or do give them to a laboratory? And what about the scans?

[@ianthomas465]

Brice Liaud, in most cases we develop and scan the films ourselves. In this case, beeing very busy we sent them for developing and scanning to a lab. For scanning 35mm film I use my old Pentax slide copier which I adapted to my Pentax K1. This provides an outstanding quality of the scans and is without competition when it has to be fast. I will test it now also for medium format film, which I scan currently with an Epson V500. Cheers, Greg

[@richardg6109]

Nice comparison. I believe this Minolta model also has a serious problem with the leatherette peeling.

[@marcelocampoamor4761]

not with this one , the leatherette peeling was a problem with the first model of the XD-7(11) series

[@jaisbr]

I haven’t tried the Leica but the Minolta XE has my favourite shutter sound of any camera. I prefer the Minolta XD, but the XE sounds better

[@DE-iv8if]

The Shutter of the Minolta XE-1 actually is a Co-Developement between Leitz and Copal (Copal-Leitz-Shutter CLS). I liked its Sound too! :)

[@JuzTroublez]

I have an XE5 and i swear I have an orgasm every time I press the shutter. LMAO!!!

[@akirsch76]

I'm pretty sure that everyone who's happy with his own camera should never touch a Leica. Once you get used to the quality and precision of a Leica you are no longer happy with another camera. That has happened to me ;-). For Leica R cameras this is not so dangerous because they are not so pricy compared to Leica M.

[@Kref3]

The very first analog camera I bought was a Nikon FE, then a Yashica MAT124, then a Nikon FM2 and a Hasselblad. And then I bought Leica M6 and M2, back then around 2010 they were affordable (paid less than 600 EUR for my M6, not a pretty one, but technically perfectly OK). What do I own now? The FE and MAT124 are on more or less permanent lent to a friend, I use Nikon F2AS and FM3a, Hasselblad 501 CM and a Rolleiflex 3.5E. What do I not own anymore? Anything from Leica. I just did not like them. Rangefinders are not my thing and I simply are not interested in them anymore. Plus I really do not feel that they felt of higher quality or precision than my professionally maintained (aka sovered) F2AS, which is simply a behemoth that shouts rugged quality and heftiness. I do understand what is so special about Leicas to many people. The images I got were really good. But they are not the cameras I ever enjoyed using.

[@VirtualGuth]

I use a Leica M6 as well as a Minolta CLE. I enjoy them both.

[@astromeeting]

Well, interesting Video. Thanks! I don't think the R3 has a sticky mirror. The shadow would be at the bottom of the frames and it would be less sharp. I think the shutter is not working and what we see is the shadow of a shutter blade.

[@user-it7cu1di5y]

It is interesting to know why they chose this design. Can I see interviews with specialists Leica?

[@soundchecked123]

i feel like the mirror blocking the frame create some interesting composition

[@EItinerant]

I've never held a R-3 (nor a Minolta XK) so have nothing to compare. But I prize my XE-7 as perhaps the finest-made Minolta SLR of the 70s.

[@yorkieinnz4648]

Nice review. The Leica is out of reach for me so my Minolta X700 with 50mm f1.7 lens will have to do.

[@barrycohen311]

I have a Minolta X700 and a Leica M2. Both in excellent condition. And I enjoy shooting them both. As for image quality, both great.

[@martincebrero2288]

Wonderful... 🙏🏼✨🙌🏼

[@matteovrizzi]

Another excellent video. Shame they didn’t share the same lens mount. I imagine Leitz would have veto’d that. Ps is Greg your father?

[@ianthomas465]

matteovrizzi , if I had started very early Max could be my son. But he isn‘t ☹️. So I have only five children and not six. Cheers, Greg

[@matt-lang]

Are the underexposure and shutter issues common with these models? I'm looking to pick up an older analog camera and these two were ones I was looking at.

[@georgehuman7253]

Got XE-5 and I love it. It feels like Nikon F2 in hand to me :D

[@TheGameCalledReality]

you should do a review on the minolta xd and the leica r4/r5!

[@anthonybrunotheodd]

Minolta’s old slogan was “Only from the mind of Minolta!” Such a clever slogan.

[@johnirby493]

"The Leicas age better" Of course, they were not just thrown into the corner of a closet, like the Minoltas were. They were polished and wrapped in velvet, before storing in the safe.

[@marcp.1752]

I do like my XD7.....i do know the Story about them, the XE and R3, Minolta - Leica Collaboration back then. There's also the Minolta CLE, a better Leica CL (analogue) Camera.

[@jta1]

What lens hood are you using in the Leica R3? Thanks!

[@journeyquest1]

My first 35mm camera was an XE5 w 1.4 50mm my father bought me back when they first came out around 1975. I still have it along with another XE5 and a couple XE7s. Light meters are a problem with these cameras. Also have an SRT 102 in black and an X700 with motor drive. Looking to add a Nikon F3 and some Nikkor lens since i have Nikon DSLRs.

[@ga1732]

Thanks for the review, I just bought a r3 and I think I got some problems with, but i can't find lightmetter issues or explaination about... can someone link me something about ? thanks

[@BriansPhotoShow]

The electronic Nikkormats also used a Copal Square shutter. Is it the same one as the XE, or does "Copal Square" cover a range of products built to various manufacturers specifications?

[@DE-iv8if]

As far as I know the Shutter in the Minolta XE was _not_ called the "Copal Square" Shutter.. The Shutter was called "Copal-Leitz CLS" (Copal-Leitz-Shutter) and it was only used in the Leica R3 and in the Minolta XE(-1, -5, -7)... It is a vertically traveling Focal Plane Shutter ..

[@Cybjon]

I notice, though, that the zoom you're using on the Leica is actually made by Sigma.

[@francoisthailande2440]

Cool idea of video ! Sadly electronic is known to be the weakness of these bodies, their successors XD-7 and R4 are usually more reliable. At 8:49 you have a 24mm 2.8 Elmarit-R which is also based on a Minolta optical formula ! As you already has an XD-7 if you can get a Rokkor 24mm 2.8 and a R4 body you'll be able to make an other great vidéo like this =D

[@AnalogInsights]

Thanks so much for your comment. That's very interesting. I didn't know that the cameras are known for weaknesses in their electronics. And yes, my XD-7 is still running smoothly. Love this cameras as well.

[@francoisthailande2440]

@@AnalogInsights Actually XE-1, as well as XM/XK/X-1, are Minolta's first generation of SLRs with electronics, which was kinda fragile. A repair specialist told me that the R3 was even worst because of Leica improvments with proprietary components. However being a Leica i assume it is still possible to repair an R3 even if it will probably cost more than the value of the body itself. Electronic failure on a Minolta XE body may be very hard to repair :-/

[@andhikawibisana7906]

François THAÏLANDE hi, can the XE-1 operates without battery?

[@francoisthailande2440]

@@andhikawibisana7906 Hi, sadly not. The shutter is electronically controled and require a 3V silver battery or two 1.5V SR44 batteries to work. It only offers a mechanical speed of 1/90 sec. and Bulb as a backup.

[@ronkrijbolder437]

Basicaly these cameras are the same, but using both the Leica and the minolta XE shows that the adjustments Leica made causes a huge difference in shuttersound etc. The Leica R3 feels better more solid in use. Same is the case with the Leica R4 and minolta XD series. But to be honest i started admiring the minolta XE and XD.

[@md-lc8gq]

By the way, Leica made the Minolta 800mm while the R-mount 24mm f2.8, 35-70mm as well as the 70-210mm (+ one more I can't remember) are Minolta designs.

[@jmtubbs1639]

but the 28-70 Vario-Elmar-R of 1990 was a Sigma and Leica cooperation, according to Hove Camera Guide

[@Dr.GeoDave]

I owned an XE back when they first came out. The auto exposure was terrible. It consistently over exposed when I was using it on western landscape shots. I even sent it in for repair which didn’t solve the problem. Eventually sold it and bought an OM 2s, much better.

[@jlwilliams]

It was probably exposing for the foreground, which was something Minolta's CLC metering systems were prone to do. The concept was very sophisticated - the center reading would get more weight in contrasty light and the surround would get more weight in less contrasty light - but needed intervention in many situations such as sky shots and verticals. Minolta kept tweaking it over the years to make it less touchy, and eventually it didn't differ much from a plain center-weighted averaging system, but then it didn't work as well for spotlight and backlight as the original CLC.

[@DE-iv8if]

@@jlwilliams Yes. The Metering System in the Minolta XE Cameras was really good and (at least from my Experience) also _very_ reliable! At least when You know how it workes and what its Limitations are.. :D From my Understanding of Minolta's CLC Metering System, the Minolta XE Cameras used two CDS Cells: One for the upper Part of the Frame (usually the "Background" in a Picture) and one for the lower Part of the Frame (usually the "Foreground" in a Picture.. ) And in my Opinion it also was (somehow) weighted for the Foreground.. So maybe it was an early "multi Zone Metering" System with at least two Zones.. (Foreground / Background) :D But it also _seems_ (but I do not know exactly.. ) to react differently according to the Contrast in the two Zones. :D (Maybe hence the Name "CLC" = Contrast Light Compensation... :D ) So for Example (and in my Experience) in Low Contrast Situations it (more or less) simply averaged the Metering Results of the two Metering Zones. But under more "High" contrasty Conditions (For Example a Landscape) it weighted a bit more for the Foreground. This worked very well. But only if You had not _too_ much Sky in the Picture and it also does not work if You make a vertical Shot, with a lot of Sky (on the Left and Right Side of the Frame) or when the Opposite is the Case, a lot of dark Parts were in the Picture and the Main Subject (of Interest) was bright but small.. In such Cases You had to manually compensate + or - for better Results... But I almost only had very good Results with the Metering System of the Minolta XE.

[@jlwilliams]

DE2017 Originally, I think they masked the cells (which were mounted on mini-prisms cemented to slopes of the main prism) so one saw only the center and the other saw everything except the center. The cells were connected in a bridge circuit that behaved as you describe: the less similar the readings, the more weight was given to the center cell. Eventually they switched to a more foreground/background weighting to deal with landscapes, although that had problems for vertical compositions. A case of a good idea for which the technology wasn't quite ready; as you note, more sophisticated meter cells eventually made multi-zone metering practical.

[@TucsonAnalogWorkshop]

I have shot with every major SLR of the 70s (Minolta, Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Olympus...and a few not so major ones) and Minolta glass produces images most similar to Leica lenses, no question about it

[@anthonyvaughan1549]

Can you talk about the leica R4 controls etc lens.?

[@tomislavmiletic_]

It's unpossible to find a used Leica film camera in my country. And even if you find one, it costs a ridiculous amount of money. On the flip side, the only time I stoumbled upon Minolta X-E1, in the set with X-700, x-300 and a bunch of lenses, the whole set was filled with mold beyond belief. I never saw something like that, not even on the internet! So sadly, I had to pass on that one...

[@syauqejamaludin]

Subscribed

[@silvans.7529]

what MD Lenses do you recommend the most not counting the 50 to 58 focal length? Which lenses do you own?

[@AnalogInsights]

Thanks for your comment. I can also recommend the 35mm f/1.8 and 85mm f/1.7 lenses which I had also reviewed here on the channel. I am using the 35mm on the Leica T to shoot all these living room intro sections by the way. :)

[@silvans.7529]

@@AnalogInsights ty for ur answer! I ll try to get my hands on them in the future

[@xemgihomnay6525]

can u give more iinformation about minolta MC 28-70mm?

[@Walaby50]

I sometimes imagine you are sitting there talking about cameras all calm and profesional, while looking real stylish, but actually you are not even wearing pants.

[@Walaby50]

But in all seriousness, have you tested the R4 vs the R3 as well? can't decide which one to get...

[@md-lc8gq]

@@Walaby50 As far as I know early R4s are said to be unreliable, I'd go for a R5 or even betten a R7

[@charlesmorgan8440]

@@Walaby50 R4S is excellent and without the issues of the earlier R4. R7 is the icing on the cake, I love mine.

[@AnalogInsights]

Sonny Haha. Great comment. Maybe I really don’t wear pants. We’ll never know. ;)

[@johnhoward2577]

What a lovely thought!

[@rentedtux1883]

Which is better? The Olympus OM 1n

[@odukar2315]

I own a Minolta XE5. Unfortunately this camera has some electronic proplems, when shooting in "A". Is the XE5 comparable to the Leica R3 or already to the R4?

[@md-lc8gq]

The XE5 is more comparable to the R3

[@daveed4475]

I have 3 cosmetically mint XE-7’s, each in need of a different repair. I never really bonded with them when they were working however, and I can’t explain why. My Minolta XK soldiers on perfectly, as does the XD-11 and X-570; each of these are more fun to use than the XE-7. Mostly I use my Contax SLR’s in recent years - I find the optics a smidge more pleasing than Minolta (they should be, for the price difference!). The Minolta glass is probably the best value in vintage lenses though.

[@AnalogInsights]

Thank you for your comment. I completely agree with your last sentence and can relate to the reliability of the XD-11/XD-7. Fantastic cameras.

[@daveed4475]

Forgot to thank you for this and all of your very interesting and relatable reviews. I've been enjoying your channel for quite some time. @AnalogInsights

[@anthonyvaughan1549]

Do you know review of the R4 leica.? Dials. And best use. For photography. ?

[@johnnybreedlove6398]

I'll pick the Minolta over Leica any day of the week.

[@jebhammer8352]

Hello, why your microphone is turn to the ground?

[@DE-iv8if]

Yes, I know, the Minolta XE-1 can actually totally (1, 2 or even more f-Stops) _underexpose_ . I made that Experience myself too.. _But_ the strange Thing is, that that mostly tend to happen only in "Automatic" Mode. If You use the Camera in manual Mode and use the exact same Shutter Speed, that the Camera would choose in "Automatic" Mode (the Shutter Speed, that the Needle is showing You), the Cameras actually does _not_ produce such a Problem anymore.. At least not from my Experience with this Camera.. (But there possibly should be not so much Sky in the Frame, when You meter with this Camera..) I really liked the Minolta XE-1 (XE-7).. But I could never use it in "Automatic" Mode.. :D

[@AnalogInsights]

Thanks for your comment. Really interesting to hear that you encountered similar problems. This also explains why it happened on some images and not on all of them. Strange that the automatic mode is somehow interfering with selecting the correct shutter speed.

[@DE-iv8if]

@@AnalogInsights Yes it is strange.. But it was "funny" to see, that other People seem to have that exact same Problem with this Camera too.. :D What I noticed was, that when You press down the Shutter Release Button, _sometimes_ the Needle goes up ( "points") to a faster Shutter Speed only from Pressing down the Shutter Release Button.. And it looked to me, as if the Camera _still_ uses that (than to fast Shutter Speed) when You press down the Shutter Release Button completely.. But I do not exactly know.. Because it all happens so fast "in the Blink of an Eye"... And I do not know what causes this..

[@andhikawibisana7906]

DE2017 hi, can xe-1 operates without battery?

[@DE-iv8if]

Well _most_ Parts of the Minolta XE-1 are mechanical. And do not need Batteries. But the Problem is the Shutter.. Only one single Shutter Speed , the 1/90th Seconds is fully mechanical .. It is marked as a red 'X'.. And only that Shutter Speed (and also 'B') workes without Batteries.. The other Shutter Speeds are electronical.. So I would say: Not really..

[@andhikawibisana7906]

DE2017 thanks for the explanation 👍🏼

[@smittywerbenmanjensen1350]

That problem with the mirror/shutter blacking out 3/4's of the image is really embarrassing. How'd that manage to slip by Leitz' QC?

[@ianthomas465]

Smitty Werben Man Jensen, I will send it to my favourite repair service which is close to where I live. They are doing repairs of all analog cameras for reasonable prices. I think the oils are sticky as I didnˋt use the camera for a while. I donˋt agree to the opinion in another comment that the R3 is problematic with its electronic. I am using it since 30 years and had never any problems with it, but I experienced that the R4 which was in this comment considered to be more reliable camera is the problematic one

[@labradorhund7769]

@@ianthomas465 Which repair shop is that, if you don't mind me asking?

[@holdercrypto5844]

How about leica R4S?

[@SambitBiswas]

Different kind of half frame camera wow

[@AFR0MAMBA]

Is that.... Pau Gasol?

[@Noealz]

I'm poor so Minolta is the only choice for me :3

[@paulsehstedt6275]

Minolta is great too. The R 6.2 is just a dream...

[@McRuessel]

Not a bad choice tho ;^)

[@deadpool6072]

I like his photos better here than on the Leicaflex video. The Leicaflex ones looks all over the place and lazy. But these photos are nicely shot.

[@dukenukem5768]

@11:13 !!!!!

[@alexcarrillo4143]

You forgot that the First Leicaflex came out in the early 1960's as the CDS window was on the outside of the prism body. Quite a design change. The last SLR that Letiz was fat, and bulky, and power by 2 3volt batteries. Bag design.

[@sghayes]

Copal was also involved in the 3 way development, it was Minolta leveraging Leitz, an extinct dinosaur dying then. They didn't exchange recipes and make BFF? Who uses openly defective gear to conduct a comparison? With no understanding of why their own test gear used is failing? Copal, Minolta, and Leitz created these and Leitz sat there and watched to learn, Leitz had no Electronic R&D! Minolta had computers, Leitz? "Leitz" was operating on a figment of peoples imaginations of being something they were not?

[@hansemannluchter643]

"The Holy City of Wetzlar" 🤣🤣

[@user-it7cu1di5y]

And why so few likes, greedy? Views more than 600, and likes 71! Why?! Well ka put the huskies together !!!!!

[@AnalogInsights]

Haha, thanks for your comment. Actually that's quite a common ratio. :)

[@user-it7cu1di5y]

@@AnalogInsights Perhaps, but I do not agree to put up with it! 😉

[@rollanalog9293]

That old man have good eye of photography

[@jeanhenri2295]

So, a malfunctioning Leica is better than a Minolta that you under-expose. Really? That Leica mirror flaw is fatal ... no way around it. "Great Lecia quality" that needs major service!

[@ctrentelman]

Price of the bodies is not relevant any more -- the R3 is widely disdained for some reason and can be had for less than $100 in the US. Kind of sad.

[@ctrentelman]

repair people hate them and i can verify why. They are a rats nest of wires under the top that are soldered in place -- this is before printed circuits. The solders are getting brittle with age and breaking and are impossible to fix again for anything like a reasonable price. I know -- Don Goldberg tried to fix mine and after a year i told him to give it up.

[@ignacioalcantara513]

hard to recommend a faulty camera...but when it comes to leicas the leica fanboys will still do, something you will rarely see even in other camera fans... how relevant is the shutter sound when that beautyfully made shutter may jam on you?

[@lazareshvelidze7597]

რა ხმას იბოხებ შე კეთილმიჯმულო 😀

[@joshmcwalters]

Does your neck hurt in that position?

[@AnalogInsights]

No.

[@crearaine]

ehh, I am always so surprised by leica fan boy'ism, but at the same time so disappointment by it... sometimes people are picking on or the other, and you make it sound so one sided, which is so unfounded by real world use cases... we all know leica's are great. there are cameras better than leica's. I, personally, do not appreciate the unfounded arguments made towards inferiority of minolta in this case. leica's are good, we all are aware of that. but I hope the money they pay you for biased reviews are worthwhile. give that you would actually be paid for it at 40k subs.