LeicaMini Zoom

Released into a period when Contax, Nikon and Minolta were trading punches over who could put the best fixed lens in the smallest body, the Leica Mini Zoom is a zoom compact built around a Leica Vario-Elmar 35–70mm f/4–7.6. For context, Leica's first compact with a zoom lens — also Minolta-built.

Format

35mm

Year

1993

Lens

Leica Vario-Elmar 35–70mm f/4–7.6

Min. focus

0.6 m

Flash

Built-in multi-mode

Battery

1× CR123A

The Leica Vario-Elmar 35–70mm f/4–7.6 is the convenience play: a single optical formula that handles groups, snapshots and tighter portraits without ever leaving your hand. Film supply is a non-issue: any 35mm cassette from any lab works. 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 0.6 m, close enough for a coffee cup or a face but stops short of true macro. A quirk worth flagging up front: often overlooked next to the prime Mini, but the lens is sharp at 35mm. The zoom range covers the obvious bases: groups at the wide end, half-length portraits at the long end, no lens changes ever.

The Leica Mini Zoom won't impress at the pub, but it'll cover a holiday end-to-end without ever asking you to think about glass.

• §1Leica's first compact with a zoom lens — also Minolta-built.
• §2Often overlooked next to the prime Mini, but the lens is sharp at 35mm.