Film cameras
Leica mini User manual
User manual for Leica mini. 34 pages in German. Read the original PDF, download or print a copy without registration.
34 pagesGerman2.6 MB PDF
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Document details
- Brand
- Leica
- Model / document
- Leica mini
- Document type
- User manual
- Language
- German
- Pages
- 34
- File size
- 2.6 MB
- Category
- Film cameras
- Document date
- Not specified in catalog
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Page 4 · Read text
tWe wish you much pleasure and many years
of successfulphotography with your new
LEICA@ mini. It is the world's first fully-
automatic camera with a LEICA Lens.
Thanks to its compact design and minimal
weight, it can be taken along anywhere as a
constant companion. Like every compact
camera, the LEICA mini is best suited for
photography with color negative (print) I
films. Easyand fun to use,it is ideal both for
memorable snapshots and as a precise
photographicnotebook. In order for you to
enjoy the full spectrum of possibilities the
LEICA mini offers, we recommend that you
start by reading this instruction booklet.
This instruction booklet was printed on paper bleached
without chlorine - an expensive processthat preserves
the environment, especially natural water resources.
35
: J i i l i r d l . . . : r , : , " . , r = , r . . , ; , * ; . . : : " , - i ! r ; . : , , , . : r . i : . . r - j lView original page 4Page 6 · Read text
Brief Description Battery compartment cover @
The LEICA mini is a fully-automatic ultra- LEICA mini with Data Back:
compact autofocus 35 mm rangefinder Control buttons for Data Back @
camerawith a LEICA lens for quality photo- Tripod thread r/+" (A1l+ DIN 4503) @
graphicnotes and superb snapshots.Its spe- Hinged back cover (depending on @
cial features include: model, with or without data imprint
function)
o LEICA ELMAR f / 3.5 /35 mm lens Viewfinder eyepiece and
o Built-in UVa protection filter Green confirmation signal (LED) @
O Autofocus range from 65 cm to infinity LEICA mini with Data Back:
O Infrared autofocus with focus memory LCD-data display on Data Back @
O Fixed infinity setting Film window, showing film Joaded @
O center-weighted integral metering with Back over latch @
metering value memory
O built-in flash with short flash intervals
O automatic flash release in poor light
o manual flash override
O long time exposure up to 5 seconds
O automatic film advance and rewind
O automatic film speedsetting (DX-coding)
o quarz-controlled, hinged data back
depending on model chosen.View original page 6Page 7 · Read text
LCD data display Inserting the battery
E : Battery function symbol The LEICA mini is poweredby a 3 volt lith-
PE : Frame counter ium battery.To insert the battery,open the
AUTO: automatic flash activation battery compartment cover by pushing in
ON : manual flash control mode the direction of the arrow. Insert a lithium
OFF : flash-off mode battery with the minus pole facing forward;
oo : Infinity setting on lens close the cover until it clicks shut.
Suitable3 volt lithium batteries,e.g.:
DURACELL DLI23A
KODAK KI23LA
PANASONIC CR123A
VARTA CRI23A
www.orphancameras.comView original page 7Page 8 · Read text
Checking the battery If the symbol C flashes,or if no displayis
Switch on the camera (see p. 44). The lens shown, it could be that the battery contacts
automatically moves to the "ready" posi- are oxi dized or soiled. They can be cleaned
tion, extending from its barrel. with a clean, dry, lint-free cloth. If the bat-
Ifthe symbolE appearstogetherwith other tery is partly discharged,the symbol E
displaysymbols,battery power is sufficient. may also appearafter a seriesof exposures
The low battery warning symbol C shows in close succession.Before further exposu-
that the battery should be replacedas soon res, pausebriefly for the battery to recover.
aspossible.If no symbolsappearor only the
low-batterywarning C flashes,the battery
is flat and must be replacedimmediately. In
this case,the shutter cannot be released.If
the lens does not move into the "ready" 'ONposition when the / OFF" button is
pressed,the battery may be low; inserted
incorrectlyor missing.
39View original page 8Page 9 · Read text
If the camera is not used for approx. 5 Note: Keep battery contacts clean. Do not
minutes after being switched on, the power disposeof used batteriesby throwing them
is switched off automatically. In addition, into an open fire; do not recharge, open,
the lens retracts into its barrel. This pre- short, disassembleor heat. Do not dispose
servesbattery life. ofused batteriesin normal household waste
(trash), since they contain toxic wastes that
Note: Cold reduces battery performance. In are dangerous to the environment. Return
addition, the film becomes stiffer, making them to your supplier or hand them in for
film advance more difficult. At lo* recycling; alternatively take them to special
temperatures, carry your LEICA mini in an waste collection points.
inside pocket and use fresh batteries.
Changingthe battery
If there is a film in the camera. insert a new
battery immediately after removing the old.
If the camera is left without battery power
formore than 10minutes. the frame counter
in the LCD data display resetsto "l" when
you insert a new battery, regardless of the
number of pictures taken.
www.orphancameras.com40
tL. -:: ruvui,- i iView original page 9Page 10 · Read text
Attaching the carrying / wriststrap Generally, no lasting damage to the lens
motor mechanism occurs when the lens
Switching on the camera movement out of its barrel is impaired, e. g.
For taking pictures, the camera must be when the camerais still inside your pocket
switched on first. Press the power or when it is held againsta window with the
("ON / OFF") switch briefly. The lens lens pushed back into the barrel. However,
extends to the "ready" position, and the the autofocus will not function in these
LCD displaysappear.When the camera is cases.
switched off again, all displays disappear
and the lens returns to the transport posi-
tion.View original page 10Page 11 · Read text
Inserting the film
l. Unlatch and open the back cover (17) by 3. Ensure the film is laid flat between the
moving the sliding latch (21) upward. If film guides, with tongue covering the
there is a film in the camera,ensurethat it take-up spool - stopping short of the yel-
is rewound before opening the back low marking on the inner surface of the
cover,i. e. that the frame counter is at "0". camera.
Otherwise light will fall on the exposed
film.
2. Insert the film cartridge into the film
chamber as shown. The guide pin in the
camera must fit into the corresponding
socket on the film cartridge base. the viewfinder eyepiecevisible through
Note: Never load or remove film in bright the film perforations.
light. To prevent light falling onto the
f,rlm, load or remove it in your body's
shadow.
42 www.orphancameras.comView original page 11Page 12 · Read text
Suitable 35 mm films:
With the following DX-coded 35 mm films
(package and cartridge are marked "DX"),
the LEICA mini automatically setsthe cor-
rect films speed,as follows:
Film speed Setting
in ISO
50/ 180 64/ 190 80/ 200 50/ 18"
100/2lo 125/220 160| 23" r00/ 21"
200t24" 250/25" 320/ 26 200 / 240
400/ 27" 500/ 28" 640/ 29 400/ 270
800/30" 1000/310and with
higherfilm speeds 1000/ 3 1"
4. Closethecameraback andswitchonthe
camera.The film advancesautomatically With emulsions slower than ISO 50 / 18o,
to the first frame. The camera is ready for and if the film is not DX-coded, the camera
the first exposure when the frame coun- is automatically set to ISO 100/21". Color
ter is at"l".If the frame counter displays negative (print) films with speeds of up to
"0", the film is not loaded properly. ISO 3200/ 36 can also be used on account
Reopenthe cameraback,remove the film of their wide exposure range. Film
and re-insert it as decribed under 2 - 4 cartridgesfor 72 exposurescannot be used.
above.View original page 12Page 13 · Read text
Holding the camera
To avoid camerashake,hold your LEICA
mini as shown in the photographs.Also
checkthat the lens,flash,autofocussensors
and exposuremeter window are not inad-
vertentlycoveredby your hand,the carrying
strapetc.
For upright format photographs.,ensure
that the flashis alwaysat the top, sincelight-
ing from above producesa more natural
im pression.
For upright format photographs,it is advis-
ableto usethe thumb to pressthe exposure
releasebutton.This preventscamerashake.
www.orphancameras.comView original page 13Page 15 · Read text
d: Green conformation symbol (diode):
If the confirmation symbol lights up when
the shutter release is pressed lightly, this
indicatesthat focusing and exposuremeter-
ing values have been stored. In the auto-
matic flash modes settings (AUTO and
ON), it also indicates flash readiness.
Should the flash not be ready (in the AUTO
and ON settings),the shutter relasecannot
be activated.Wait a few seconds,then press
the shutter release lightly. Now the green 'OK' symbol lights up and the camera is
ready for exposure.
Viewlinder display For flash mode, pleasenote the flash range
a: Viewfinder frame: (seepage51).
The bright frame visible in the viewfinder
shows the picture composed by the lens.
When negatives are enlarged or slides
mounted, the picture area may in effect be
slightly trimmed.
b: Close-upmarkings:
For close-upsin the 0.65m to 1 m range,the
frame is shifted downward slightly. This
shift is defined by close-up markings and
the bottom edge of the viewfinder image
below the viewfinder frame.
c: Autofocus frame:
Point the cameraso that the main subject is
within this frame. It need not fill it.
www.orphancameras.com46View original page 15Page 16 · Read text
If the green confirmation symbol flashes Taking pictures
quickly, the suject is too close (between 35 For photographs with the main subject in
cm and 65 cm). In order for correct focus, the image center:
the distance between the camera and the The camera measuresthe focusing distance
subject must be increased. inside the autofocus frame. To prevent
If the green confirmation symbol flashes blurred pictures, always ensure that the 'OFF'),slowly, (with flash set to there is main subject or parts thereof are inside this
danger of camera shake becausethe expo- frame. Holding the camera to the eye, point
sure time is longer than r/:o s. it at the subject so that the main parts, i. e.
If the green confirmation symbol those that must be in focus. are inside the
disappearswhile the flash is set to "OFF" autofocus frame. Now press the shutter
(manual flash control), there is insufficient release button (2) lightly, (to pressure
light for automatic exposure (exposure point).
times of more thanr/s sec.) and the auto- As soon as the green confirmation ("ready")
matic exposurecontrol is set to "B". In this symbol appearsin the viewfinder, press the
case,the shutter remains open for as long as shutter release button fully home for
the shutter releasebutton is presseddown. exposure to take place. After exposure, the
This enablesexposuresof up to 5 seconds. camera automatically advances the film to
the next frame and the frame counter
increasesthe count bv one. i
47
r i r ; ) l : : ^ , - . r , r , , , , - r . . . . - r i r . n i r fView original page 16Page 17 · Read text
Focus and exposuremetering memory Holding the camerato the eye,point it at the
For photographswhere the main subject is subjectso that the main parts,i. e. those that
off-center: must be in focus, are inside the autofocus
If the subject that is to be sharply focused frame. Now pressthe shutter releasebutton
lies outside the autofocus frame, the focus lightly, (tp pressurepoint). The green con-
memory facility should be used. firmation symbol appearsin the viewfinder
to show that the focus reading has been
stored.
www.orphancameras.com48View original page 17Page 18 · Read text
Important: Storing a focused distance is also
useful with difficult autofocus subjectssuch
AS:
bright light sources,such as floodlights.
very shiny surfaces and strong reflec-
tions, such as water, mirrors, brightly
polished surfacesof a motor car 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 this type of situation, focus on an alter-
Keeping the shutter releasebutton pressed native object that is at the same distance and
down lightly, compose your picture as you similarly lit. Storing the focus setting as
wish. When ready, pressthe shutter release described, your are now able to take your
button fully home for exposure. picture successfully.For photographs with
When the shutter release button is long focusing distances through windows,
depressed lightly (pressure point), the (e.g. from a motor car) or for long-distance
camerastoresboth the correct focus and the landscape photographs, it is advisable to
exposuretime for the main subject. manually set the lens to infinity (,-" mode).
The focus / exposure metering memory is
cancelledas soon as you remove your finger
from the shutter releasebutton.
49View original page 18Page 19 · Read text
The fixed infinity setting: Note:To take severalpicturesconsecutively
Pressthe mode control button three times in the infinity setting, the mode control ''oo"until the symbol appearsin the display. button must be held down after pressingit 3
The lens is now set to infinity for the next times for approximately3 secondsuntil "oo"
exposure.After this picture has been taken, flashes.To cancel and return to "AUTO",
the camera automatically resets to the pressthe mode control button once more.
"AUTO" mode. When the camera is switched off and sub-
sequentlyswitchedon again,it is automati-
cally set to the automatic program mode
"AIJTO".
www.orphancameras.com50View original page 19Page 20 · Read text
The green confirmation symbol (18)
lights up at light pressureon the exposure
releasebutton when the flash is charged.
The green confirmation symbol flashes
rapidly until the flash is fully reloaded.
While the flash is loading, the shutter
release is blocked (see also viewfinder
display).
The available flash range depends on the
film speed. For best results, ensure that
your main subject is within the flash range
as shown below.
Taking pictures with the automatic flash ISO/DIN Flash
The LEICA mini has a built-in flash. film speed range*
Depending on the mode chosen, it is 50 / 180 64/IT 80/ 20" 0.65- 2.8m
activatedautomaticallyor can be controlled r00/ 21" r25/ 22" t60 / 23" 0.65- 4.0m
manually via override. 200/ 24 250/ 25" 320/ 26 0.65- 5.6m
400/ 27" 500/ 28 640/ 2y 0.65- 8.0m 800/ 30" 1000/ 31" 1250| 32" 1.00- 11.0m lt
Automatic flash 1600/ 33" 2000/ 34" 2500/ 35" 1.50- 16.0m
When switchedon, the LEICA mini is set to 3200/ 36 2.00-18.0m
the automatic program mode "AUTO". In
this mode, the flash is automatically
activatedin poor light, when long hand-held
exposuresare likely to lead to camerashake,
e. g. in dark interiors and in twilight. 'AUTO" The symbol appearsin the dis-
play. *) Thesespecificationsrefer to color negative(print) film. With
positive (slide) films, there is a reduction in range.
5 lView original page 20Page 21 · Read text
- the flash override 'ON' symbol appears
in the viewfinder.
- the green confirmation symbol lights up
upon light pressure on the exposure
releasebutton when the flash is ready.
- the green confirmation symbol flashes 0--, rapidly and the exposurereleasebutton is T- ON
blocked when the flash is not ready (see trn also "Viewfinder display on p. 46).
- if the green confirmation symbol flashes,
this indicates risk of camera shake
becausethe automatic exposure time is
set at longer thanr/sosecond.In this case,
Taking pictures with manual flash control steady the camera against or on an
(override) unmoving object, or use a tripod. To
It is possible to activate or switch off the prevent camerashakewhen taking photo-
automatic flash through two override func- graphswith a tripod, it is advisableto use
tions: the self timer.
The mode control remains set to 'ON'
Manual flash override on until the camera is switched off or ano-
Activating the flash manually is recom- ther mode is selected.
mended when taking photographs against When the camera is switched off and
the sun (backlit photography)or for pictures subsequently switched on again, it is
with extreme contrast (for instance when automatically'AUTO'.set to the automatic pro-the subjectis in shade).Also. the use offlash gram mode
often helps to avoid the greenish hue that
occurswhen slides are taken in fluorescent
light. To activatethe flash manually, irres-
pective of light conditions, press the mode
control button (6) once.
www.orphancameras.comView original page 21Page 22 · Read text
Important:Check that main subjectis within
the correct flash range (seep. 51).Using the
flash for portrait photographs can result in
so-called "red-eyes". This is due to the
retina of the eye reflecting flash light -OI:directly back to the camera. To avoid this,the subject(s)should not be looking directly a-r-rr
at the camera. Red eyes are more likely inpoor light, when the pupils are wide open. EN OFF
When taking picturesindoors, it is therefore
advisable to add as much normal room
lighting as available.
Flash off
By pressing the mode control button (6)
twice, the automatic flash acivation is switch-
ed off. The symbol "OFF" appearsin the dis-
play. In this mode, it is possibleto photograph
an evening scene,take a moody indoor snap-
shot or take picturesinside a museum where
the use of a flash is prohibited.
Important: Ifthe green confirmation symbol
(18)blinks slowly when the exposurerelease
button is pressed half-way, this indicates
risk of camerashake(exposuretimes longer
than 1/los). In this case, it is advisable to
steadythe cameraor attach it to a tripod via
the tripod thread (16).View original page 22Page 23 · Read text
If the green confirmation LED disappears,
the camera automatically switches to the
long exposure time setting ('B'). In this
mode the shutter remains open for as long
as the shutter release button is pressed
down. Long exposure times of up to 5
seconds max. are possible. Remember to
steadythe camera or use a tripod.
To prevent camerashakewhen taking pho-
tographswith a tripod, it is advisableto use
the self timer.
The mode control remains set to "OFF'
until the camerais switched off or another
mode is selected. Self timerWhen the camerais switchedoffand subse- By pressing the self-timer selector buttonquently switched on again, it is automati- (7) below the display window on the top ofcally set to the universal program mode,AUTO'. the camera, the self-timer is activated,
delaying the release of the shutter by
approximately 10 seconds. During the
countdown, the red LED (11)on the front of
the cameralights up as follows:
7 seconds:constant
2 seconds:blinking
1 second: constant
The shutter releasefollows.
The cancel the self-timer, press the self-
timer selectorbutton once more or switch
off the camera.
www.orphancameras.com54View original page 23Page 24 · Read text
Automatic lilm rewind
The camera automatically rewinds the film
after the final exposure. The frame counter
counts in reverse.When the film has been
rewound fully into its cartridge, the motor
drive stops and a flashing "0" symbol
appearsin the display. You can now safely
open the camera back and remove the film
cartridge.
Caution: If the motor stops without the
flashing "0" symbol appearing in the dis-
play, the battery must be replaced. Do not
open the camera back, becauselight falling Rewinding a partly exposed film
on the partially rewound film will spoil it. You can activate the motor winder to
After inserting a fresh battery, the film rewind a partly exposed film e. g. for
rewind must be activated manually. developing a partly exposed film. Simply
press ttre rewind button (marked Eg),
situated the top of the camera next to the
shutter releasebutton. I-Jsea ballpoint pen
or similar object.View original page 24Page 25 · Read text
Data Back
The LEICA mini is available with or
without Data Back.
With the quartz-controlled Data Back, the
date (day, month, year - in three selectable
sequences),or the time (day, hour, minute) MODE SETECTSET
can be imprinted the film at the moment of
exposure.The automatic calendar extends
yearto the 2019. The date or time can be /[o)fr/bltt - / \ v t\ /vread in the lower right photo- corner of thegraph. Imprinting the data is controlled by Ytl
the LEICA mini's automatic film sneedset- 3 4 5
ting (DX-setting). The Data Back comes
with a battery already inserted. SELECT
Push button for selectingthe individual-
I LCD - Data Back display. data to be set.
2 Display for marking the film flashes for SET
approximately 2s. after successful data Push button for setting the individual
imprinting. data.By pushing briefly, this changesby
3 MODE one value in ascending order. Holding
Push button for setting the data display the button down longer causesthe values
and for switching off data imprinting. to change quickly.
Every time the button is pushed, the dis-
play changesin sequence(see schematic
diagram on page 57). The month is
marked with the letter "M". The dashes -- -J C- visible in the displaywhen the
data imprint mode is set to off, are not
imprintedon the film.
www.orphancameras.comView original page 25Related documents and language editions
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PDF verified 2026-10-10.