Information on new Leica minilux (long)

[James J Dempsey <jjd@bbn.com>]

I just received some information from Leica on the minilux.  The
picture on the xerox'd sheet I have looks very very similar to the
Contax T2. I don't have a picture of the T2 in front of me, but from
my recollection, it is close enough to make me wonder if Contax is
making it for Leica. It is titanium with leather on the front of the
body on one side of the lens only.  There is a built in flash and
there is a control wheel on top that adjusts the focus and aperture.
Next to the wheel is an LCD panel. Nowhere does it say where the
camera is made, but I suspect Japan. 

Handwritten on the sheet it says "$995, 1095 d/b".

It is a bit of a shame that it isn't a bit more like the G1.

Here is the information, all typos are my fault:

		--Jim Dempsey--
		jjd@bbn.com

LEICA minilux
with LEICA SUMMARIT 1:2, 4/40mm

The new LEICA minilux distinguishes itself by its elegant design and
durable titanium housing.  With its outstanding precision optics and
multiple practical features, even the most demanding of photographers
will find the minilux to be a versatile tool for their creativity.

* Many lux under poor light Conditions
The LEICA SUMMARIT 1:2,4/40mm, a specially designed high-performance
6-element lens, offers a new perspective in photography.  Even under
poor light conditions the high-speed 1:2,4 lens produces vibration-free
photographs, without the need to activate the built-in flash.  The
40mm focal length of the SUMMARIT together with specially designed
Leica optics prevent troublesome distortions, allowing for
true-to-life image reproduction.  A special multi-coating on all
glass/air surfaces increases the resolution of the SUMMARIT, and
permits photographic colour reproduction at the standard Leica is
famous for.  Thus, even at full aperture, the LEICA minilux offers
exceptional contrast and reproduction of detail.

* Quality manufacturing and reliability
are guaranteed by the finest materials and sophisticated production
methods, all of which meet the stringent Leica quality control
standards.  The titanium housing ensures additional protection of the
electronics, mechanics and optics.  The parallelism of the metal film
guide is manufactured with a precision of 1/100mm so that an absolute
flat passage of the film can be ensured under all conditions.

* In order to accomodate individual preferences,
photographers can choose between different modes of operation. Both
the automatic programming and the aperture priority (manual aperture
preselection) can be combined with the autofocus.  For difficult
photographs which require autofocus, or for those who prefer manual
control, both exposure programmes can be combined with the manual
adjustment of focus.

* The easy-to-read LCD panel
provides continuous information on the operational modes selected and
assists the photographer with readouts of either the respective
shutter speed or aperture.  The bright image finder provides
indications for the autofocus, close range and panorama format and,
with the adjustable correction lenses, permits an optical view of the
photographic field, even for those who wear spectacles.

* The built-in flash
is automatically activated as soon as lighting conditions demand it.
The unpleasant "red-eye" effect in portraits can be reduced by
choosing the pre-flash mode with a press of the button.  Deactivate or
activate the flash manually to emphasize the natural mood of a scene
or to brighten the foreground in backlight situations.  At night or in
situations where you might want to capture the mood of the existing
light you can combine the flash with longer exposure times or use the
long-time exposure mode.

* The comprehensive range
of accessoires [sic] which comes with the LEICA minilux furhter [sic]
extends the versatile creative possibilities.

Specifications:
* LEICA SUMMARIT f/2,4 / 40mm lens (6 lens elements in 4
goups[sic]/specially designed Leica optics)
* Elegant, durable titanium body, in part with leather
* Automatic and manual focus control (from 0,7m to infinity).
* Automatic programme
* Aperture priority with individual preselection of aperture
* Operation modes:
 - Automatic programme with autofocus feature (shutter speed and
aperture are set automatically)
 - Aperture priority with autofocus feature (an adequate shutter speed
is automatically computed for the manually preselected aperture)
 - Automatic programme with manual focus control (shutter speed and
aperture are set automatically)
 - Aperture priority with manual focus control (an adequate shutter
speed is automatically computed for the manually preselected aperture)
* Exposure override from +2EV to -2EV in half values
* Centre weighted integral metering
* Real time release (minimal time parallax between shutter release and
the actual photograph)
* Storage of meter values, combined with exposure and autofocus, by
slight pressure on the shutter release button.
* Clear view finder with markings for autofocus, panorama and close
range
* Correction lenses +1 and =1 can be attached to the viewfinder
* Illuminated, easy-to-read LCD panel
* Integrated wide-range flash (up to 10,2m with 200ASA)
* Automatic flash activation in low light
* Manual ON/OFF control for flash
* Pre-flash can be activated to reduce "red-eye effect".
* Long exposure time (B) can also be combined with flash feature
* Camera-back with film-cartridge window, interchangeable against
data-back
* Automatic film threading
* Motorized film transport (wind and rewind)
* Metal film guide
* Automatic film speed setting (DX-code)
 * Series frame release
* Automatic lens cap
* Camera electronics switch-off, automatically after about 5 minutes
* Self-timer
* Connection socket for a remote cable release
* Panorama-adapter, attachable
* Metal tripod thread A 1/4 (1/4") DIN 4503.
* Long-life lithium battery (CR123).
* Dimensions: 124x69x30 mm (LxHxW).
* Weight ca. 330 g (without battery)

                   order number:
LEICA minilux      18 006
(incl. battery, wrist strap in attractive and environmentally friendly
gift packaging, Lithium battery 3 V, type CR 123 A)

Accessoires: [sic]

Data back          18 525

Soft napa          18 507
Leather bag
(with belt strap and additional pocket for panorama-adapter and instructions)

Everready case     18 506
made of sturdy
napa leather
(detachable front compartment)

Panorama-adapter
with case          18 511

Carrying strap     18 518
(length approx. 50cm)

Wrist strap        18 519
(as replacement)

Viewfinder 
correction lens:
	+1 dptr.   18 530
	-1 dptr.   18 531

Remote cable release 18 540

Mini tripod        14 320
with ball-and-socket joint