The Leica mini III is the youngest and probably the rarest camera in the Leica mini-series.
First introduced in 1996, the Mini III is an automatic ultra-compact 35mm film camera. And like its predecessors, the Leica mini, Mini II, and Mini zoom, the camera was an easy to use point and shoot camera.
This camera came with some of the best features of its older siblings and some new and improved features.
Here’s a breakdown of these features.
Features of the Camera
One of the first features you’ll notice is its beautiful design. Whether it’s the black, white, or black and white body, the Leica mini III design is sure to impress you.
That’s just the start.
The camera comes with a better lens than its older siblings. This camera comes with a Summar 32 mm f3.2.
While the Leica mini and mini II could take spectacular photographs, the lens is a grade higher than the one used in previous Leica point and shoot cameras. With this camera, you can be sure that all your images will be sharp.
The use of the Summar 32mm f3.2 lens makes this camera perfect for architecture and wide-angle photography.
And that’s not all
The Leica mini III is also a fully automatic camera. With this camera, you don’t have to worry about metering, focus, or shutter speed. All you need to do is point and shoot.
And to make it even better,
Leica made sure to include a pre-focus feature to help ensure all your images are sharp and clear. This pre-focus feature also helps to eliminate the lag time that exists after you press the shutter button.
To activate the pre-focus feature, depress the shutter button halfway for two seconds before taking a photo.
As if that’s not enough,
The Leica mini III also comes with an exposure compensation override mode of +2EV. With this feature, you can take high-quality photos despite extremely bright background.
And thanks to the bulb mode, it can also take high quality and perfectly exposed photos even in low light.
The inclusion of an automatic flash makes the camera even better. Thanks to this flash, you can take photos even in low light conditions. You can also switch off the flash to give your images a more dramatic exposure.
The Leica mini III is also a quiet shooter. Coupled with the fact that it’s a fully automatic camera, the Leica mini II is also a great street camera.
Design and Physical Build
Like it’s older siblings, the Leica mini III comes in a plastic body with a minimalist design.
It’s sleek and comfortable to look and hold. The buttons are neatly placed and are intuitive. Even the LCD at the top is easy to read.
Ne need to struggle when taking photographs.
This camera also comes with an automatic film rewind feature that makes changing the film easier and faster.
Being a point and shoot camera, the Leica mini III is exceptionally light, making it great for traveling.
Shortcomings of the Camera
Not everybody will consider it a shortcoming. But to some, the lack of control is a major drawback of this camera.
If you’re a photographer who loves to play around with metering, aperture, and exposure, the Leica mini III is not the camera for you.
The plastic body also doesn’t inspire much confidence, especially when shooting in rough terrain.
Final Thoughts
The Leica mini III is a great point and shoot camera.
It comes with a great wide-angle lens, is impeccably designed, and is light, making it great for almost all occasions.
If you’re in the market for an affordable, light, and high-quality Leica point and shoot, the Leica mini III is a great choice.
Products
[Mint w/Box] Leica Mini 3 III Point & Shoot 35mm Compact Film Camera from JAPAN
 | £423.56 Buy It Now for only: £423.56 Buy It Now |
[Near Mint] Leica Mini 3 III Point&Shoot 35mm Film Camera Summar From JAPAN
 | £362.93 Buy It Now for only: £362.93 Buy It Now |