Film cameras
Leica Mini II User manual
User manual for Leica Mini II. 40 pages in German. Read the original PDF, download or print a copy without registration.
40 pagesGerman5.9 MB PDF
Loading your manual…Open PDF directly
Document details
- Brand
- Leica
- Model / document
- Leica Mini II
- Document type
- User manual
- Language
- German
- Pages
- 40
- File size
- 5.9 MB
- Category
- Film cameras
- Document date
- Not specified in catalog
Search available document text
Find a term, then jump to its page in the original PDF. Image-only pages may not be searchable; check the PDF for exact wording and diagrams.
Page 1 · Read text
www.butkus.us
Anleitung,/ Instnrstions,/ ilotice d'utilisation
TEIGA mini II u ' 'zs [">WView original page 1Page 8 · Read text
www.butkus.usWe wish you much pleasure and many years
of successful photography with your new
LEICA' mini II, a fully automatic 35 mm
camera equipped with a LEICA lens. Thanks
to its compact design and low weight, it can
be taken anywhere as a constant compa-
nion. Like all compact cameras, the LEICA
mini II is best suited for photography with
color negative (print) films. Easy and fun to
use, it is ideal for both memorable snap-
shots and as a precise photographic note-
book. In order for you to enjoy the full
spectrum of possibilities the LEICA mini II
offers, we recommend that you start by
reading this instruction booklet. W
@
M
This instruction booklet was printed on paper bleached
without chlorine - an expensive process that preserves
the environment, especially natural water resources.View original page 8Page 9 · Read text
o *ON / OFF" switch Table of Contents@ Shutter release button Brief description.... .......39
@ Sensor for exposure metering Inserting and checking the battery......40
@ Viewfinder window Attaching the wrist/neck strap ...43
@ Autofocus sensor system Switching on the camera .. .43
@ Mode selector button Loading the film .....44
@ Self-timer button Holding the camera.... ....46
@ LCD data panel (liquid crystal display) Viewfinder display ...48
@ Electronic flash Taking pictures ..... .49
@ LEICA ELMAR 35 mm f / 3.5 lens with Focus and exposure memory. . . .. . . . . . .50
protective UVa filter Taking pictures with automatic flash. ...52
pictures with the pre-flash .. . . . .53e Self-timer symbol and red LED diode Taking
(light emitting diode) Taking pictures with exposure override.54
@ Wriststrap / neck strap Taking pictures with manual flash ......55
@ Film rewind switch (for mid-roll rewind) Fixed infinity setting .. .... .57
Self-timer ......58
Automatic film rewind . .. . .59
Data Back .....60
Trouble-shooting guide . .. .65
Helpful tips on camera care . ... . .66
Technical data. ......68
_tView original page 9Page 10 · Read text
www.butkus.us
Brief Description Battery compartment cover @ The LEICA mini II is a fully automatic LEICA mini II with Data Back:
ultra-compact 35 mm camera with a LEICA Data Back control buttons @
lens for quality photographic notes and Tripod thread rl+" (A1l+ DIN 4503) @superb snapshots. Its special features Camera back (depending on model, @
include: with or without data imprint function)
Viewfinder eyepiece and
o LEICA ELMAR 35 mm f/3.5 lens green confirmation signal (LED) @o Built-in UVa protection filter LEICA mini II with Data Back:
O Autofocus range from 65 cm (25 in.) to LCD-data display on Data Back @
infinity Film window, showing loaded film
o Fixed focus setting Back cover release @@=o Center-weighted integral metering with
exposure memory
O Exposure override +2EV
O Built-in flash with fast recycling time W
o Pre-flash option to reduce "red-eye" effectO Automatic flash in low light ffi
o Manual flash override
O Long exposure times seconds up to 5 ffiO Continuous 1.5 shutter release fps
O Automatic film advance and rewind
O Automatic film speed setting (DX-coding)
o Quartz controlled data back depending
on model chosen.View original page 10Page 11 · Read text
+EV E rt
*,1 BN
FF Fn
LCD data panel Inserting the battery
E : battery function symbol The LEICA mini II is powered by a 3 volt
eE : frame counter lithium battery. To insert the battery, open
the battery compartment cover by pushingtt : automatic flash with pre-flash activated in the direction of the arrow. Insert the
facing+ EV : exposure override +2 EV lithium battery with the minus pole
t ON : flash-on control mode forward; close the cover until it clicks shut.
: flash-on mode with Pre-flash,K activated
f Of'P : flash-off mode
oo : fixed lens infinity setting
+EV' r Compatible 3 volt lithium batteries, e.g., : fixed lens infinity setting and DURACELL DLI23A ;' exposure override +2EY KODAK KI23LA
PANASONIC CR123A
VARTA CRI23AView original page 11Page 13 · Read text
In order to preserve the battery, when the Important: Keep battery contacts clean. Do
camera is not used for approx. 5 minutes not dispose of used batteries by throwing
after being switched on, the power switches them into an open fire; do not recharge,
off automatically. However, the lens re- open, disassemble or heat. Do not dispose
mains in the picture-taking position and the of used batteries in normal household information indicated in the display is garbage,, as they contain toxic wastes that
saved. Then with a light touch on the shut- are dangerous to the environment. Return
ter release, the camera is again immediately them to your local supplier or turn them
ready to shoot. in for recycling.
rmrz [11"ntion: Cold temperatures reduces bat-
tery performance. In addition, the film be-
comes stiffer, making film advance more
difficult. At low temperatures, carry your
LEICA mini II in an inside pocket and use
& fresh batterY.
,,=
= Changing the battery.'.. When there is film in the camera, insert a
= ,'= new battery immediately after removing
the old one. If the camera is left more than
10 minutes without any battery power, the
frame counter in the LCD data panel resets
to "1" when you insert a new battery, regard-
less of the number of pictures taken.View original page 13Page 14 · Read text
www.butkus.us
)+6-)
To attach the wrist or neck strap: follow above Normally, no permanent damage is done
illustration. to the lens motor mechanism when the
lens movement is impaired, e.g., when the
Switching on the camera camera is held against a window with the
For taking pictures, the camera must first be lens pushed back into the barrel. However,
switched on. After pressing the "ON / OFF" the autofocus will not function in these ,'ready,,switch, the lens extends to the posi- cases.
tion, and the LCD data panel diiplay
appears. When the camera is switched off
again, all displays disappear and the lens
returns to the transport position.
43View original page 14Page 15 · Read text
www.butkus.us
Loading the film
l. Unlatch and open the back cover (17) bv 3. Ensure that it is laid flat between the film
moving the sliding cover release (2I) guides with the film lead extending to
upward. If there is film in the camera, the take-up spool - stopping short of the
ensure that it is rewound before opening yellow marking on the inner surface of
the back cover, i. e., that the frame coun- the camera.
ter is set at "0". Otherwise light will If you have pulled out too much film,
damage any exposed film. carefully wind it back into the cartridge.
2.Load the film cartridge into the film Make sure that the film is laying flat in
chamber as shown. The camera guide pin the film chamber with the film guide
must fit into the corresponding socket on notches underneath the viewfinder visi-
the film cartridge base. ble through the film perforations.
Attention: Never load or remove film in
bright light. To prevent light from hitting
the film, load or remove it in your body's
shadow.
44View original page 15Page 16 · Read text
www.butkus.us Compatible 35 mm films:
With the following DX-coded 35 mm films
(package_and cartridge are marked ..DX"),
the LEICA mini II automatically sets the
correct film speeds, as follows:
Film speed Setting at
in ISO / DIN ISO / DIN
50/lgo 64/lg g0/20" 50 / lgo
I00 / 2Io 125 / 22o 160 / 230 I00 / 2lo
200 / 240 250 / 25o. 320 | 260 200 / 240
400 | 270 500 / 28o 640 / 2go 400 / 270
800/30o 1000/3lo and with
higher speed films 1000 / 3 lo
4. Close the camera back and switch on the
camera. The film advances automatically With film emulsions slower than ISO
to the first frame. The camera is ready 50 / 18o, or if the film is not DX-coded, the
for the first exposure when the framl camera is automatically set to ISO 100 / 2lo.
counter is at "1". If the frame counter dis- Color^negative (print) films with speeds up
plays "0", the film is not loaded properly. to ISO 3200/ 360 can also be used due to
Reopen the back, remove the film and their wide latitude range. Film cartridges
re-insert it as described above. for 72 exposures cannot be used.
Note:
The frame counter shows the number of
the picture that is following.
45View original page 16Page 17 · Read text
Holding the camera
To avoid camera shake, hold your LEICA
mini II as showrr in the photographs. Also
check that the lens. flash. autolocus sensors
and exposure nteter window are not inad-
vertently covered by your hand, the curryirrg
strap, etc.
For vertical lbrrnat photographs. erlsure
that the f'lash is always at the top as light-
ing fionr above produces a more natural
inrpression. It is also advisable then to use
the thumb to press the shutter release to
rnininrize camera shake.
46View original page 17Page 19 · Read text
d: Green confirmation symbol (diode):
If the confirmation symbol lights up when
the shutter release is lightly pressed, this
indicates that focus point and exposure
value have been stored. In the automatic
flash mode settings, it also indicates flash
readiness. Should the flash not be ready,
the shutter release cannot be activated. Wait
a few seconds, then slightly press the shut-
ter release. Now the green symbol lights
up and the camera is ready for exposure.
For flash photography, please note the flash
ranges on page 52.
Viewfinder display
a: Viewfinder frame:
The bright frame visible in the viewfinder.
shows the picture area of the lens.
b: Close-up frame:
For close-ups in the 65 cm (25 in.) to I meter
(3.28 ft.) range, the picture area shifts
slightly downward. This shift is outlined by
close-up markings at the top and the bottom
edge of the viewfinder image below the
viewfinder frame.
c: Autofocus frame:
Point the camera so that the main subject is
within this frame (it is not necessary that it
fills it).View original page 19Page 20 · Read text
www.butkus.us pictures If the green confirmation symbol flashes Taking
rapidly, this is a warning that the suject is For photographs with the main subject in
too close [between 35 cm (14 in.) and 65 cm the center of the frame:
(25 in.)1. To focus correctly, the subject The camera measures the focusing distance
distance must be increased to or beyond inside the autofocus frame. To prevent blurr-
65 cm (25 in.). ed pictures, always ensure that the main
If the green confirmation symbol flashes subject or portions thereof are inside this
slowly, (with flash set to "t OFF"'1, this is frame. Holding the camera to the eye, point
to inform you that the shutter speed is it at the subject matter so that the most
slower than r/:o s and there is a possibility important portions to be in focus are inside
of camera shake. the autofocus frame. Now lightly press theIf the green confirmation symbol dis- shutter release button (2) to pressure point.
appears when the flash is set to "t OFF" As soon as the green confirmation ("ready")
(manual flash control), there is insufficient symbol appears in the viewfinder, fully press
light for automatic exposure (shutter speeds the shutter release button to take the picture.
longer than 1/s sec.), and the automatic Note:
exposure control is set to "B". In this case. If you cannot hear the release of the shutter
the shutter remains open for as long as the due to surrounding noise, you can verify
shutter release button is pressed down. This that the picture was actually taken by listen-
enables exposures ofup to 5 seconds. ing for the sound of the film transport ffi which immediately follows.
By continually holding down the shutter
release, as many pictures as you choose can
be taken in a row. W.ith this continuous
shutter release mode, it is possible to cap-
ture, e. g., action sequences. The camera
automatically advances the film to the next
picture after each exposure and the frame
counter increases by one for each photo
taken.View original page 20Page 21 · Read text
Focus and exposure memory Holding the camera to the eye, point it at the
For photographs where the main subject subject matter so that the most important
matter is off-center: portions to be in focus are inside the auto-
If the subject that is to be sharply focused focus frame. Now lightly press the shutter
lies outside the autofocus frame. the focus release button (2) to pressure point. The
memorv feature should be used. green confirmation symbol appears in the
viewfinder to show that the focus point has
been stored.
50View original page 21Page 22 · Read text
Important:www.butkus.usStoring a focus point is also use-
ful with difficult autofocus subjects such as:
- bright light sources, such as floodlights.
- very shiny surlaces and strong reflec-
tions, such as water, mirrors, brightly
polished car surfaces, etc.
- bright transparent objects such as flames,
fireworks and hair.
- dark objects and low-reflective surfaces.
- objects behind glass, such as windows
and showcases.
In these types of situations, focus on an
alternative object that is at the same
Keeping the shutter release button pressed distance and similarly lit. Storing the focus
down slightly, compose your picture as you point as described, you are now able to
wish. When ready, press the shutter release take your picture successfully. For photo-
fully down for the exposure. graphs with long focusing distances through
When the shutter release button is de- windows, (e.9., from a car) or for distant
pressed lightly (pressure point), the camera landscape photographs, it is advisable to
stores both the focus point and the exposure manually set the lens to infinity ("" mode,
metering values for the main subject. see page 57).
The focus / exposure metering memory is
cancelled as soon as you remove your finger
lrom the shutter release button.
5lView original page 22Page 24 · Read text
www.butkus.us By using the pre-flash, released immedia_
tely prior to the main flash, the .,red_eye"
effect is greatly reduced as it contracts the
eye pupils of the people looking in the direc_ I * tion of the camera.
I Press the mode selector button once, the
data panel will display the t, symbol. This
I "red-eye" flash mode remairis until another Lf,H mode is chosen or the camera is turned off.
When switching the camera on again, the
automatic program mode will be in efiect.
T$ing pictures with the pre-flash
With flash photography, an undesirable
"red-eye" effect is possible when the flash is
reflected from the retina of the eye directly
to the camera. Therefore, the peison being
photographed should not look directl|
into the camera. In low light, this effect ii especially noticeable due to dilated eye
gupils. When, e. g., photographing indoois,
lt ls recommended to add as much normal
n room lighting as possible so that the eve
I pupils are more contracted.
I
53View original page 24Page 26 · Read text
- Thewww.butkus.us"/ ON' symbol appears in the data
panel.
- The green confirmation symbol in the
viewfinder lights up with a slight pressure
on the release button when the flash is {rl ready.
- The green confirmation symbol flashes toN rapidly and the shutter release button is
L3 blocked when the flash is not ready (see H also "Viewfinder display" on page 48).
- If the green confirmation symbol flashes,
this indicates risk of camera shake
because the shutter speed is slower than
llto second. In this case, steady theTaking pictures with manual flash control
(override) camera against or on a stable object, or
shakeIt is possible to activate or switch off the use a tripod. To prevent camera
automatic flash throueh three override when taking photographs from a tripod, use the self-timer.functions: it is advisable to The mode ", ON' remains until another
mode is chosen or the camera is turnedManual flash-on
Activating the flash manually is recom- off. When switching the camera on again, the automatic program mode will be inmended when taking photographs against
the sun (backlight) or for pictures with effect.
extreme contrast (i.e., when the subject is
in shade). Also, the use of flash often helps
to avoid the greenish hue that occurs when
slides are taken in fluorescent light. To
activate the flash manually, regardless of
lighting conditions, press the mode selector
button (6) three times.
55View original page 26Page 27 · Read text
t, r r
t 0N
tBFF rH ,=H
*r,.ir
Manual flash-on and pre-flash Manual flash-off
Press the mode selector button four times By pressing the mode selector button (6)
and the symbols "tt" and "/ ON' are dis- five times. the automatic flash activation is *, played. All further photographs will now turned off. The symbol OFF" is displayed
be taken with the pre-flash and the main in the data panel. In this mode, it is possible
flash regardless of lighting conditions. to photograph an evening scene, capture the
This mode remains until another mode is mood of available light, or take pictures
chosen or the camera is turned off. When inside museums where flash use is prohi-
switching the camera on again, the automa- bited.
tic program mode will be in effect
Important: If the green confirmation (18)
Important: Ensure that the main subject is slowly flashes when the shutter release is
within the flash range (see page 52). pressed half-way, this indicates risk of
camera shake (shutter speeds slower than
r/:o s). In this case, it is advisable to steady
the camera or use a tripod.View original page 27Page 28 · Read text
www.butkus.us
r oo
L3n
The LEICA mini tripod is recommended Fixed infinity setting
as a practical accessory which fits into any Press the mode selector button six times
pocket and is attached via the tripod thread until the symbol "oo" is displayed in the data
(16). panel. The lens is now set to infinity for the
When the green confirmation LED disap- next exposure. This mode remains in effect
pears, the camera switches to the timed until another mode is chosen or the camera
shutter speed setting ("8"). In this mode, is turned off.
the shutter remains open for as long as the
shutter release button is pressed down.
Long exposure times of up to 5 seconds are
possible. Remember to steady the camera
or use a tripod.
The "i OFF' mode remains until another
mode is chosen or the camera is turned off.
When switching the camera on again, the
automatic program mode will be in effect.View original page 28Page 29 · Read text
+EV E
oo rfl
www.butkus.us
Infinity setting and exposure override Self timer
In order to photograph, e.9., o snow land- By pressing the self-timer selector button
scape, it is advisable to set the focus on the (7) below the data panel on the top of the
infinity setting and to compensate the expo- camera, the self-timer is activated, delaying
sure by + 2 EV by activating the exposure the release of the shutter by approximately
override. To do this, press the mode selector l0 seconds. During the countdown, the red
button seven times until the symbols "oo" LED (11) on the front of the camera lights
and "+ 2EV" are displayed at the same time. up as follows:
The lens is now set to infinity for the next 7 seconds: constant
exposure and the exposure is corrected by 2 seconds: blinking
+ 2 EV (exposure values). This mode re- I second: constant
mains in effect until another mode is chosen The shutter release follows.
or the camera is turned off. To cancel the self-timer, press the self-timer
selector button once more or switch the
camera off.View original page 29Page 30 · Read text
Automatic film rewind www.butkus.us
The camera automatically rewinds the film
after the final exposure. The frame counter
counts in reverse. When the film has been
fully rewound into its cartridge,('0'the motordrive stops and a flashing symbol
appears in the data panel. You can now
safely open the camera back and remove
the cartridge.
Caution: If the motor stops without the
flashing "0" symbol appearing in the data
panel, the battery must be replaced. Do not
open the camera back because light falling Rewinding partially exposed film
on the partially rewound film willdamage it. You can activate the motor winder toAfter inserting a fresh battery, the manual rewind a partially exposed film simply byfilm rewind must be activated. pressing the rewind button (marked =O) which is on the camera top next to the
shutter release button. Use a ballpoint pen
or similar object.
59View original page 30Related documents and language editions
From the M. Butkus archive. Original publisher and archive notices are retained.
Check the model and edition against your equipment.
PDF verified 2026-10-10.