Minolta CLE

terrafirmanada

terrafirmanada

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Jun 8, 2005
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I was wondering about metering in the CLE. When I have it in AE mode it tells me the shutter speeds, but in manua t does not seem to. Do I need to clean connection points, CLA, or am I missing the boat entirely?
 
Yes the CLE does not meter in manual mode. It was common with a number of cameras of the same period which werent actually gripes then. They came later the more we got used to these features in more modern cameras, keeping in mind that at the time the CLE was offered new for sale no new Leica M even had a built in meter.

If you require only 2 stops compensation then its easily turned plus or minus as marked on the top cover. If you require more than this the shutter dial turns in either direction so you can easily get to the speed you require.
 
I find the meter in auto mode to be very very accurate, and as has been pointed out, the +/- 2 stops compensation in auto mode are usually enough. For the very rare times that i take my CLE into manual mode, I use a hand held incident meter, so for me, the absence of manual metering isn't an issue.

Basically, I'm trying to defend the CLE: it's smaller and quieter than a Bessa R2a or R3a or Zeiss Ikon, and smaller and cheaper than an M7.
 
sleepyhead said:
I find the meter in auto mode to be very very accurate, and as has been pointed out, the +/- 2 stops compensation in auto mode are usually enough. For the very rare times that i take my CLE into manual mode, I use a hand held incident meter, so for me, the absence of manual metering isn't an issue.

Basically, I'm trying to defend the CLE: it's smaller and quieter than a Bessa R2a or R3a or Zeiss Ikon, and smaller and cheaper than an M7.
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There is no reason to defend the CLE. Those of us who use them (I have two--brought one with me to work today in fact!) know how this little camera holds its own very well. My post was directed at what are two very common gripes about the camera.

The meter is very accurate. I tend to use the camera more in manual mode and stay away from the compensation dial, but I do use the meter and use AE mode in certain situations.

It is a quiet camera. I pamper my CLE's and use a Luigi half case, which also seems to dampen the shutter.

:)
 
RayPA said:
There is no reason to defend the CLE. Those of us who use them (I have two--brought one with me to work today in fact!) know how this little camera holds its own very well. My post was directed at what are two very common gripes about the camera.

The meter is very accurate. I tend to use the camera more in manual mode and stay away from the compensation dial, but I do use the meter and use AE mode in certain situations.

It is a quiet camera. I pamper my CLE's and use a Luigi half case, which also seems to dampen the shutter.

:)
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Indeed, actually if everyone could bash them as hard as is humanly possible it may drive down prices so that I can easily afford a backup to my current CLE. In fact this is one of the only cameras where I could justify haveing a second body.
 
the update fixes that. [hexar rf
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LOL THe Hexar RF certainly doesnt replace the CLE!

However it would have been nice to see what Konica Minolta could have come with when they merged. Sony spoiled all that though.
 
Well I am loving this litttle camera so far. I have been using the 40 cron and canon 28 (with a 35 adapter), but will probably shoot 35s on it too. I haven't developed anything yet, so I do not have any other opinion yet. But as far as being light and compact - I keep thinking- I had no idea it would be this small. I took it to my sons school today and shot 40+ exposures without even thinking about it. The CLE fits so easily in a coat pocket. Lazy mans dream
 
ampguy said:
the update fixes that. [hexar rf :p ]
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Ted! When did you get a RF?! We're going to have to hook-up so I can check it out. I've been interested in that camera for a long time. :)

.
 
Hi Ray

Hi Ray

I got it from Andy (aktpc), It's what the CLE and M7 *should* have been ;)

RayPA said:
Ted! When did you get a RF?! We're going to have to hook-up so I can check it out. I've been interested in that camera for a long time. :)

.
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Bill, I haven't hunted for one in a while. I think I'm done buying film cameras (at least 35mm cameras), but I've seen them going (in my peripheral vision ;) ) for around $600-$800 range. I think they can be had for a little cheaper.

.
 
I just won an auction for a complete CLE kit with all 3 lenses, the CLE flash and manuals for around $1300. I'm at work and can't access the auction info for the exact price... This was an estate sale for someone that had been a big collector. Picked up a Graflex medium format with Polaroid back also.

Ken
 
An amazing thing happened to me yesterday while shooting with my CLE.

The batteries finally died!

These are the same batteries that came with the camera when I bought it almost 2 years ago. Not bad for a electronic moderate use camera that I never turn off.

:)
 
Ray, I've had very long battery life with my CLE too, even when leaving the switch turned on for a long time. I think nothing is actually activated until the shutter button is touched, and the switch may be just a "master switch" as a safety.
 
Doug said:
Ray, I've had very long battery life with my CLE too, even when leaving the switch turned on for a long time. I think nothing is actually activated until the shutter button is touched, and the switch may be just a "master switch" as a safety.
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I think you're right Doug, but I don't dare leave my M7 switched on. The CLE is a power miser in comparison.

.
 
Hexar RF is the same way

Hexar RF is the same way

You just leave it on all the time, it goes to sleep in about 2 minutes or whenever you press a button. Batteries last years.

RayPA said:
I think you're right Doug, but I don't dare leave my M7 switched on. The CLE is a power miser in comparison.

.
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