Leica Mini Zoom (1993–1997)
A 35mm compact rangefinder point-and-shoot camera made in Japan for Leica, featuring 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. Manufactured in Japan for Leica Camera GmbH, it was designed for casual photographers seeking a portable yet capable film camera with zoom flexibility. The body is compact, measuring 123 mm in length, 71.5 mm in height, and 43 mm in depth, with a weight of 250 grams (10 oz). It runs on a single 3-volt CR123A lithium battery and features a built-in flash, self-timer, and tripod mount with a standard 1/4"-20 UNC thread. According to its manual, the Mini Zoom includes a unique lens design, distinguishing it within 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 features infrared autofocus with focus memory, allowing the camera to lock focus before recomposing. It was manufactured in Japan for Leica Camera GmbH and includes a fixed Vario Elmar 35–70mm f/4.0–7.6 lens stated in the manual to be uniquely designed for this model.
Context
Produced in the mid-1990s, the Leica Mini Zoom was positioned as a portable, user-friendly camera for casual photography, offering zoom capability in a compact rangefinder form. It targeted photographers who wanted Leica branding and optical quality in an automatic 35mm compact format.
Market
Used Leica Mini Zoom cameras have sold for $348.75 to $575, depending on condition and configuration. The model is recommended by some users for its lightweight body, compact profile, capable lens, and zoom functionality.
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