Leica M6 CL or Minolta CLE I am going crazy

[wtl]

If the money is not a subject, then typically an M6 is a better choice. CLE beats CL at any day.

But with the M6 @ x0.85, it means you can't use it with the occasional 28mm without accessary finder.

In this set of choice, I would suggest the CLE.

My 1 cent.

 

[Palaeoboy]

"F2.8 is "pushing" it on the CL and CLE."

I disagree with this statement partially in that the CLE has 50% greater baselength than the CL and is in fact capable of focusing a 90mm f2.8.

In answer to your question, and this is comming from someone biased towards the CLE. But for you I have to agree the M6 is probably best. The CLE would be better IF you used 40mm lenses and 28mm lenses alot. You have said you use a 50mm alot but the CLE has no 50mm framelines. As much as I love the CLE the 90mm framelines in it are a week point. They arent even lines just tiny corner frames. If you dont use 28mm lenses much and no 40mm lenses then the virtues of the CLE thin somewhat. Its not often I would recomend even a CL over a CLE but the CL has better 90m framelines and 50mm framelines and with a Voigtlander mini finder for 28/35 its quite well equiped and still compact and you barely notice the finder. So in this instance M6 first then CL then CLE would be my choices. Im going to be kicked out of the CLE devote club for saying that now!

 

[awilder]

Why not consider the M7? It's got a much better AE/ME design than the CLE. ME display is as good or better than the M6. Also has a TTL flash option. The only advantage of the CLE over the M7 is it's size and it has 40mm frames.

 

[gregarpp]

Iseems that the M3 has more RF contrast then the M6...

Maybe I am crazy...

 

[Silver]

I have the M6 .85 & .72...both "classic" if that means anything to you. I use a 50 almost all the time, and occasionally shoot the 28 or the 90. If I were to sell one, it would be the .72 as I like the 50 wide open, and the .85 helps with focusing accuracy.

good luck

 

[Flyfisher Tom]

The M6 and the CL are the keepers.

I find myself carrying the CL more than any other camera, because of the utterly compact size. Easily pocketable unless it is a pool party (even then, it depends on the size of your trunk pockets ;-) ).

Besides, I favor battery-independence. Now if I can just get oil/gas-independent ;-)

 

[Biggles]

I had a 90mm for my CL. Found the 90mm frameline patch far too small for constant use. Kept the CL, dumped the lens. Really don't miss not having that focal length, given the platform.

If I was gonna run around all day with a portrait lens again, I'd put it on an SLR. No-brainer for my eyes and tastes.

 

[SolaresLarrave]

Grab the Leica M6 if your favorite lens is a 90mm.

 

[gregarpp]

I am still waiting for the R3A to come in the mail...
But I have been reading about the Konica Hexar...
That might be one I want to try also...
CLE with AE lock....

I shot some film with the M6 and 75mm/2.5 yesterday..
I do miss the AE lock and the A mode...
I use A mode ALOT when I am shooting moving things... like my kid.

 

[gregarpp]

I have the R3A now...
I think I like this the best...
The 40mm 50mm and 75mm lines seem perfect...
The A mode is nice
The body is a bit big...

 

[CameraQuest]

EZ Choice of these 3 !

EZ Choice of these 3 !

Hmm. M6, CLE, CL

EZ. You only have one long term camera here of the three, the M6. While all are discontinued, parts for the M6 are plentiful from many sources.

In contrast many CLE's are nice ash trays now, because of dead circuit boards which can not be replaced. Dead CLE circuit board means a dead CLE.

The CL situation is only slightly better. While you have a mechanical shutter, meter cells are dying and virtually unreplaceable.

Hands down, of these 3 choices, buy the M6 !!

Now if you really want to drive yourself NUTZ, add the Zeiss Ikon to the mix, along with the Voigtlander R2A, R3A, R2M, R3M, and even the R2 and T! That should be good for a few sleepless nites !!

Just remember that the only opinion that really counts on what is the best camera choice for you, is YOU.

Stephen Gandy

 

[Palaeoboy]

In contrast many CLE's are nice ash trays now, because of dead circuit boards which can not be replaced. Dead CLE circuit board means a dead CLE.

The CL situation is only slightly better. While you have a mechanical shutter, meter cells are dying and virtually unreplaceable.

Not quite true Stephen, the meter cells for CL's are readily available through Leica, for a price of course. For the CLE there are circuit boards out there like this one here sealed new in a packet waiting to bring back to life a CLE thats passed over to the otherside. Will it have the same soul though??

 

[Ronald M]

The M6 is repairable, the other is getting more and more difficult. Minolta is out of business and I guarantee the new owner will not support a twenty year old camera,