Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1997/04/16

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Subject: Re: CL v M serries
From: dannyg1@IDT.NET (Danny Gonzalez)
Date: Wed, 16 Apr 1997 04:58:41 -0400 (EDT)

The CLE uses A76 batteries and has a silicon blue cell. I don't know what
the useful life of SBC's is. Anyone?

Danny Gonzalez


>How about the Minolta CLE?  Does it use an old Cds cell which is prone to
>deterioration, or a newer type.  What type of battery does the CLE use?
>
>----------
>> From: Danny Gonzalez <dannyg1@IDT.NET>
>> To: leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us
>> Subject: Re: CL v M serries
>> Date: April 15, 1997 1:32 AM
>>
>> The CL is a very small, manually metered (ala M5 via semophore arm;
>center
>> the needle opeation. Shutter speed viible in finder. Focal length
>markings
>> on individual frames) camera that takes most M lenses. It is a great
>little
>> camera but doesn't enjoy a good reputation for durability or reliability
>> (as compared to an M6. It is fairly reliable though not at all durable).
>> The meter cell is an old Cds cell that is powered by the USA defunct
>PX625
>> mercury battery. If original, the cell is around 20 years old and is at
>the
>> end of its useful operational life. A dying cell gives non-linear
>response
>> and must be replaced to restore linearity.
>>
>> The most noticable differences from a full sized M camera are the smaller
>> baseline, darker viewfinder and the tiny rangefinder patch. These are
>> compromise elements tha are inherent to smaller bodies and though they
>are
>> disadvantageous, they do not render the camera 'hard' to use.
>>
>> Two variations of the body were sold: The Leica CL and the identical but
>> differently badged Leitz/Minolta CL. The Minolta version can be found for
>> less money.
>>
>> The camera was sold with two companion lenses: the 90/4 Elmar-c/German
>made
>> Rokkor (not to be confused with the CLE Rokkor) and the 40/2
>> Summicron/Rokkor CL (not to be confused with the CLE Rokkor). both are
>> excellent; the 90 German Rokkor is a better lens than my 90/2.8
>> Tele-Elmarit (on my M6).
>>
>> The cameras are very useful and I'd recommend one to my best friends.
>>
>> >Please enlightem me.  What are the main differences in the CL and M
>> >serries.  No need for major indepth technicl differences, I am mainly
>> >interested in differences in the usability of the two cameras. I am
>wanting
>> >to get a simple rangefinder system with a 35 and a 90 lens.  I mostly
>shoot
>> >SLR so I just want something to play with more or less, but has the
>Leica
>> >glass.
>> >
>> >Thanks,
>> >
>> >Harrison McClary
>> >hmphoto@delphi.com
>> >http://people.delphi.com/hmphoto
>>
>>