Leica CLs & other compact rangefinders

[Pablo_Mendoza@ROOSEVELT-PROVOST.ucsd.edu]

     It has been interesting reading about other people's experience with 
     the CL.  But to be honest, after having sold mine, I can't say that I 
     miss it.  I much rather like my M6, but I do miss the M5 viewfinder 
     displays.
     
     Anyway, the conjecture about the viability of a MF Rangefinder like 
     the CL coming out again is just wishful thinking.  I remember back in 
     the early eighties reading reports in PDNews, Modern and Popular 
     Photography and the British Journal of Photography about Bronica 
     coming out with a compact rangefinder 35 with aperture priority 
     automation and three lenses (28, 45, 85mm if memory serves me 
     correctly).  Bronica discontinued this project because the niche was 
     filled.  Saturated by new and used Leica Ms and CLs and CLEs.  I don't 
     think that anyone else is really interested in doing another MF 
     rangefinder, especially if it would have limited compatibility with a 
     full system, like the original CL concept.
     
     The success of the Contax G1 & G2 is directly attributable to another 
     trend, AutoFocus.  The individuals who wanted an interchangeable lens 
     AF camera that has all the attributes of a P&S without the bulk of an 
     SLR have found their niche camera.  I'm not a marketing research 
     person, but if anything is coming out, it would most probably be along 
     this vein, not along the M vein.  Like the rumors of a Nikon AF 
     Rangefinder camera that periodically surfaces on the Nikon Digest.
     
     If Leica were to produce a new camera in an M mount, it would probably 
     be have more metering automation, ie aperture priority, and some other 
     refinements.  But I doubt there is any feasibility in a new CL type 
     camera.  It was discontinued for the reason that it had limited 
     compatibility.  The Ms will probably evolve, with both the CL and M5 
     types as design and market failures.  
     
     Just because a used market supports a particular item, it does not 
     mean that the item could be considered for revival.  Leica has a 
     strong formula with the Ms and will stick to it.
     
     Just my musings.  The CL was good for the time I used it, but is 
     limited.  Now if Leica would only put a full information finder into 
     the M6, I would be happy.
     
     Thanks for your attention.
     
     Pablo
     pmendoza@ucsd.edu