Reliability of the CL

[schmoozit]

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?

 

[schmoozit]

I bought one back in the 80'ies. It broke down pretty quickly and turned out to be unrepairable. I still have it (the shutter works) and the 40 Summicron.

What broke on it?

 

[RML]

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]

CLA'd by DAG or Sherry: What then?

 

[schmoozit]

As long as it doesn't break down...

That's the point. What are the chances that it will break down, based on experience/reliable second-hand information?

 

[FrankS]

The meter is a weak point, but the camera works fine as a non-metered camera, mine does.

 

[RML]

That's the point. What are the chances that it will break down, based on experience/reliable second-hand information?

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.

 

[schmoozit]

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?

 

[Frank Granovski]

Sherry told me 3 years.

 

[Andrew Touchon]

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.

 

[John Henry]

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...............

 

[John Robertson]

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.

 

[ERV]

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.

 

[FrankS]

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.

 

[schmoozit]

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.

 

[kbg32]

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.