janoow10
Member
Don't want to spark any controversy, but what are people's thoughts on the Minolta CLE? Aside from the usual aspects about it not being serviced and difficult to repair, what do people think of it as compared to the M5.
Minolta CLE or Leica M5
- Thread starter janoow10
- Start date
- Latest activity Latest activity:
- Replies 91
- Views 7K
mac_wt
Cameras are like bunnies
The CLE is light and small, when compared to the M5. But most examples I have seen, including mine, are now less reliable than the M5. And it's a lot easier to get an M5 serviced.
janoow10
Member
Aside from the service/repair aspect, what do you think? I'm kinda looking for a short term or starter in film.
zuikologist
.........................
How about an M6 or one of the Cosina bodies, if only looking for a starter in film?
mac_wt
Cameras are like bunnies
It depends on what you want. What are you looking for in a camera. Are you looking for a camera for daily use? A conversation piece? An impressive example of 20th century tech?
I found the M5 rather heavy to carry around all day. Especially when combined with a large aperture lens. If you find weight and size important, then the CLE is a good option.
The auto exposure setting of the CLE useful too.
I find the M5 a much more interesting camera. The CLE feels a lot like a Canonet or any other compact rangefinder camera from the seventies. The M5 feels like a precision instrument; it's what you expect from a Leica and a bit more.
I think the Leica CL is a nice compromise between these two.
Of course all these cameras are excellent at making photos...
I found the M5 rather heavy to carry around all day. Especially when combined with a large aperture lens. If you find weight and size important, then the CLE is a good option.
The auto exposure setting of the CLE useful too.
I find the M5 a much more interesting camera. The CLE feels a lot like a Canonet or any other compact rangefinder camera from the seventies. The M5 feels like a precision instrument; it's what you expect from a Leica and a bit more.
I think the Leica CL is a nice compromise between these two.
Of course all these cameras are excellent at making photos...
From a reliability standpoint I’d take a CLE. But in either case get a copy that hasn’t been abused.
These are very different cameras, only the individual shooter can prioritize the different features of each.
These are very different cameras, only the individual shooter can prioritize the different features of each.
johannielscom
Snorting silver salts
Or a Konica Hexar RF.
ktmrider
Well-known
My first Leica was a CL back in 1975 and my latest Leica purchase was an M5 from Sherry last summer. If you don't mind the size, the M5 feels like a real Leica. It's ergonomics are great and I am still trying to decide if it or the M2 is my favorite film M.
Memories are that I did not get along well with the CL. But if you want small size and an intro film camera and can find one in good shape, the CLE might be a great purchase. I know the M5 is easily repairable but since it was the last Leica built by hand, it should go forever. They are actually pretty different cameras.
Memories are that I did not get along well with the CL. But if you want small size and an intro film camera and can find one in good shape, the CLE might be a great purchase. I know the M5 is easily repairable but since it was the last Leica built by hand, it should go forever. They are actually pretty different cameras.
Satisfied Fool
Established
I've got a CLE and absolutely love it. Small, nice viewfinder and handles great. The Minolta lenses that are made for the CLE are great too. Downside (not for me though), light meter only works with aperture priority. Really like the +-2ev dial. Just be careful for rain, it doesn't handle that well at all unsurpringly.
Never had an M5 and never will. I just think it is a very ugly camera, which is enough reason for me not to ever want one.
Never had an M5 and never will. I just think it is a very ugly camera, which is enough reason for me not to ever want one.
Ko.Fe.
Lenses 35/21 Gears 46/20
I think, Minolta CLE isn't Leica. M5 is Leica, but not usual one.
Why do you think of two very different cameras? Metering?
Short term, starter on film, less likely for service, standard/cheap batteries, less expensive and less expensive lenses - Bessa R. Does exactly the same M5 does.
Why do you think of two very different cameras? Metering?
Short term, starter on film, less likely for service, standard/cheap batteries, less expensive and less expensive lenses - Bessa R. Does exactly the same M5 does.
pippy
Established
It really DOES depend on what you want from a film camera.
As has been said before the M5 and CLE are VERY different animals.
Why are you considering these two in particular? If it were me trying to choose my first choice as a starter Leica-M type body - and one which has TTL metering built-in - I would definitely go for an M6. It combines good build-quality in a classic-shaped body; is not totally battery-dependent and has good metering capabilities.
Pip.
As has been said before the M5 and CLE are VERY different animals.
Why are you considering these two in particular? If it were me trying to choose my first choice as a starter Leica-M type body - and one which has TTL metering built-in - I would definitely go for an M6. It combines good build-quality in a classic-shaped body; is not totally battery-dependent and has good metering capabilities.
Pip.
Dralowid
Michael
...is what the OP said. One might suggest many very good cameras that are a lot less expensive than Leicas, OK a Hexar was mentioned but still pretty rarified air...
css9450
Veteran
Any special reason why it has to be a rangefinder? SLRs shoot film too and there are a tremendous variety of them available.
narsuitus
Well-known
Will you be shooting the classic 28/40/90 Leica CL or Minolta CLE lenses on either body?
pippy
Established
As the title of the thread is "Minolta CLE or Leica M5" I think we can surely agree that the OP is specifically thinking along Leica / Leica-inspired designs and that an M5 is, presumably, within the OP's proposed budget...
Anyhow;
If the OP hasn't already read this report from everyone's favourite reviewer this link might be of interest and, what's more, compares the CLE directly with the M5 in several areas;
http://www.kenrockwell.com/leica/cle.htm
Pip.
Dralowid
Michael
Pip,
I think I my have been a bit obtuse in my attempt to ask the OP why he had chosen these two cameras. For this I apologise but I'd still like to know.
I think I my have been a bit obtuse in my attempt to ask the OP why he had chosen these two cameras. For this I apologise but I'd still like to know.
mackigator
Well-known
CLE is my favorite camera. The form factor, the excellent metering off the film plane (or whatever it is metering off of, if I'm incorrect), the joy of the small-light-quiet-dense object that is also sturdy... It's a winner. And I love the effects on my contact sheets of switching between two tiny excellent lenses - a 25mm and the 40mm Rokkor - in my case. It feels like they made this camera to get hooked directly into my brain.
Sadly, mine is down for repairs. And that's the rub, the electronics that can fail with the possibility of no replacement parts.
The M5 is serviceable, but that's the only clear win it has, for me, over a CLE.
Sadly, mine is down for repairs. And that's the rub, the electronics that can fail with the possibility of no replacement parts.
The M5 is serviceable, but that's the only clear win it has, for me, over a CLE.
B-9
Devin Bro
I would likely pick the CLE over the M5 purely for the size difference.
Although!
I was considering the CL,CLE, and Hexar RF. In the end I chose to go Voigtlander and with a very minimal wait found a mint R2M that is everything I wanted and more!
I've owned a M5 and I will never go down that road again.
For the price of the R2M I will likely never buy another Leica M body.
The little screwmount bodies keep me occupied and are much cheaper than anything mentioned above.
My suggestion, find a user IIIc and a bargain Elmar, then go have some fun! Cheap and reliable.
Although!
I was considering the CL,CLE, and Hexar RF. In the end I chose to go Voigtlander and with a very minimal wait found a mint R2M that is everything I wanted and more!
I've owned a M5 and I will never go down that road again.
For the price of the R2M I will likely never buy another Leica M body.
The little screwmount bodies keep me occupied and are much cheaper than anything mentioned above.
My suggestion, find a user IIIc and a bargain Elmar, then go have some fun! Cheap and reliable.
pippy
Established
Ah!
Apologies, Michael. I'm pretty new hereabouts and have not yet got a handle on everyone's senses of humour.
I, too, would like to know why the CLE and M5 were singled-out for consideration. M-bayonet and metering apart they have little in common...
Pip.
Rob-F
Likes Leicas
If considering the M5 and CLE, then the CL should also be considered. It has the small size of the CLE, plus the repairability of the M5.
Similar threads
- Article
