Reliability of the CL

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schmoozit

Schmoozit good...
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I've been discussing with someone the reliability of the CL. I think it is generally a solid user, but he seems to have heard otherwise. Is this as good of a compact camera as I've always thought it'd be; or is it a repairman's potential gold mine?
 
Both. really. As long as it doesn't break down, it's as realiable as anything. If it ever does break down, it's going to be expensive to repair.
 
schmoozit said:
That's the point. What are the chances that it will break down, based on experience/reliable second-hand information?
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Mine is second hand. It seems to have never needed any repairs. I haven't used it since I got the R-D1 but it survived Mongolia and China in deep winter, and I guess it will do so for some years to come. The only things I'm a bit concerned about are the battery, which are no longer available in Europe, and possibly the meter going off, which will require a replacemnet by Sherry Krauter. I hear she's the only one worthwhile doing repairs on CL's.
 
Yeah, I've come to think the meter might be troublesome. It's a shame, really. How long will they work if Sherry replaces/fixes one? Do you have any idea?
 
I bought my leitz-Minolta CL in 1975. Sent it to Leica NJ in 2003 for a CLA to fix a sticking frame counter and to have the meter adjusted for alkaine battery. Everything else works fine, no other problems in the past thirty years.
 
I have similar concerns. The fellow who sold me a Rollei 35 last week also has a Minolta CL and 40mm Rokkor that he would like to sell. The body and lens appear in excllent condition but the meter needs a battery before I can tell if it works. There are reports that the meter and shutter can be problematical and that they are expensive to fix. Still, for $450, it may be worth taking a chance...............
 
I've had mine for years, given it fairly hard use, and no problems. I have an Cris adaptor in it to take LR44 battery, works fine. Neddle sticks if it has not been used for a while but a dab on the battery check button frees it. Mechanic at Leitz told me it rests against a rubber buffer when idle and can stick a little. This only happens if it has not been used for a few months. There should be no difference whatsoever between ones badged Leica or Minolta they came out of the same factory!! Generaly here the Minolta ones are cheaper S/H.
 
I'm on my second CL. The first had the typical meter problems which I sold after several attempts to repair (this was 15 years ago and before I knew who Sherry Krauter was)
The second one is a user with a dead meter, however rather than repair it I bought a VC meter II for it and it works great. The CL doesn't feel as solid as a typical M, however it is quiet, comfortable to hold, inexpensive, and has a amazing lens. The 40C holds its own againest my recent 50 summicron. I wouldn't let the origins of the camera (minolta) or the reliability of the meter (marginal) hold you back from a good deal.
 
I have a bias against electronic cameras like the CLE. (Part of the explanation why I resist digital.) My mechanical CL operates (except for the meter) without batteries. If the circuit board/electronics go in a CLE, it's a paperweight. Electronics have a limited lifespan, shorter than Leica mechanics, which are adjustable/repairable.
 
Hey, all. Thanks for the great feedback. I think I'll stick by my conclusion that it's trustworthy. I wouldn't tempt fate with the CLE. I'm already well stocked on paperweights; some with lenses ;)

It's too bad about the meter being iffy. The thing's strong selling point is it's compact, take-anywhere-ability. It's a shame you may have to carry a meter in addition.
 
I had one for a little over a year. It worked fine, but I got rid of it before it developed any metering issues. It is not solid. It dented and scratched quite easily.
 
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