Some CL Questions

Creagerj

Creagerj

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I've been looking into CLs latley and I've come across some info that I want to know more about. Is it true that the CL is not very good for low light shooting? Or better, is the CL not good for low light shooting with a 50mm lens?

Also, I've been wondering if there are any FSU lenses that fit on a CL with or without an adaptor? (you can probably see where I'm going, I want a CL but I don't want to caugh up the dough for pricy lenses)

Is it a reliable camera? I know it is a leica, but is it really Leica quality?

Are they durable? How do they stand up to the elements? (Cold weather, hot weather, humidity...)

What is a good price to pay for one that is in user condition? (Not that I am looking, I just want to know)
 
Creagerj said:
I've been looking into CLs latley and I've come across some info that I want to know more about. Is it true that the CL is not very good for low light shooting? Or better, is the CL not good for low light shooting with a 50mm lens?

Also, I've been wondering if there are any FSU lenses that fit on a CL with or without an adaptor? (you can probably see where I'm going, I want a CL but I don't want to caugh up the dough for pricy lenses)

Is it a reliable camera? I know it is a leica, but is it really Leica quality?

Are they durable? How do they stand up to the elements? (Cold weather, hot weather, humidity...)

What is a good price to pay for one that is in user condition? (Not that I am looking, I just want to know)
Click to expand...

1. Depending on you lens and film combination, the CL is fine for low light shooting.

2. The CL works great with a 50mm Summicron lens.

3. The main reason to buy a CL is to get the 40mm Summicron/Rokkor lens.

4. My CL that I have owned 32 years has traveled all over the world and has had one CLA for a sticking frame counter after 28 years. All CL bodies were made in Japan by Minolta.

5. Suggest you check out eBay and online used camera dealers for current prices.
 
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the CL has framelines for 40/50/90 lenses.. so you have a lot of options.. you can buy the body and slap on a nice Jupiter-8 with adapter.. or something comparable.. and then if you decide to upgrade the glass, that'll always be an option for later

even tho I've only had my CL for a week, I'm very impressed with the build quality.. everyone I've handed it to immediately comments on how heavy it is, even tho it's lighter than my M3

the main issue regarding the CL is whether the meter still works, and how accurate it is.. that affects the selling price more than anything
 
I have a CL and use FSU lenses with it quite often. Though getting the 40/2 probably means I'll stop using the Jupiter 8, I still have my Sweeny/Jupiter 3 50/1.5 for when I need the speed. It has so far done it's part in low light - my problem lies in things like getting caught with a roll of ISO100 Reala loaded in low light :bang: :bang: :bang:

As for cost, it can range quite a bit. On the low end, I paid $200 for user body. There's paint off of the front where the back slides on & some scratches on the wind lever. Plus the meter's so wonky I'm just leaving the battery out until I have the $$$ for DAG to adjust it. So far it's held up fine. I've not had it all that long, however.

It's growing on me. I prefer bigger cameras as I find small ones to be uncomfortable to hold and I still need to figure out a good strap solution for my tastes. But seeing the pictures I've gotten back from all the lenses I've used on it tends to make me carry it more than I thought I would.

William
 
Right -- I think the meter and top shutter speeds tend to be where these cameras can have problems. So that's what you need to look over carefully when contemplating a purchase of one of these.

I don't believe there are any FSU lenses that are M mount -- all would require an adaptor.
 
I checked my Leica 50th Anniversary Book: It came out in 1973. Mine was probably made in '75 or so, when I graduated High School. It works great, and the meter is accurate. Used for the Aircraft Shots.
 
Creagerj said:
I've been looking into CLs latley and I've come across some info that I want to know more about. Is it true that the CL is not very good for low light shooting? Or better, is the CL not good for low light shooting with a 50mm lens?
Click to expand...

Never heard bigger rubbish. I've shot my CL at night with no trouble with 25mm, 40mm and 50mm.


Also, I've been wondering if there are any FSU lenses that fit on a CL with or without an adaptor? (you can probably see where I'm going, I want a CL but I don't want to caugh up the dough for pricy lenses)
Click to expand...

It's an M mount camera so stick on any LTM lens with an M mount adapter and you're on your way. I have only the M-Rokkor 40. All my other lenses are LTM lenses with M adapters. Works perfectly.


Is it a reliable camera? I know it is a leica, but is it really Leica quality?
Click to expand...

It's as reliable as any other camera. The Cl was made in 1973-76 IIRC and they may need some CLA, but mine was working as good as it did on day 1 when I bought it 2(?) years ago. It's not Leica quality but then again it's also not Leica form factor. I prefer my CL over my Leica M2.


Are they durable? How do they stand up to the elements? (Cold weather, hot weather, humidity...)
Click to expand...

Mine has seen action in dusty hot India (35 degrees C and up) and in cold wintery Mongolia (-30 degrees C and below). It's done its part in inclement weather in Holland too. I guess it does stand up to the elements. 🙂


What is a good price to pay for one that is in user condition? (Not that I am looking, I just want to know)
Click to expand...

Check on eBay. You can search for items and have eBay show previous (already closed) auctions and the prices that were involved. That'll give you an idea of what a CL makes these days. BTW, you'll have to chose between a Leica CL, a Leitz CL and a Leitz Minolta CL. IMO the Leitz Minoltas are slightly cheaper than the other two, though they are exactly the same cameras. Only difference is the filter thread (a more common 40.5mm filter thread on the Leitz Minolta and the much more uncommon Series 5.5 thread on the Leica and Leitz, IIRC).

There is a _short review of the Leitz Minolta CL_ on my blog.
 
Low Light and on a budget.


Mixing it with the big boys (M's)

PS dont get the hood with a CL as it blocks the rangefinder, I only put it on quickly for these pics to make it look more like it meant business!
 

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"you'll have to chose between a Leica CL, a Leitz CL and a Leitz Minolta CL"

There were Leica CL's and Leitz Minolta CL's and Leica 50th Aniversary CL's but no Leitz CL's. Its also written on websites that there are Minolta CL's as well but there is no such camera either.
 
Joel, thanks for the tip on the Nokton hood. I just got one of these lenses with my CL, and was considering ordering the hood, but if it blocks the rangefinder then I'll not bother! I have a couple of other options to try if need be.
 
Nick, yes its not worth getting if you are just using it on a CL. The lens having 43mm filters im sure there are other hoods out there. The MC Nokton is reasonably flare resistant unless you point it directly into the sun (but so do all lenses) so you can get away without a hood quite often. The first time I put a Nokton on the CL it reminded me the first time I saw one of those Yashica Linx Rangefinders with their own 1.4 lens. All glass with a tiny camera behind it.

In case someone asks, yes the CL can focus the Nokton at f1.4.
 
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