The Leica Mini II was the second camera in the Leica mini film camera series. First introduced in 1993, the camera was a fully automatic 35mm camera with a fixed Leica Elmar 35mm f/3.5 lens.
It came with the same incredible features as its predecessor, the Leica mini, but also featured new features and improvements that its predecessor didn’t have.
Keep reading to learn what these features are.
Features of the Camera
One of the best features of the Leica mini II is the improvements made to the autofocus system.
Unlike other point and shoot cameras that focus on objects at a specific distance, the Leica mini II came with autofocus to infinity. With this feature, you can photograph a landscape while in the car. Your camera won’t focus on the car window, but the terrain in the distance.
And that’s not all!
This camera also comes with a really effective and quiet pre-focusing mechanism making the camera a true point and shoot camera.
It doesn’t end there!
Thanks to the exposure override setting (+2EV), you can easily take photos even with a bright object in the background. So, if there’s a sunset or sunrise in your shot, you can still take amazing pictures with this camera.
Another compelling feature is that the camera comes fitted with center-weighted metering with exposure memory. With this feature, you can be sure that none of your images will be over or underexposed.
Like its predecessor, the Leica Mini, the Leica Mini II came with a built-in flash with a fast recycling time. The camera also came with a pre-flash option for red-eye reduction.
What about the lens?
This camera comes equipped with a Leica Elmar f/3.5/35 mm lens.
And here’s the best part!
This lens comes with a built-in zoom option preprogrammed for 19 different photography settings.
Like the Leica mini, the Leica mini II came with a moderately sized but bright viewfinder.
It also comes with a continuous shutter release with a speed of 1.5 frames per second.
Design and Physical Appearance
One of the most noticeable features of cameras in the mini series is their compact nature. The Leica mini II wasn’t any different.
It can comfortably fit in your pocket, making it ideal for street photography and casual family events.
Like its predecessor, this camera is made from plastic, which is a major shortcoming considering it’s a Leica. The camera lens is designed to extend and retract but doesn’t come with a lid.
Shortcomings of the Camera
One of the most significant shortcomings of this camera is its build. The camera feels cheap to hold. Unlike other Leica’s that have been described as tanks, the Leica mini doesn’t inspire much confidence.
Another flaw with the Mini II is that it doesn’t remember the flash mode once switched off. Thanks to this, you should change the mode every time you switch since the camera will always revert to “flash on” mode.
Final Thoughts
The Leica mini II is a great budget Leica to own.
Despite the plasticky feel, the camera boasts impressive Leica optics, an improved autofocus and flash system, portability, and silent shooting.
Just the perfect camera to carry on your next family event or vacation.
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