What's that grip?

L

Little Prince

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This shouldn't really belong to the Leica M forum, but it's the closest I can find. I'm getting a Minolta CLE and since it's a small camera I thought a grip would help. I like using a grip, they make things a lot easier (so much so that I'm making my own wood grip to affix to a Nikon F3). Does anyone know if there's a grip out there that'll fit this camera? For example, if you follow this link http://cesarigd.club.fr/photoe2cleo.htm there's pictures of a grip on the camera. I'm pretty sure I've seen at least another picture elsewhere with a grip.
 
Minolta actually made a grip for the CLE. I see them overhere(Japan) in the second hand shops. can not remember the exact prices but I think that they were in the US$40-60 ish bracket.
Mike.
 
I made one myself out of an aluminium flash bracket. When I got the Canon 1,2 I couldn't reach the bayonet button anymore so I cut out fingerparts. I could not use the camera without it, especially with this big glass. The hood btw is from a Minolta Hi-something, I forgot which.

Rob.
 
35mmdelux, I was aware of photoequip but checked their webpage again at your suggestion. They mention grips only for very few cameras and the CLE is not one of them. I was told once earlier that they might have other grips too. Following this I had contacted them about the NF grip (in regard to the Nikon F3) and was informed that they no longer stocked it. It was supposed to be available from Lemon Co. in Japan (!) in quantity.
Looked like a dead end.
I've also noticed something called a Unigrip from Photoequip. Any idea what that is? The links on their site lead to nowhere.

Rob, your improvisation is interesting. I'll have to look into it when I get home. Might have questions for you.

Mike, I'm glad to hear that there exists a dedicated grip. That means there is a remote possibility of obtaining one someday.

OT: Rob, I notice you say 'aluminium' not 'aluminum'. I take it that's what is used in Holland. When I first came to the US and heard people say 'aluminum' and write it, I was puzzled. Later on I thought it was kinda like 'nukular' :D (take it easy you guys, just poking some fun). Later still, I realized that it was very much accepted and came to use it myself.
 
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I will not make any comments about american spelling of aluminium.

I am still trying to recover from a missed auction here in Holland. Someone sold a CLE with 40mm Rokkor and original grip for way too little and way too fast while I was on holiday in Scotland. Well, I had a great time and fantastic weather there. That counts as well.
Still, such a shame, just about 10 or 15km away from me!

Rob.
 
Camera Grip

Camera Grip

The only other already-made grip I can think of is the one made for Bessas (B&H). Its very inexpensive. You might want to get the dimensions of the Bessa bottom plate and see if it fits your camera or if you can mill it down or drill to spec. Sometimes one has to think out-of-the-camera-box (no pun intended). good luck
 
Just beware of one small but important aspect, the CLE has the rewind button and the release button on the bottom. On my pics you can hardly see the button, just beside my aluminium grip. If you get some grip this is bound to be obstructed: you will have to unscrew the grip to change a film. That may well be the case with the Bessa grip.
Fantastic camera though! Definitly in the right forum, Leica just missed the opportunity to evolve with Minolta. Minolta missed the opportunity to evolve the CLE like they did the SLR's with the same AE system. Too bad.
I am still curious what Konica-Minolta may bring. A M-digital Hexar CLE?

Rob.
 
Yeah. Strange how Konica and Minolta came together. It's as though the whole purpose of that was to make a Hexar CLE (or whatever, even if it's digital). I know it's not going to happen though :( .

Too bad you couldn't get to that auction. After reading some old posts on pnet and elsewhere, I'm quickly discovering that the grip at least, is going to be very elusive.

35mmdelux & Rob, thanks for the comments on custom-fashioning grips. If it comes to that, I will be calling upon you guys for advice.
 
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has anyone actually ever seen an original minolta grip for the cle?

i could be wrong but i don't think minolta ever made a grip for that camera.

joe
 
Here you go Joe. Not proof but good reason to think it exists.
http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=00ApXE
If you scroll down Owen W., mentions the original grip.

Also, here: http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=004TCf Alex Shishin makes a reference to it.

Here http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=002p1q Owen W., states that he has owned it (though not explicitly saying its the original grip).

So it's looking good. I'm going to email Owen and ask him about it. Will keep you posted.
 
thanks anand for the info. if you or anyone else finds one i would love to see a pic of it.
i thought i owned all the gear that was made for the camera/lenses.

joe
 
Woa!! Sorry guys I made a big Mistake!
I just called the shop and the Grips I saw were for the CLE (Minolta Original)
Apparently they are RARE (Seems like a lot of things overhere!)
The Shop has two, one is 12,700 yen and the other New is 15,900yen!!!
Wow, sorry for the mistake in prices! I have a CL and was contemplating one
but these wont fit!! (Thank God)
Will take a pic the next time I'm there and post here.
Mike.
 
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