Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2003/08/09
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Just one persons opinion, but, unless you want to pay Sherri a CLA, stay away from a CL. Old technology that isn't classic. I am specifically referring to the meter mechanism and the shutter. There are issues with this mechanism. A quality tech can keep them running so if you find a CL for $300 then the $200 for a CLA is just dandy. The CLE is aperture priority only. Manual is just that, no meter. These cameras are hitting the end of their life. You might get a good one, you might get one that dies thirty days after you buy one. If you can get a deal on two of them then maybe this model will be attractive. I have already spoken my piece on the M2. If you don't need a meter then this camera will outlast your grandkids. Simply beautiful finder, wonderful action, parts upgrade to latest whatever you want possible, see Rei's comments about his M3. Not really bigger than a CL but far more capable. About that old technology comment: the Leica shutter and rangefinder are relatively fully developed with no real improvements in forty years from the M3 era. Some would say the finders have gone backward in the last 25 years or so. The M5 and the CL represented Leica trying to break new ground. Unfortunately for them, most users felt the earlier product better suited their needs. Yes, I have owned two CL', I sold them as soon as I had my M3 again. Don dorysrus@mindspring.com - -----Original Message----- From: owner-leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us [mailto:owner-leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us] On Behalf Of Gary Williams Sent: Saturday, August 09, 2003 12:41 PM To: leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us Subject: [Leica] Leica Second Body I am new to Leica this year---after 25 years with Contax---and use an M7 as my main RF body. I am delighted with the M7. I'm struggling on a second body, however. I have tried M2, M3, M5 and CL, and have sold or am in the process of selling all of them. The M3 is terrific, except I find I can't live without the 35mm frame lines. The M5 is just too big. The CL is too difficult to focus with a lens longer than 50mm, doesn't seem that well made, why not use a friggin' P&S instead. But I want an interchangeable lens body. I see no advantage in an M4 over an M2. I don't need the M4 28 or 135mm frame lines, in fact I like the uncluttered M2 finder. An M4 is more expensive anyway. An M6 is very pricey for a second body for me. The M2 is leading the pack so far, but I wonder about the one I haven't tried---the CLE. (Hexar RF is out, too many issues with M compatibly and now Konica USA is pulling the plug on it. The Voigtlander Bessa shutter is too noisy). I would prefer a smaller body, and in black---but can't afford a black M2. I feel too conspicuous with a chrome body. My bad? Anyway, the specs on the CLE are intriguing, however, potential repairs, even a CLA for a CLE (say it 10 times) is a concern. On his website, Stephen Gandy is practically begging for CLE spare parts. Thoughts? Gary - -- To unsubscribe, see http://mejac.palo-alto.ca.us/leica-users/unsub.html - -- To unsubscribe, see http://mejac.palo-alto.ca.us/leica-users/unsub.html