MP/CLE
Established
Well, Michiel, you are welcome to your opinion, but the M6 does not have ae and the CLE can be repaired while the Bessa never entered the conversation. I like Leica, but even the M7 doesn't deal with the CLE.
True, MP; there's never been a direct competitor or replacement for the CLE other than another CLE. 
The M7 and ZI come reasonably close (and maybe the Hexar RF too, I've never held one), but are noticeably larger and more impressive looking... and without direct support for 40mm lenses.
The M7 and ZI come reasonably close (and maybe the Hexar RF too, I've never held one), but are noticeably larger and more impressive looking... and without direct support for 40mm lenses.photogdave
Shops local
Thanks for your opinions, feedback and offers everyone. I had the opportunity to get a hands-on of a CL at my friendly neighborhood camera shop.
I really liked the handling and shutter dial position, and the info in the viewfinder. I wasn't crazy about the more plasticky feel compared to the M body, but I don't consider that a real knock against the camera.
At the end of the day I don' t think it's going to take up significantly less space in my camera bag so I'm going to put this plan on the back burner for now and concentrate on enjoying the cameras I already own.
Thanks again for all the helpful suggestions!
I really liked the handling and shutter dial position, and the info in the viewfinder. I wasn't crazy about the more plasticky feel compared to the M body, but I don't consider that a real knock against the camera.
At the end of the day I don' t think it's going to take up significantly less space in my camera bag so I'm going to put this plan on the back burner for now and concentrate on enjoying the cameras I already own.
Thanks again for all the helpful suggestions!
Michiel Fokkema
Michiel Fokkema
MP/CLE said:
Thanks,
The Cl also has no ae. If your CLE needs a new electronic print you might have diffuclties to find one. The CLE is just not as reliable as any leica M. It also doesn't have a manual setting with metering. I do agree it is a nice camera. I've had two. I just don't feel comfortbale with a camera I can't trust.
Cheers,
Michiel Fokkema
Monz
Monz
Amateur Photographer (UK weekly) did a lengthy review of both CL amd CLE in one of the January 2007 issues. Ivor Matanle spoke highly of both camera.
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Monz
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Monz
There are certainly different and strongly-held views on this subject. I totally agree with your last sentence; I would not want to use an unreliable or untrustworthy camera. But my CLE has been admirably trustworthy over 27 years of use. So it's still my favorite 35mm RF. You must have had trouble with yours...Michiel Fokkema said:
"Manual" metering is done by checking the reading on Auto, then switching to whatever manual settings you like.
But even better than using the camera as a reflected light meter is using a separate incident light meter, IMHO; I believe the justification for a built-in light meter is AE.