lxmike
M2 fan.
rfaspen
[insert pithy phrase here]
I think Ko has the correct answer. I honestly think you would be happiest to save the $$ and get another M in a while, rather than settle for something that seems adequate now, just because it seems exciting to get another camera now. I say this as someone who has travelled that road.
Now, here in the western US, a CL (non-working meter) runs about $250 and a working, clean M2 starts around $500+, so I understand the hurdle that seems to present. But, for those of us who are not particularly wealthy, but enjoy the Leica M, its a matter of delayed gratification. I've saved for all my Leica gear, each piece, ever since I was in my teens (18 to be precise).
And, deals come along. Save and watch. You'll be rewarded.
If you insist on buying one of the 2 stated choices: I'd select the CL. Lenses will move between the M2 and CL without effort. That's a big deal to me. The CL works just fine, but I find it too small. I have one and I almost never use it because of handling. I like small cameras, but something about the CL layout, along with its size, makes it unpleasant to use. I'm forever unlocking the lens when I hold the thing.
Now, here in the western US, a CL (non-working meter) runs about $250 and a working, clean M2 starts around $500+, so I understand the hurdle that seems to present. But, for those of us who are not particularly wealthy, but enjoy the Leica M, its a matter of delayed gratification. I've saved for all my Leica gear, each piece, ever since I was in my teens (18 to be precise).
And, deals come along. Save and watch. You'll be rewarded.
If you insist on buying one of the 2 stated choices: I'd select the CL. Lenses will move between the M2 and CL without effort. That's a big deal to me. The CL works just fine, but I find it too small. I have one and I almost never use it because of handling. I like small cameras, but something about the CL layout, along with its size, makes it unpleasant to use. I'm forever unlocking the lens when I hold the thing.
lxmike
M2 fan.
rfaspen
[insert pithy phrase here]
PS. Internet aside. I have yet to encounter a CL with a genuinely working meter.
My CL's meter is active, but erratic and wrong, even with the correct Hg battery. I've encountered a few more with moving needles, but most are dead. I'm sure there's a few out there with good accurate meters. Its just which one are you likely to find, and will it actually be a good meter, and for how long? My opinion is the odds are against you there. That said, the remainder of the CL is a solid meterless camera.
My CL's meter is active, but erratic and wrong, even with the correct Hg battery. I've encountered a few more with moving needles, but most are dead. I'm sure there's a few out there with good accurate meters. Its just which one are you likely to find, and will it actually be a good meter, and for how long? My opinion is the odds are against you there. That said, the remainder of the CL is a solid meterless camera.
vytasn
Established
I am a 40mm fan so CL all the way for me. CL has a less cluttered viewfinder with a clear rangefinder patch compared to the fuzzy blob of the P. The 50mm frame lines are very nice, so if you are a 50mm and 28mm shooter, its a good option. I also like its size, you can put it and the M2 in a smaller bag.
Godfrey
somewhat colored
Personally, I prefer the CL. Get a good one and it will be a great first or second body. Sherry Krauter and Don Goldberg seem to have plenty of parts and continue to service them, if that's a question.
G
G
css9450
Veteran
Viewfinder in the CL is a delight. I use mine almost exclusively with a 50mm, whereas with the older RFs I shoot mainly with wide angles (and auxiliary viewfinders) because they're so hard to see with. Not so with the CL. Did I mention I like the viewfinder of the CL? I do.
lxmike
M2 fan.
lxmike
M2 fan.
lxmike
M2 fan.
l am not so worried about the meter as l used a hand held meter, are Sherry and Don based in the USA
lxmike
M2 fan.
what 50mm do you use on your CL, what frame lines doe a fifty bring up on the CL
ferider
Veteran
The CL is a cute camera and it works well with slower 50s (CV 50/2.5, Summicron or similar). But with your 50/1.4 a Canon P would be much more fun for me to use, 1:1 finder, better focusing accuracy, and historically appropriate
In contrast to Ko.Fe. above, if you have a couple of additional dollars, I recommend to by an M3 however. M2 + M3 are a great combo.
Roland.
In contrast to Ko.Fe. above, if you have a couple of additional dollars, I recommend to by an M3 however. M2 + M3 are a great combo.
Roland.
lxmike
M2 fan.
The CL is a cute camera and it works well with slower 50s (CV 50/2.5, Summicron or similar). But with your 50/1.4 a Canon P would be much more fun for me to use, 1:1 finder, better focusing accuracy, and historically appropriate
In contrast to Ko.Fe. above, if you have a couple of additional dollars, I recommend to by an M3 however. M2 + M3 are a great combo.
Roland.
I have two fifties, a Canon LM 50/1.4 and a 5cm LTM Elmar
Roger Hicks
Veteran
Dear Roland,The CL is a cute camera and it works well with slower 50s (CV 50/2.5, Summicron or similar). But with your 50/1.4 a Canon P would be much more fun for me to use, 1:1 finder, better focusing accuracy, and historically appropriate
In contrast to Ko.Fe. above, if you have a couple of additional dollars, I recommend to by an M3 however. M2 + M3 are a great combo.
Roland.
I really wouldn't bother with an M3, purely because I like 35mm lenses. I've had M3s, and sold them. But I still have my first M2...
I'll go along with those who say, "Save, and buy another M2".
Cheers,
R.
css9450
Veteran
50mm brings up the 50 framelines.... I use my Jupiter-8 and Konica M-Hexanon 50mm about half and half, with occasional use of my Canon and Nikkor LTM 50s also.
ferider
Veteran
I have two fifties, a Canon LM 50/1.4 and a 5cm LTM Elmar
Well, there you go: the Elmar won't collapse into the CL but do fine on the Canon P.
Besides, the "Bauhaus Leica" (Canon P) is such a pretty camera
Godfrey
somewhat colored
l am not so worried about the meter as l used a hand held meter, are Sherry and Don based in the USA
The meter cell is on a mechanical arm that is linked to shutter operation. Even if the meter is not functional (and it can be disabled), the arm must work correctly for the shutter to function correctly. It's a minor point, but good to know about.
Yes, Don Goldberg and Sherry Krauter are both US based Leica specialists.
G