Leica CL - Leica M6: Built quality

[arotron473]

Do you know what points make the built quality of Leica M6 superior to CL's built quality? Or better, is it any difference in built quality bettwen these two cameras?

I am not talking about rangefinder accuracy. Just for the material, the way that they are getting old, the resistance to dings, dents and scratches, the quality of mechanism and optics, etc.

Thank you.

 

[Assaf]

Used to own an M6 and currently own a CL.
I think that metal (and its finish) in the M6 is of a higher quality, and also the vulcanite covering.
In addition, the RF optics and the light meter don't always survive time in the CL as in M cameras.
That being said, if you get CL in good working condition, it's a camera which is built better, and more likely to survive many years, than most of the cameras in the world. I'd say that if you're working condition is such that you actually need a camera as robust as an M6, you're either a war zone photographer, or a tank driver...

 

[George S.]

Agree completly with Assaf's reply. That says it in a nutshell. I'm a longtime CL and M6 owner. ( Among a few other Leicas ) 😉

 

[Al Patterson]

I've never owned a M6, but my CL is better built than most of the other cameras I own.

 

[bambamphoto]

Yeah, my takeup spool is held together with superglue right now. Sherry Krauter (sherrykrater.com), will replace if for you with a replacement one that has a metal insert and will not break. It's an amazing camera. I never miss focus with my 40 as the mechanism is overdamped (therefore slower focusing) but allows for microfine adjustments for that reason. Even wide open, I don't miss.

 

[TEZillman]

arotron473

I would suggest that you click on the link for CameraQuest.com that you will find on this page. Once you get there, click on "camera articles" and then click on and read the article about the CL. It should answer most of your questions about the CL's place in the Leica world. My own experience is that its a fine camera but its not an M (nor was it ever meant to be).