David Hughes
David Hughes
Hi,
I bought my CL years and years ago. I've not felt the need to replace it and the fact that I was stopped from expanding into more than 2 lenses was a bonus. I had a new CLE for about a week but couldn't get on with it (I kept forgetting to switch it on, not a CL problem).
Since then I've had a lot more Leicas and their lenses but I still prefer the CL, especially with that nice 40mm lens and the CW metering.
Regards, David
I bought my CL years and years ago. I've not felt the need to replace it and the fact that I was stopped from expanding into more than 2 lenses was a bonus. I had a new CLE for about a week but couldn't get on with it (I kept forgetting to switch it on, not a CL problem).
Since then I've had a lot more Leicas and their lenses but I still prefer the CL, especially with that nice 40mm lens and the CW metering.
Regards, David
dannyChou
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dannyChou
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VF101
Established
Gut Immling am Chiemsee von fischerlaender auf Flickr
Leica CL with the Summicron-C is a great combo. Took this image in the very bright sun in July 2012 with Efke 25, developed in Rodinal 1:100, scanned with an Epson V330. I'm still learning how to scan and process my negatives properly.
Dan Daniel
Well-known
hmmm... same phoot twice. I need to find another 40mm shot. soon....
raid
Dad Photographer
I did a comparison between the Summicron-C 40/2 and the Pentax Limited 43/1.9 on Fujicolor 400 (Walgreens 400), using a heavy tripod. I was unable to detect differences.
VF101
Established
Whenever I'm convinced to sell my CL-Summicron-C combo to get a digital replacement, eg. an X100, there's an image on the next roll that convinces me to keep my analog gear - and to get a better scanner.
This image has been taken last friday on the summit of a hill in the Bavarian Forest National Park.
Zwiegespräch am Lusen-Gipfel
This image has been taken last friday on the summit of a hill in the Bavarian Forest National Park.
Zwiegespräch am Lusen-Gipfel
kutitta
Well-known
I use my Summicron-C 40/2 on Leica CL as well as Sony NEX 5N and here are some examples with Leica CL...
f16sunshine
Moderator
Very nice images. Thank you for posting!
I love this lens too. I have the M rokkor version.
Pretty sure it is tge one lens I can never let go.
Small but not tiny. Perfect focal length and max aperture. It's wonderful. Was the perfect mate to an M8 as a 50mm too!
dannyChou
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dannyChou
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dannyChou
Well-known
Actually, I love this lens so much!
Leica M7 | Leica Summicron-C 40mm/f2
Leica M7 | Leica Summicron-C 40mm/f2
Biggles
My cup runneth amok.
Godfrey
somewhat colored
Good photos all... 
The Leica CL and its Summicron-C 40mm f/2 is one of my all-time favorite cameras. A CL with the 40, the matching Elmar-C 90/4 and a 28mm lens are just about a complete photo kit for 95% of anything.
Over the years, I've tried many different lenses and bodies. I have my third CL now, outfitted with the Summicron's sibling Minolta lenses (M-Rokkor 40/2 gen II and early M-Rokkor 90/4 which is the exact same lens as the Elmar-C 90). A Voigtländer Color Skopar 28mm f/3.5 and external viewfinder completes the kit once again. Of my Leica RF equipment, even including the M9, this CL kit is my favorite. I don't use it enough ... but I won't let it go again. Something about the balance of size, weight, capability, ergonomics, etc is just incredibly compelling to me about this setup.
I've spent years looking for a digital camera kit that can replicate it. Like with the Hasselblad SWC, I haven't found one ... yet. I prefer to work with digital capture now, for many reasons that I won't belabor here. I've found digital camera outfits that replicate other favorite camera combinations—particularly my old favorite "lightweight" Nikon FM setup. But not the CL kit as yet. I have some enthusiasm for a solution to this coming soon, but I'll keep that under wraps until it materializes.
For the record:
- The Summicron-C's direct sibling was the M-Rokkor 40/2 first generations. Both lenses are the same design by Leica, the Summicron-C manufactured in Wetzlar and the M-Rokkor manufactured in Japan. Rendering-wise they are as alike as peas in a pod, with differences between them being more a matter of individual lens variation than archetypical of brand. The one I have is the second generation M-Rokkor 40 which was delivered with the Minolta CLE. It is essentially the same lens optically, but upgraded to mid-1970s multi-coating technology, with a slightly redesigned, lighter weight lens mount. It improves on the older lenses with better flare control, but the differences are subtle. They're hard to tell apart.
- The Elmar-C 90 is a Leica design manufactured in Wetzlar. The older M-Rokkor 90/4 is the exact same lens, produced on the same production line, modulo the front lens bezel markings and the JIS 40.5mm threaded filter mount (same as the M-Rokkor). After Leica discontinued the Elmar-C/M-Rokkor 90mm production in Wetzlar, Minolta took the same production equipment and continued manufacture for the CLE in Japan ... it is essentially the exact same lens still. I've yet to see a difference.
- The biggest failing of the CL is the somewhat fragile mechanical TTL metering arm, which to the best of my knowledge can still be brought to as-new spec by DAG and Sherry Krauter, perhaps others. Sometimes the CL's metering needle in the viewfinder can stick at the top or bottom of the display ... this is due to foam seals which are aging that it runs into. It can still be repaired too.
My advice: If you fall in love with a good CL and any of these lenses, hang onto it. I've rarely regretted selling a camera in my life, but I missed the CL when I sold my first one, bought another a decade later, foolishly sold it again and missed it just as much. Now with number three, I'll hide it in the closet even if I'm not using it and just take comfort knowing its there, next to my favorite Rollei 35S ...
G
The Leica CL and its Summicron-C 40mm f/2 is one of my all-time favorite cameras. A CL with the 40, the matching Elmar-C 90/4 and a 28mm lens are just about a complete photo kit for 95% of anything.
Over the years, I've tried many different lenses and bodies. I have my third CL now, outfitted with the Summicron's sibling Minolta lenses (M-Rokkor 40/2 gen II and early M-Rokkor 90/4 which is the exact same lens as the Elmar-C 90). A Voigtländer Color Skopar 28mm f/3.5 and external viewfinder completes the kit once again. Of my Leica RF equipment, even including the M9, this CL kit is my favorite. I don't use it enough ... but I won't let it go again. Something about the balance of size, weight, capability, ergonomics, etc is just incredibly compelling to me about this setup.
I've spent years looking for a digital camera kit that can replicate it. Like with the Hasselblad SWC, I haven't found one ... yet. I prefer to work with digital capture now, for many reasons that I won't belabor here. I've found digital camera outfits that replicate other favorite camera combinations—particularly my old favorite "lightweight" Nikon FM setup. But not the CL kit as yet. I have some enthusiasm for a solution to this coming soon, but I'll keep that under wraps until it materializes.
For the record:
- The Summicron-C's direct sibling was the M-Rokkor 40/2 first generations. Both lenses are the same design by Leica, the Summicron-C manufactured in Wetzlar and the M-Rokkor manufactured in Japan. Rendering-wise they are as alike as peas in a pod, with differences between them being more a matter of individual lens variation than archetypical of brand. The one I have is the second generation M-Rokkor 40 which was delivered with the Minolta CLE. It is essentially the same lens optically, but upgraded to mid-1970s multi-coating technology, with a slightly redesigned, lighter weight lens mount. It improves on the older lenses with better flare control, but the differences are subtle. They're hard to tell apart.
- The Elmar-C 90 is a Leica design manufactured in Wetzlar. The older M-Rokkor 90/4 is the exact same lens, produced on the same production line, modulo the front lens bezel markings and the JIS 40.5mm threaded filter mount (same as the M-Rokkor). After Leica discontinued the Elmar-C/M-Rokkor 90mm production in Wetzlar, Minolta took the same production equipment and continued manufacture for the CLE in Japan ... it is essentially the exact same lens still. I've yet to see a difference.
- The biggest failing of the CL is the somewhat fragile mechanical TTL metering arm, which to the best of my knowledge can still be brought to as-new spec by DAG and Sherry Krauter, perhaps others. Sometimes the CL's metering needle in the viewfinder can stick at the top or bottom of the display ... this is due to foam seals which are aging that it runs into. It can still be repaired too.
My advice: If you fall in love with a good CL and any of these lenses, hang onto it. I've rarely regretted selling a camera in my life, but I missed the CL when I sold my first one, bought another a decade later, foolishly sold it again and missed it just as much. Now with number three, I'll hide it in the closet even if I'm not using it and just take comfort knowing its there, next to my favorite Rollei 35S ...
G
uhoh7
Veteran
ianstamatic
Well-known
m3 m-rokkor 40/2
helen.HH
To Light & Love ...
ianstamatic
Well-known
M-Rok 40/2 M3DS HP5 XTOL
wshlinaang
Newbie
what film are you using?
what film are you using?
I really like the color rendering. is this digital or film? if film I'm curious what film. thanks!
what film are you using?
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I really like the color rendering. is this digital or film? if film I'm curious what film. thanks!
darya151
Established
ianstamatic - damn, what a beautiful shot!