Leica Mini Zoom (1993–1997)
A 35mm compact rangefinder point-and-shoot camera made in Japan for Leica, with a fixed Vario Elmar zoom lens and infrared autofocus.
Overview
The Leica Mini Zoom is a 35mm compact rangefinder point-and-shoot camera, produced from 1993 to 1997. It was made in Japan for Leica Camera GmbH, aimed at casual photographers who wanted a portable film camera with a zoom. The body measures 123 mm long, 71.5 mm high and 43 mm deep, and weighs 250 grams (10 oz). It runs on a single 3-volt CR123A lithium battery. It has a built-in flash, a self-timer, and a tripod mount with a standard 1/4"-20 UNC thread. According to its manual, the Mini Zoom has a unique lens design, which set it apart in Leica’s compact lineup of the era.
Specifications
| Manufacturer | Leica |
| Product type | 35mm compact rangefinder point-and-shoot camera |
| Production years | 1993–1997 |
| Lens | Vario Elmar 35–70mm f/4.0–7.6 |
| Shutter speed | 1/4 – 1/300 second |
| Battery | CR123A (3V lithium) |
| Flash | Built in |
| Self timer | Yes |
| Tripod mount | 1/4" - 20 UNC |
| Exposure compensation | No |
| Autofocus | Infrared autofocus with focus memory |
| Focus range | 24 inches to infinity |
| Metering | Average |
| Lens mount | Fixed lens |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 123 x 71.5 x 43 mm |
| Weight | 250 g (10 oz) |
| Order numbers | 18004, 18005-DB |
Design
The Mini Zoom has infrared autofocus with focus memory, so the camera can lock focus before you recompose. The lens is a fixed Vario Elmar 35-70mm f/4.0-7.6, and the manual states it was uniquely designed for this model. The camera was made in Japan for Leica Camera GmbH.
Context
The Leica Mini Zoom came out in the mid-1990s as a portable, user-friendly camera for casual photography. It gave you a zoom in a compact rangefinder body. It targeted photographers who wanted Leica branding and optical quality in an automatic 35mm compact.
Market
Used Leica Mini Zoom cameras have sold for $348.75 to $575, depending on condition and configuration. Some users recommend the model for its lightweight body, compact profile, capable lens and zoom.
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