Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1996/12/24
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Don't know of any books which give more than a passing reference to this series. It seems until very recently, it was considered an orphan not worth more. When the CL was introduced, it was the subject of a Popular Photography (or was it Modern Photography?) review in 1992. Check your local library. The review was very complete, including a reference to the meter which raised some concern it could admit dust. The conclusion was that it was a heck of a camera with great lenses. Also discussed the difference between the C series lenses and the M series. The CL was a result of the collaberation of Leica and Minolta companies. The camera was designed by Leica initially and thereafter engineers from both companies modified it for production purposes and to bring down the cost to make it more price competitive. It is not a Minolta camera and not an M. It was not designed to be an M competitor, but as an entry level alternative to Leica for those considering high end cameras from other companies who were shying away from Leica because of the preceived costs. Also, there were those who wanted a more compact camera (more in line with the LTM) and did not use long focal length lenses or had the need for many different lenses. It will handle through the viewfinder 35mm, 40, 50, and 90mm. I can only speculate that it was considered at Leica that current owners would opt for the 35, 50 and 90 combo because of existing inventory. Leica has a sheet which sets out the lenses which shouldn't be used. Most can be used. Collapsables need to be prohibited from collapsing through the use of dymo tape or the like. Over 90mm not recommended b/c of the limits of the rangefinder, 90mm limited to f/4 for same reason and cuts off the viewfinder. Lenses w/ eyes, not used with eyes and early 21mmm not usable. Also, CL lenses were not supposed to be compatable w/ M cameras, but they seem to be with no problem. The Minolta Rokkors RF system were more akin to the M series and there is universal acceptance that these lenses can be used on the M and vice-versa. SInce the CLE has no metering arm, I supposed there is no requirement to tape the collapsable lenses. The Leica and Minolta CL were intro'd in '72. Minolta CL initially restricted to Japan and lenses had Japanese DIN. When Leica ceased sales, Minolta exported to other countries. CLE not related to CL other than lens mount and for the general look of the body. It was a logical move from the CL by Minolta to capture a bigger market share and unrestrained by the more conservative Leica produced a product which many feel should have been produced by Leica. It forcasted what could be done with non-slr designs and could be considered rather than as a culmination of the CL series as a precursur to the non-slr higher-end market which exits today. Hope this will give you a start. At 08:33 AM 12/19/96 -0800, you wrote: >Since there is a lot of talk about the CL and CLE series can someone give >a brief history and pointers to any books available? I am interested in >obtaining one of these cameras. What lenses will work with which version? >Thanks in advance. > >Tim Spelich > > Brian Levy, J.D. Agincourt Ont. dlevy@worldy.com