I am a little confused by this poll. The Bessa is in size and functions more comparitive to a full sized M model than the CL/CLE. Also, it boils done to whether as a purchaser you prefer new with a waranty vs. a used model of some decades that to get generally will need servicing to bring back into specification.
The CL after so many decades has proved itself as a reliable and robust body. Mechanical meters usually need service between 5 and 10 years when they are in a tuner or receiver and these do are not usually subject to the elements. The battery issue is common to many cameras of that period and later. The camera can be recalibrated or a CHRIS adaptor used and the issue becomes a non-issue.
Yes, top plates and bottoms are more prone to denting or brassing than an M but not any more so than most other cameras.
Yes, the camera is small compared to the M series but there are many reangefinders/viewfinders that are as small and smaller. I find it somewhat amusing that a number of these other cameras are loved as they are small but the CL, it almost becomes a liability. Control layout and use does not follow the norm buy after sitting back and thinking about it and how it works plus some practice, it all makes sense. I'm amazed other camera makers have not done it.
I've not used a Bessa but in handling the body, I found it to be of about the same material quality of the CL but not of the same fit and finish and QC possibly less stringent as the advance and shutter on several of the same model each had a different sound and feel. I do not remember the model I was looking at but, I wanted to buy one but walked away thinking I'd rather buy an M or add to the Bronica system.
If I was not already enamoured with the CL feel, advance and shutter or the M body, the Bessa would be a no brainer. It is a competent body and I think as robust as most any camera. If I were a professional traveling, I do think it would be my camera of choice as it is newer and if it hit the deck, water, crushed or whatever, it would not be a major loss. It is the M body of years ago. Meant to be a beater in any environment and treated as a disposable asset. As a nonprofession, I do not subject my equipment to the same abusive uses and using an older vintage camera is less of a concern. However, I would still would be torn as a professional between a new Bessa and a properly serviced M body.
It is no different than having to decide on whether to buy a vintage car and new car. Both will get the job done, it boils down to feel and what it is used for. A car used by a taxi company can not afford down time while a Sunday driver seldom needs a warranty,
It happens it is even ess of an issue for me as both the M body and the Bessa body is a bit too large for me. I prefer the LTM bodies and the CL and if I were buying tomorrow I'd probably opt for a IIIG with a collapsible Sumicron 50 and a low profile 35. f/2.8-3.5 is fine for me or max ap. The original concept of the Leica was it be a small camera, a goal only minimally compromised by the end of the LTM body but all but lost with the M body. The CL in my mind is the only M mount camera from Leica to go back in time and meet the original specification.
