Summary: back from vacation

Comment: The Minox CD-140 date camera is simple to use , the small viewfinder takes some getting use-to. the controls are simple to understand and easy to use. The quality of photos taken on vacation with this camera are excellent, colors are true and images are crisp and clear ( but no better than my 8 year old Nikon LiteTouch AF ). Not sure if it was worth the extra cost when looking at other similar cameras. Have to see how this camera holds up over the next 10 years, hope its better than my pentax...

Summary: Awesome Camera

Comment: This is the best Camera I have ever owned. I scrapbook and I am so happy with the Quality and colors of my photo's. Definetly Reccomend.

Summary: The MINISCULE VIEWFINDER is a TREMENDOUS Problem

Comment: Believe me, and believe any other review that criticizes the tiny viewfinder on this camera. It may have top-quality optics and an abundance of admirable features, but you're likely to miss most photo opportunities (especially in twilight and darkness) as you struggle to place the viewfinder over your eye.

Most of the photos we obtained with this Minox captured the moment after a great picture COULD HAVE been taken, and even then were generally off-center. I thought I would become acclimated, but frustration got the better of me and the camera was returned for refund.

Summary: This camera has flaws

Comment: The viewfinder is VERY small. The viewfinder is also located too near to the center of the camera, so I kept bumping my nose into it when I take pictures. Also, the camera failed to rewind the film automatically, so I had to manually take out the roll, which ruined all my pictures, all the precious shots I took. I had to return the camera.

Summary: Perfect point-and-shoot camera!!

Comment: The Minox CD 140 is probably in the top 5 of all point-and-shoot cameras with a long zoom.

It's easy for a complete beginner to use, but has light controls for the more advanced photographer (macro, panorama, flash cancel, etc.). There is no manual aperture setting or other controls like this, but do you really want/need that in a point and shoot camera?

I own the date back version of this casera and am very happy with its overall performance. I *really* wanted to get a Leica C1, but am glad I did not - no point. The Leica versions at this end of the point and shoots are overpriced for the same or lower quality as this Minox with its Minoctar lens. Sharp and crisp photos.

Another very important part of this camera that peopel overlook is that it is NOT a step zoom. This means that the zoom does not move in preset settings. E.g., on the Leica C1 you can only zoom to 38, 50, 75, 90, etc. With this Minox you can zoom to ANY distance between 38 and 140.

The camera also ha an excellent "feel" to it. Some point and shoot cameras feel so cheap (plastic doodads) and others are so "slick" that they feel tinny. Not this one. It is made of high quality material and there is a part made of grip rubber that helps you get a great grip on the camera (visible on left side of the camera picture - looks like a black half-moon).

The other features: Active infrared autofocus, Maximum zoom range, Automatic flash, Preflash for red-eye reduction, Quality lens, etc. are all excellent.

There is ONLY one weakness I can think of: Small viewfinder (to look at what you are shooting). This takes a little getting used to, but is simple enough. This is the ONLY drawback.

I also own a higher-end Nikon SLR and Minolta SLR, but this is my back-up point and shoot "fun" camera. I *strongly* recommend this camera. I did a LOT fo research on point and shoots before buying this one. Again, I am very glad I bought this one. You will be too.