Re: [Leica] Leitz-Minolta CL

[Peterson_Art@hq.navsea.navy.mil]

     Rolf,
     
     In some ways the CL is my favorite Leica.  It's really pocketable with 
     its 40mm Summicron-C lens, and of course you can't get a picture if 
     you haven't brought your camera with you.  That 40mm lens and the 90mm 
     Elmar-C lens designed to go with it seem excellent to me (although if 
     you want details of lines of resolution and such, you'll have to get 
     that from someone else).  I happen to use the 90mm Tele-Elmarit (also 
     out of production), which is equally lightweight, compact, and for my 
     purposes satisfactory as a picture taker with the CL.  The CL has a 
     wonderful spot meter (which, however, is of older, slower technology 
     than the M6's meter and requires 1.35 volt batteries, but you can get 
     around that problem with the C.R.I.S. voltage-adjusting insert and a 
     standard #76, 1.5 volt, silver oxide battery); and it has a very handy 
     edge-overhanging shutter-speed dial (and displays shutter speeds in 
     the viewfinder).  Almost all the M lenses work perfectly well on the 
     CL---the exceptions being older model 21mm and 28mm lenses with rear 
     elements that extend back inordinately far and so interfere with the 
     CL's meter arm; and for some reason I don't fathom, my pre-aspherical 
     35mm Summicron will not mount on my CL, but so what---I've got the 
     40mm!  Also, extreme wide apertures (like f/1.0 or f/1.4, or the 90mm 
     f/2.0) provide too shallow a depth of field for the CL's shorter (than 
     M) rangefinder baselength to focus accurately, but I've never had any 
     problem focusing the 40mm f/2 or the 90mm f/2.8, and those lenses are 
     fast enough for most purposes.  Finally, the CL is not as tank-like 
     solid and rigid as the M6, but why should it be?  After all, it was 
     designed to be a small, light camera, and you can't have you cake and 
     eat it too!  In any case, the CL is plenty tough and well-made to be 
     seen for what it is, a real Leica.  The CL was my entry into the Leica 
     system, and I've always thought it a real, unique gem!
     
     Hope that helps,
     
     Art Peterson
     Alexandria, VA
     

______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: [Leica] Leitz-Minolta CL
Author:  leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us at Internet
Date:    12/20/98 4:14 AM


Hello,
     
I have the opportunity to purchase a Leitz-Minolta CL with 
40/2 Rokkor lens for $700. Both are in excellent condition.
I am not a Leica user (yet) but have been looking for a camera for 
street photography and available light photography in jazz clubs. 
A Leica M series seems to be the obvious choice for this sort of work, but 
I am a student and cannot afford a new M6 body + lens. The used
prices I have seen for this equipment are also out of my price
range. Would the CL be an acceptable alternative from a user (not collector) 
point of view, or should I wait until I can afford a M6? 
     
The focal lengths I would be interested in using
are 28, 35 (the 40 would do), and 90. From what I have read, it 
seems as though the camera would have no problems with a 90/4, but 
I am wondering if there are any problems using a 28/2.8. 
     
I have read a favorable review of the camera on 
http://www.cameraquest.com/leicacl.htm, but no one else I know 
seems to have any more information on this camera. 
     
Any opinions would be appreciated.
     
- -Rolf