Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1999/12/07

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Subject: [Leica] On the Nature of the Leica CL
From: Afterswift@aol.com
Date: Tue, 7 Dec 1999 03:22:30 EST

In a message dated 12/7/99 12:08:37 AM Pacific Standard Time, 
owner-leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us writes:

<< I think too often people disparage the CL. Personally I think it's a great
 little camera. I usually carry it with me every where. Sherry's doing a CLA
 on mine and replacing the photo cell. Can't wait to get it back. Sigh, guess
 I'll have to settle with using my M6 until then... --Richard Le>>
- ----------------
Richard,

The CL isn't fully appreciated because its design is so original. Owners 
don't grasp its innovation because at first it appears so different from what 
they're accustomed to in a Leica. Imagine, having the back and camera strung 
together on one strap! And the camera is carried vertically. The shutter dial 
is out of place as tho it were more important than lens focus. The film has 
an internally hinged pressure plate which requires an extra step to load. The 
film spool has this strange clip and odd directionality. And so on. All this 
discourages use of the CL. But that's my very argument: to be fully 
understood and enjoyed the CL must be used frequently until working with it 
becomes second nature. Then those great negatives come back and you know what 
good is.

Best,
Bob