LeicaAF-C1

The Leica AF-C1 is a product of 1987-89, when plastic bodies got better lenses than the metal ones they replaced — a dual-lens autofocus compact paired with a Leica 40mm f/2.8 / 80mm f/5.6. Some backstory: built by Minolta — essentially a re-badged Minolta AF-Tele Super.

Format

35mm

Year

1989

Lens

Leica 40mm f/2.8 / 80mm f/5.6

Min. focus

1.0 m

Flash

Built-in

Battery

1× CR123A

The Leica 40mm f/2.8 / 80mm f/5.6 doesn't chase exotic specifications; it just renders cleanly, focuses predictably, and gets out of the photograph's way. On the film-availability spectrum, plain 35mm is as easy as it gets in 2026. A single CR123A lithium cell powers everything including the motor; still cheap and stocked at most camera shops. The built-in flash will fire whenever the meter decides it should, so learn the override before your first night out. Minimum focus is 1.0 m, close enough for a coffee cup or a face but stops short of true macro. Something that catches new owners off guard: Leica's only true dual-focal compact. Best for everyday life and half-length portraits — a 40-ish lens stays out of the way and renders people without distortion.

The Leica AF-C1 sits exactly where you want a sleeper to sit: low prices, working examples plentiful, and a spec sheet that holds up against far pricier rivals.

• §1Built by Minolta — essentially a re-badged Minolta AF-Tele Super.
• §2Leica's only true dual-focal compact.