Removing the top plate of a Minolta CLE

[Justin Low]

I've not seen this on the web before, so I've taken the initiative to document my own cleaning.

See it here: http://justinlow.com/articles/repair-minolta-cle

Any additions would be most welcome. Cheers!

 

[T42]

Great article, Justin. Exactly what I needed to know - it is possible to clean a hazy CLE viewfinder. I:m in Tokyo for the next week or so... Yesterday, I saw a used CLE for 40,000 yen (about $350) but it has a hazy, ("smokey" in Japan) v-f. Thinking about picking it up + a ZM 28. Only problem is finding the right tools.

 

[laptoprob]

Great exercise Justin. Well documented, thanks. I also like your report on Vodka as lens cleaner!

 

[bananasplit]

Thanks Justin. This is a brilliant idea and I love your website.

The Vodka one is really interesting. Hope you will develop more ideas like that. Would you recommend the Vodka for all lenses (including internal elements)?

I would love to discuss with you and share a Laksa, or pepper crab...Too bad I am a bit far.

 

[Justin Low]

Thanks! I don't see why vodka would not work on the internal elements, but I have not tried it with the internals of the older Leitz lenses which are reputed to have softer coatings.

Diluted glass cleaner (like Windex) would probably work too, and I'd add a little wetting agent to keep it from beading too much.