Leica's consumer zoom compact — the C1, 38-105mm zoom, program AE autofocus, 2000.
The Leica C1 is a fixed-lens 35mm zoom compact from around 2000, part of Leica's range of consumer point-and-shoot cameras that sat below its rangefinder and reflex lines. These C-series compacts extended the Leica name into the automatic zoom-compact market of the era. The C1 was a general-purpose travel and everyday camera rather than a manual-control tool.
Built for 35mm film, the C1 has a Vario-Elmar ASPH 38-105mm f/4-10.5 zoom lens covering standard to short-telephoto framing. It uses active infrared autofocus with a manual-infinity setting, programmed AE exposure and long exposures of up to 99 seconds in its timed mode. It has a built-in flash and is powered by a single CR123A lithium cell.
The 38-105mm range makes the C1 suited to travel and general photography where a versatile zoom in a pocketable body is wanted, reaching from standard scenes to tighter framing and casual portraits. The long-exposure setting adds some scope for low-light and night work. It is an automatic camera aimed at convenience rather than manual control.
When buying used, check that the zoom motor runs smoothly across the full range and that autofocus confirms, and inspect the zoom lens for haze, fungus and internal debris, since long zooms are prone to dust. Confirm the LCD is complete and bleed-free, test the flash and the long-exposure mode, and listen for smooth film transport. Inspect the CR123A battery compartment for corrosion and verify the film-door light seals are intact.