ISO: Silent running

[amateriat]

So...I talk about my GAS immunity, though not at length, since "stuff" does happen from time to time, but on a relatively small scale (last time out it was about scoring a lovely Konica Auto S3, which I proceeded to use a lot, then dropped, and now is awaiting a repair that will bring back the meter needle in the VF; otherwise the camera works fine). But what I'm thinking about right now is an M-mount body that would be a non-motorized companion to my pair of beloved and hard-used Hexar RFs. After nearly five years of use, you'd still have to fall just short of knifing me to get me to part with them, but one occasional issue has been those moments when even a relatively quiet motor (the Hexar's motor is not crazy-noisy, thankfully) would still be intrusive.

So, it gets me to thinking about possibilites. Ideally, of course, there's an M6 TTL (call me crazy, but yes, I'd want the option of TTL flash for the thing). But current prices put that option at least a year away, if not more. I thought about an M2/M3, but those options leave my 28 M-Hex out in the cold, and the prospect of having to use an accessory VF leaves me cold, period. CVs, even the electronically-goverened-shutter variety, are still a bit noisy to my ear. I have no idea how quiet the ZI shutter is (does the body design offer more sound-damping than the CVs?), and even it it's an okay "fit", the cash won't be there for a while.

This leaves one option whose parameters I know reasonably well: Minolta's CLE. It meets practiclly all my needs and falls just shy of one (40mm framelines where I would prefer either 50 or 35; I would likely just get a CV 35mm f/2.5 M-mount for it and hope for the best, since I could still use it with the Hexars with no problem). One issue, of course, is availability of parts: Yes, i could try and round up a few "donor" Minolta XGs, which share the same shutter with the CLE, but that would still leave me with questions about the circuit board; then again, I've next to never heard of board failures with the CLE (and others will point out how much more electronically endowed my Hexars are). And the CLE is small enough to likely supplant my S3. And did I mention TTL flash?

So, this might be the start of yet another "I've sort of made my mind up, but..." thread, but it's often good to get some other voices to weigh in on this. CLE veterans, of course, are most welcome.

And: how much should a decent "user" CLE (i.e. not mint, but not a wreck) go for at this late a date, anyhow?


- Barrett

 

[Chaser]

I would vote in favor of the CLE. It is my main rf and I really love it. I had both a m6ttl and a CLE...and while I wish that I still had the M6, the cle paired with the 40mm rokkor and the 28mm ZM len I got is just about a perfect kit. It is quiet and small and works like a dream. If you go for the CLE do yourself a favor and grab the 40mm rokkor/summicron. It really is a damned fine lens for about the same price as a skopar.

 

[Dougg]

Konica + Minolta... what a partnership! 🙂 I think Hexar RF + CLE is a pretty logical pairing, actually. The CLE is smaller, more discreet and innocent looking, yet pulls the freight. And does it ever do flash, able to quench the matching strobe in mid-flash based on light reflected from the film, including ambient light changes too. It can change the shutter speed too, on that basis, at speeds slower than sync speed. And batteries seem to last almost forever even if you forget to turn off the main switch.

in case you haven't noticed yet, I'm really fond of my CLE that I've had since new. So much so I got it a 28 'cron for its 23rd birthday. It's my fav 35mm RF despite an M2, Z-I, Bessa-L and -T, and a pair of Contax G2s. Agree with Chaser, the 40 Rokkor is a winner too.

Can't say that YOU'd like as much, but there's a chance...

I see three on the 'bay now, and checking completed listings reveals one sold for $482 body-only a few days ago. And somebody stole a complete kit even including the rare handgrip for only $610.

 

[amateriat]

"Konica + Minolta"...they were like two very good friends I loved dearly (and equally), but also knew, deep in my heart, shouldn't by any means get married to each other. 🙁

Anyway, I've decided a sound-condition CLE is what I should go after; I just needed input from a few others (enablers?) to help sort things out. (Thanks!)


-Barrett

 

[Beniliam]

I think in your option too, Barret. I love the 40 mm lens a lot (my old Rollei 35 SE and my Canonet are desirable for me because I can use the 40 mm). I want to sell my Konica Hexar RF and buy one Minolta CLE with one Rokkor. I thought much time in try to buy the ZI... even ask with Robert White, but I prefer finally the tiny Minolta. Even Vlad and Don suggest me that buy the ZI, but theres are something that have the CLE that I love much over the ZI...
I dont think much in the TTL flash feature. I think more in the size and in the sound shutter, and obviosly in the great 40 mm focal... Is this sin? 🙂

 

[amateriat]

Beniliam: 40mm a sin? Hardly, although at the moment I'm a bit more partial to getting a CV 35mm f/2.5 that I can use with both the CLE (when I get one) and both Hexars. This doesn't mean I won't change my mind beforehand and get a 40mm f/1.4 just for use on the CLE...it would be nice to have something faster than f/2, and this would take my mind off things like the 35 Nokton (alternative GAS, I suppose).


- Barrett

 

[Doug]

Not sinful, the 40 Nokton is heavenly on the CLE... 😀

 

[f/stopblues]

I started out with a Canonet in RF photography, then went with an R2A, Nokton 50 and Ultron 35. Absolutely beautiful camera, especially wrapped in a Luigi case. I kept on using that Canonet though, because the 40mm feels more natural to my eye than any other focal lenth I've used. Even though its close to both the 35 and 50mm, it just "fits."

I eventually sold off the Bessa and now have two Canonets! Course, it was for tuition money, but I couldn't be happier with my little QL17's. I can notice a difference when I enlarge up to about 11x14, so a CLE with just a 40 'cron could be on the horizon. I'm just as happy shooting with my current gear. There's a lot to be said for a fixed lens, especially when you love the length (and speed!)

 

[back alley]

selling my 2 cle outfits is still a source of regret for me.
great cameras, sorta like a mini zi, even the same shape sorta.

and the cv40/1.4 would be a lovely pairing.