The Big Shadow of the Little CLE

[Graham Line]

That's about a third of the going price for a decent one. Erratic performance of the shutter speed diodes could be low batteries ($5), dirt and oxidation under the shutter speed wheel ($100), or a circuit problem (good luck finding one). Whether you want to take the gamble is up to you.

 

[popitz]

Thanks Joe Brugger. I've read a lot about the CLE, and I'm quite interested in it but don't have the money to buy one in mint condition. Would you happen to know where I could find a repair manual or a website with repair tips? I tried to google it but I wasn't too successful.

 

[Doug]

I've had my CLE since new in 1982, and twice it's needed to have the electrical contacts under the shutter speed dial cleaned. Symptom was erratic diode display in the viewfinder, reflecting actual bogus shutter speeds that were being set, and sometimes the shutter getting stuck open... having to twiddle the dial off Auto to get the shutter closed. This is a fairly simple and economical thing for at least a camera tech to fix, and I think at that price the camera is worth the CLA investment. Assuming this above is the problem with that one...

 

[Graham Line]

Joel Matherson in Australia probably knows as much about the CLE as anyone. I have never seen a repair manual. Another expert is Andrew Schank, but he hasn't been posting where I've been reading the past few years.

Another thought. Because of the meter design, the CLE gives odd readings and shutter speeds unless there is film in the camera.

 

[Doug]

Another thought. Because of the meter design, the CLE gives odd readings and shutter speeds unless there is film in the camera.

The shutter has a pattern of white polka-dots to simulate 18% grey, and the meter reads the light reflected from the shutter to provide the reading displayed by the diodes. I believe the camera also uses this reading for shutter speeds faster than the flash sync speed. Any mid-exposure "corrections" could affect only part of the film frame, so I believe the camera does not do that; it relies on the reading off the shutter.

For longer shutter speeds, it continues reading after the first curtain has opened, now picking up the light reflected from the film, so if the light suddenly changes during the exposure it can respond by closing the second curtain earlier or later. It can also use this film-reflection to quench a compatible electronic flash.

 

[akptc]

...
Minolta also made a handgrip for the CLE. Back in 1985 it cost 4000 yen. Today it cost 15000 yen....

Hi Alex, I just saw your post through a search here. I am in the market for the CLE handgrip but they seem very elusive. Would you have any idea where I might be able to find one? - Thanks!

 

[Doug]

Hi Andy... The Leica M sidegrip almost fits the CLE, the main difficulty being the different body shape at the right front. It looks like some minor machining work would make it fit... It would also need a little relief cut at the rewind end to clear the crank, and a hole for access to the rewind button. That would be a nice setup, and I like my CLE well enough to consider doing it! Probably easier than tracking down the Minolta item.

 

[akptc]

Hi Andy... The Leica M sidegrip almost fits the CLE....

Hi Doug, this sounds interesting.. I have a friend who is a skilled machinist at Boeing, I bet he could do this. If I do, I will post some pics.

I wonder how many mods it would take to turn the R3A grip into a CLE grip (if possible at all)?

 

[Doug]

Part of "almost fitting" is that the CLE has its tripod screw in the same place the M body does, so the fastener is ok. I have the Voigtlander grip too, and I suppose the fastener could be relocated with a bit of machine work, and its hole for the rewind button is already in a workable location I think. It would also have to be cut shorter to clear the rewind knob. It has an upward extension with a strap lug that I'm not sure would be desirable on the CLE. The interior part of the actual grip protrusion would probably have to be carved out as with the Leica unit. I just think the Leica sidegrip is more nicely made, and its gripping surface texture is more like the CLE's body covering.

 

[akptc]

Yikes, this sounds almost as difficult as making a new one 🙂. Speaking of which, crazy idea, but I wonder how hard it would be to cast one, say from rubber or heavy latex.. couldn;t be that difficult, hm.. I just might try this

 

[MP/CLE]

Just finished a tour of the highlights in Italy with both a CLE and MP with the Rokkor f/2 40, the elmarit m f/2.8 90 and the summicron m f/2.0 asph. The CLE got the most use from a practical standpoint... black as opposed to chrome, quicker to use with the ae, a little lighter, and less wifely contempt (she took snapshots with her creditcard sized sony digital and I carried a bag with all my stuff). I am impressed with the CLE's robust but small package which was very effective. It also worked very well with the Leica lenses. My MP awaited the death of the CLE's batteries or for any other camera casualty which didn't occur. I am impressed with the resiliency of the CLE's 25 year old electronics... still producing.

 

[Bill58]

From the comments I've read on and about the 'net, you're on borrowed time w/ the electronics (with repairs scarce/ none)--that's what scares me off the CLE, 'though I want one bad.

 

[laptoprob]

The Leica M grip... I sut one to fit the CLE. And made a hole in it to fit a third ring for a strap. I pit the extra fixing pint of the Voigtlander side grip into the base part of the Leica grip. I like it very much like this.
I yet have to partially fill the two holes I drilled into the inside of the grip to fit two spare batteries.
The biggest hassle is rewinding, I cut of a part of the grip baseplate to make more room for the rewind handle. And an extra hole to get to the rewind release button.
Thankfully, rewinding is only at the end of a roll!
To finish it all off I got a nice padded semisoft Leica leather case, I think made for the first Digilux. Fits nicely with the grip!

If only I could get AE lock on the CLE... Or make the Hexar a little smaller!


Hey, this is my millennuim post!

 

[laptoprob]

Leica M grip

Leica M grip

Here are some pics of first the Leica case and then the M grip, persuaded to fit the CLE.

I really like the ffeel of the grip on this small camera!


Edit: Pfff.. digital Auto-non-focus!

 

[Graham Line]

"From the comments I've read on and about the 'net, you're on borrowed time w/ the electronics (with repairs scarce/ none)--that's what scares me off the CLE . . . "

Mine has been working well on about 15 years of borrowed time at this point, costing me less than $50 a year.

 

[MP/CLE]

"From the comments I've read on and about the 'net, you're on borrowed time w/ the electronics (with repairs scarce/ none)--that's what scares me off the CLE . . . "

Mine has been working well on about 15 years of borrowed time at this point, costing me less than $50 a year.

I have read the comments also, but I have old functional x-700 and xd-9 minolta slr bodies that are supposed to share the same electronic internals along with another CLE mint body in a box in the closet. Also, I still have the first instamatic I ever got, together with every other camera members of my family cast off for one reason or another, which all work, so I'm not very hard on equipment. My Leicas (MP and M7) are both chrome and I love the way they look, but I would probably use them more if they were black like the CLE. Also, the quality of the CLE is exceptional... you cannot pound nails with it like the heft of the Leica assures you it could, but you stack it up next to any other camera and its quality shows...

My only surprise with my results was that with the CLE my composition through the viewfinder framelines (even on the rokkor 40) were not indicative of the resultant picture, with the 28 and 90 they were a little off as well, but I'd expect some difference with the Leica lenses. With the MP the pictures I got were essentially what I composed, and I expected the rokkor 40 to be a little wider than the 50 framelines which turned out pretty accurate.

All in all, I am very happy with my CLE and am glad that I have the leicas... I do however, think that the CLE will get less use when I get my black M7 a la carte with the MP metal rewind...

 

[alfcnka]

The Minolta CLE has stood the test of time. I had 2 and they are all working find.
I had to replace the back seal due to it's age. After that it's as good as new.
I never had to replace them as they are my best companion. They will be with me for my photo trips.Thru the bright CLE's viewfinder, you see the shutter speed display in LEDs vertically at the left side. When i see i am shooting 1/30, i told my self to hold real steady. The Film load is pleasure to use. Film is rewind and open up from the bottom level. The Zeiss follow the same design. The metering is on when you place your index finger on the trigger area. Once the finger is placed, it just connects. Batteries are fitted at the bottom. Unlike Leica M.

The Rokkor 28mm F2.8
It's reputated for having White Dots. But it can be cleaned. Was told the fault lies in early glue they used. The wide angle lens is so compact and light. It's a must have lens for all my trips. The 28mm vented hood (Metal) is very rare. It's kept together with the lens by inverting it. Nice and compact.
The Viewfinder framing for 28mm is very bright. Even for wearing glass like me, i find it comfortable to use. Compare to the Leicas, i think this Rokkor lens is the most compact. Sharpness and contrast is almost similar at 5.6.

The Rokkor 40mm F2.
Personally, i feel this is a improve version of the 40mm Summicron. Compare the 2, i prefer the Rokkor. The focusing tab is smooth and easy to use. The glass is multi-coated. Filter size 40.5mm. This is my all time lens on the CLE. Comes with a Rubber screw on hood. Folded on the lens when no in used. Very convenient. The 40mm frame is just nice and neat. Compare with a Leica 35 summicron 4th version, it's quite similar in size. Pictures taken are sharp and contrast. But the 40mm frame line doesn't show up when mounted with a 35mm summicron, it show a 28mm frame instead.

Thr Rokkor 90mm F4.
Quite a short and compact lens. Having the same Rubber hood as the 40mm rokkor. The 90mm frame line is ok. I still can take portrait with nice framing.
The F4 is not my ideal portraiture lens. So sometimes i used a 90mm F2.8 Elmarit or PC Nikkor 105mm F2.5 screw mount with M bayonent. Both works perfectly on the CLE.

The Flash.
It's a small like credit card size. Using 2 AAA batteries. Not so powerful but ideal for families and gatherings. Mostly i shoot B/W so the flash is not necessary.

 

[Dougg]

Rob, that's a really nice looking grip on the CLE! I like that extra strap lug. I am very tempted to buy another Leica M grip and do a little cutting... I expect to be using my CLE indefinitely, still after 24 years my favorite 35mm RF!

 

[RML]

If only Cosina would do a remake of this camera (or the CL)! Maybe even digital. IMO it would be a cracker camera.

 

[Grober]

I know this is off topic but I owned the CL with both 40 & 90 Leica lenses meant for this camera. I sold it after two years because I just could not get accurately focused 90mm shots with this short based rangefinder. The camera was properly aligned but, to me, just wasn't trustworthy at the longer focal length. I graduated to an M6, then an M7, and have lived happily since my brief but torrid CL affair in the 1980s.

Alas, I've never handled the CLE.