Minolta CLE?

[soulkitchen]

I am thinking of buying a Minolta CLE. I understand that if the circuit board goes I'll be SOL. But otherwise, is it possible to get repairs/maintenance done on this camera? Can anyone recommend someone that can work on a CLE?

The other question I have, is which lens? I would start with a 40mm lens. Should I just go with a Rokkor if I can find one, or should I consider the CV Nokton 40/1.4?

Otherwise, do you have any opinions on the CLE, pro or con?

 

[sleepyhead]

I've used a CLE for years and years, and love it despite having a Hexar RF and a bunch of Leica M bodies. The CLE is small and handles quickly due to the AE. The meter is extremely accurate in my experience. I don't know about repairs 'cause i never had a problem in 15 years of use. I started with the 40mm M-Rokkor and loved it, but then sold it to buy a 40mm CV Nokton single coated version for the extra stop. Still evaluating the Nokton. It's sharper than the Rokkor for sure, but somehow loses in "character" of the shots.

If I were buying a CLE today, I wouldn't get it from Ebay or the internet - I would find someone (private person or shop) that I could trust and which perhaps gave a chance for return if there's a problem, and then shoot a roll or two to test the camera out. Light seals might be de-composing by now, but I replaced mine myself a few years ago with no trouble.

I usually use my CLE on automatic, but between every roll, I put it on Manual and run up and down the speeds a couple of times in order to exercise" the shutter speed dial contacts and the manual speed mechanism. As I've said, my camera has always worked flawlessly. The black finish of the body is starting to show a bit of silver on the edges, but it has held up very very well.

The 28mm framelines on the CLE are GREAT! The 90mm lines are REALLY SMALL. I pretty much only ever use 40mm and 28mm with this camera.

Another CON with the CLE for me, is that a 35mm Leica lens does not bring up the 40mm lines (28mm lines come up). Otherwise I would use my 35mm Summicron or Summilux on the CLE instead of the 40mm Nokton.

Good luck, and enjoy it if you go for one!

 

[Michiel Fokkema]

Hi,

I really liked the CLE, had two and both had problems.
Nowadays I'd rather get a CV R3A or even better a Hexar RF. They do the same thing and even more than the CLE. Except for TTL flash if that is what you want.

Cheers,

Michiel Fokkema

 

[laptoprob]

I've had a CLE for years now and am very happy with it. The rf system is very strong, I have not been able to beat it out of alignment during cycling (steer bag) or otherwise. The AE system is great, TTL flash is legendary though I hardly use it nowadays. Mine is equipped with a modified M grip, that makes the little machine even better.

If only it had AE lock...

 

[RayPA]

The CLE is truly one of the great RFs. I've got two and really enjoy using them. The size is wonderful. I use mine with the CV 28/3.5, the 40/1.4, and the Rokkor 90. The non-AE lock is a non-factor for me, because I rarely shoot it in AE mode. I mostly use the meter to "get" a general reading. I agree with the advice regarding eBay. Try to get one locally or here on the board.

🙂

 

[Palaeoboy]

Definitely my favourite rangefinder. Basic maintainence can be done by most competent repairmen. But yes if your circuit board goes now thats pretty much the end of the camera although dont just throw it away advertise it on the bay as even faulty ones still fetch a quid or two for parts.

Some good advice above is to try get one you can check in advance although you get some bargains on auction that you simply cant go past sometimes, in those cases ask heaps of questions if you can, like do the LED's go erratic at times etc.

I respectfully disagree with Michiel that a R3A is a better replacement for a CLE.
There are more extras than TTL flash, the excellent 28mm framelines, self timer, better wear on body finish, easier adjustable rangefinder but still doesnt go out of alignment as much as the Bessas, and of course the C in CLE is compact.

Your first 40, you have a great selection, but I have found most CLE's have a 40mm with them so you wont get much choice if a good body comes your way with a lens. Good news is they are all pretty good. If you do buy body only select the lens on firstly what speed you want. If you want 1.4 then Nokton. THey look pretty mean on a CLE. If you want compact and great value a CLE Rokkor, if you want to try your first Leica lens but think you cant afford one then the 40mm Summicron is your ticket there, great value by Leica standards. If you have a fondness for Zeiss there is always the 40mm Sonnar.

CLE prices are comming down, just dont pay too much.