Leica's pocket compact — the mini 3, fixed 32mm f/3.2, program AE autofocus, 1996.
The Leica mini 3 is a fixed-lens 35mm compact from 1996, the last of Leica's mini point-and-shoot line and the scarcest of the three, with production reported at around 22,000 units. It was made by Kyocera for Leica and carried a different, slightly wider prime lens than the earlier minis. It was aimed at users wanting a small everyday Leica-branded compact.
Made for 35mm film, the mini 3 has a fixed 32mm f/3.2 Summar lens with a built-in UVa filter, a wider and faster lens than the 35mm f/3.5 of the earlier minis. It uses autofocus with focus lock, programmed AE exposure with a plus-one-and-a-half-stop compensation, and reads DX film from ISO 50 to 1600. It has a built-in flash.
The slightly wider 32mm lens and small body make the mini 3 suited to street, travel and general everyday photography where a discreet pocket camera is wanted. The wider, faster lens gives a little more flexibility than the earlier minis for interiors and lower light. Its scarcity also makes it of interest to collectors of the line.
When buying used, confirm autofocus and focus lock work and inspect the 32mm lens for haze, fungus and coating damage. Check the LCD for complete, bleed-free segments, test the flash and the exposure compensation, and listen for smooth film transport. Inspect the battery compartment and contacts for corrosion and verify the film-door light seals are intact.