Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1997/04/15
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]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 > >