Leica Mini III (1996–1997)
A compact 35mm point-and-shoot film camera with a sleek design and a fixed Leica Summar lens.
Overview
The Leica Mini III is a 35mm compact film camera made by Leica from 1996 to 1997. It belongs to the MINI SERIES, a line of small-format cameras aimed at the premium compact market. The design is minimalist, built around portability and clean lines, which fit Leica’s compact offerings in the mid-1990s. It has autofocus and a fixed Leica Summar 32mm f/3.2 lens, so it is a fully automated point-and-shoot with high-end branding. Technical documentation is thin. It does turn up in collector circles and online listings, usually noted for its rarity and distinctive design.
Specifications
| Manufacturer | Leica |
| Product type | 35mm compact camera |
| Lens | Leica Summar 32mm f/3.2, 4 elements |
| Focusing | Autofocus |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 119 × 64 × 40 mm |
Design
The Leica Mini III has a sleek, minimalist design that stays compact and understated. The layout follows what a fully automated 35mm film camera needs, with smooth surfaces and integrated controls that match Leica’s design language of the era.
Context
The Leica Mini III was part of the MINI SERIES, a distinct product line within Leica’s compact camera offerings. It was produced alongside other premium miniaturized models and represents Leica’s brief move into ultra-compact 35mm film cameras in the mid-1990s. Secondary sources sometimes associate the model with the Minilux series, but official Leica documentation treats the MINI SERIES as a separate line.
Market
The Leica Mini III is rarely seen on the used market. Some sellers note that "many of them cannot be repaired," which points to long-term reliability concerns. Current listings show prices around ¥95,900 in Japan for near-mint examples. Original MSRP and production volume remain undocumented. One eBay listing says a one-year warranty came with that particular sale, which suggests refurbishment or third-party support.
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