Minolta CLE Viewfinder - the best?

[Doug]

Maybe worth noting the CLE has a longer RF baseline than the CL... quite different cameras.

My camera repair tech tells me that the electronics in the CLE are old enough to have no integrated circuits, rather a simpler arrangement of off-the-shelf components soldered to the board, potentially replacable should a component fail. Might be tricky to identify the failed part though.

My only troubles with the CLE in the 25 years has been with the ring of electrical contacts under the shutter speed dial... These need periodic cleaning, in my experience, but they're easy for the tech to get to.

 

[ferider]

Always amazed me that the small CLE had more EBL than, say a Bessa R or R2.

Still, I don't use a 90 on it because the framelines (corners only) seem so
small in the bright 28mm frame. But in theory, a 90/2.8 should focus just
fine on it.

Roland.

 

[RayPA]

Hi,

I can really recommend using the 28mm 2.8 M-Hexanon on a CLE....

I've used it, but I love using my CLE with the CV 28/3.5, and of course (Roland's favorite) the Nokton 40/1.4.

🙂

 

[mackigator]

My CV 25mm is the uncoupled one and it works fine, though now that its on the CLE I wish it were coupled. There is just a bit of room outside the 28mm lines and that seems to approximate the 25mm lens just fine (without glasses only). It allows me to ditch the viewfinder for the 25mm and has made the CLE my "poor mans" R4A, I suppose, with a quieter shutter to boot. Still looking for a reasonably priced 40mm M-Rokkor, FYI.

 

[BillBingham2]

Get the new CV 25/4, she is M mount and RF coupled!

B2 (;->

 

[back alley]

i really wish you guys would stop talking about the cle...i just talked myself out of wanting one but now the itch is back.

i can see it now with my 40/2 rokkor on it and the long luigi strap attached as it sits on my shoulder as my daily driver...oh damn!

joe

 

[Flinor]

I'm with you, Joe. These guys are all talking about how great the CLE is and I keep looking at the empty spot on the shelf where mine used to be.

 

[back alley]

maybe you shouldn't have sold it and maybe i should have bought it!!

sometimes it makes so much sense to not have one and other times it seems nuts not to have bought one.

joe

 

[Doug]

Sorry, Joe and Gerry, for causing you any distress! 😱

 

[laptoprob]

There is a CLE set on Marktplaats.nl now: http://www.marktplaats.nl/index.php...%2F7hq7EasrQFGiXQX47o%2BPjws7Kfj%2B4VB4M&df=1
No idea what the seller wants, but there it is.
Full set, 28, 40 and 90mm Rokkors. Recently checked according to seller. Rubber hoods, mid yellow filter and diopter correction lens.

I don't live really close to the seller but could try to help.

Sorry Joe, ignore this post!

 

[fluffthecat]

CLE viewfinder

CLE viewfinder

Thanks for all the useful and intersting coments.

Does anyone have a picture of a CLE with either the Skopar 25mm lens attached or the older and much rarer Canon 25mm F3.5? Can you post it in the gallery or here?

This sounds like a great combination and it's interesting to see how other lens looka nd fit apart from Minolta rokker lenses.

Many Thanks

Fluff

 

[ferider]

I understand the CV 25 is similar in size to the 28/3.5.
Here are photos of my CLE kit (sorry, Joe and Gerry !)

Cheers,

Roland.

 

[mackigator]

CLE w 25mm

CLE w 25mm

CLE w 25mm and some shutter noise research:

http://www.clarkmackey.com

 

[laptoprob]

Canon on CLE

Canon on CLE

Great test, those shutter sounds!

Here are my CLE with the Canon lenses: 35/2,8mm chrome, 50/1,5 and the 25mm.
Note how far the 25's rear element will enter the camera!

The grip is a modified M-grip with added strap lug.

 

[fluffthecat]

Cool photos! Many Thanks indeed, this forum is the best!
Roland and Rob, thanks so much for posting your CLE photos, don't they look dreamy! You make me so envious, bet they are a pleasure to use and the results must be very good. I had the pleasure to use a Canon 25mm for a short time, it was pin-sharp.
I can't wait to get my CLE next month. Happy days coming!!! Fluff

 

[awilder]

I use to own a CLE and it was a great back-up for my MP. It's TTL flash worked perfectly and getting a used Minolta TTL flash from KEH was cheap, around $70 for a nice one. Can't do TTL flash on any M style rangefinder except an M6 TTL or M7. The ZI, Bessas or Hexar RF can't do TTL flash. Only my Nikon F100 did better for flash work. Off camera sync cords readily available for bounce flash or viso work as well. The 40mm lens option is a great compromise for those who can't be bothered carrying both a 50mm and 35mm lens.

 

[RayPA]

While not a "glamour" shot like Roland's here's one of mine with a Luigi case, the Nokton 40/1.4 SC, and a Heavystar hood. The image was taken to show the Heavystar hood on the Nokt.

🙂

 

[Flinor]

I sold my CLE because advancing age and medication caused a tremor that made me need something with image stabilization. I wanted to keep one film rangefinder for the not too shaky days and agonized over the CLE or the M5. The CLE was my favorite but I rationalized that the heavier M5 might dampen down the shakes. A decision I regret daily.

The worst part of this whole thing is my stabilized camera is a Pentax K10D, which is a great camera. Now if I could only get my heart started over it........

 

[fluffthecat]

Hi, I found a very interesting CLE image, body with a rokker 28mm F3.5! Looks like some kind of prototype. I think Minolta were thinking about expanding the range and improving the camera as a whole but it all went pear-shaped. Pity.

By the way Roland, in your photos of the CLE, is that a 40mm F1.4 Nokton lens?
Thanks. Fluff

 

[fluffthecat]

CLE 28mm framelines?

CLE 28mm framelines?

Hi, One other thought, some of you are using the Voightlander 25mm on the CLE body. Some have mentioned you can use the viewfinder to frame the 25mm angle of view. I was looking at the CLE brochure and the 28mm frame looks awfully close to the black surround. Doesn't look to me that you can use the viewfinder to compose your shots with the 25mm, am I wrong? Is there more space in actual use when a lens is attached?
Perhaps some of you use the Voigtlander external viewfinder.
Thanks Fluff