Why would I buy an M7 over a CLE?

[ishpop]

The CLE is such a perfect size, metering works great, viewfinder is quality.

I realize there are a ton of factors in play, and I would expect the standard responses would be:

-build quality
-framelines / magnification
-RF path contrast
-elegance or form factor (the CLE is not as sexy, I know this)

But, I will be honest in saying that the CLE meets all of my needs in the above departments, so is it safe to say that I really have no need to ever spend thousands on a fancier body like an M7, and instead invest in glass? Or would you say that the factors above, plus any others you feel are relevant, are enough to warrant the upgrade at some point in my future? Same for Hexar RF.

I am not looking to upgrade anyways, I just feel like I have the perfect RF camera in the CLE and sometimes wonder if that is reality, or if this is merely a case of what I dont know wont hurt me.

🙂

 

[mfogiel]

For the same reason why you would want a Bentley over a Volkswagen. The viewfinder is not bad, but it is flary, the metering of the CLE is in reality very far from precise, the focusing is very inaccurate,both because of the short rf base, and because it is sufficient to move your eye 1mm away from the VF center, to get a different best focus point, the frames are limited to 28,40,90, so no 35 and 50 mm frames, there is no exposure lock, and the shutter is much louder than that of the M7. The only feature in favour of the CLE I can think of, is the auto release mode, which indeed can be handy. If you think CLE is so good, try to use a fast lens on it, then you will know why it is barely acceptable for a 40mm f2.0. In any case, if you like CLE and want to upgrade, skip the M7 and go directly to the Zeiss Ikon.

 

[_goodtimez]

On the other hand I use an M7 and I find that the most remarquable advantage of this camera is the smouthness of its shutter, especially a lower speeds. If I use another camera for some time and then switch to the M7, it is a pleasant surprise at each shot.
I sold my first M7 some years ago in the need of cash money but I bought another one some time after and both cameras had no problem. Try one if you have a chance.

 

[pagpow]

The CLE is such a perfect size, metering works great, viewfinder is quality.

I realize there are a ton of factors in play, and I would expect the standard responses would be:

-build quality
-framelines / magnification
-RF path contrast
-elegance or form factor (the CLE is not as sexy, I know this)

But, I will be honest in saying that the CLE meets all of my needs in the above departments,
🙂

It may well be that the CLE meets all your requirements. Period. if so, use it, shoot it, love it.

One factor you don't mention is focusing accuracy for long fast lenses. if you don't need it, no worries. But that might be one issue.

One other point -- you needn't step to the M7; both M5 and M6 are available if you want a metered body and longer EBL.

 

[ItsReallyDarren]

Sounds like you've got a good thing going with your setup. I say keep using it until you feel a desire for something else. That would be the time to eye M7's or similar and try them out.

As for the glass, if your not burning up for other lenses then your lucky. It's better to use a setup to its best potential. I'm finally starting to settle down on a somewhat monotonous formula that I like. Saves me the time from searching and acquiring new focal lengths.

 

[kuvvy]

A friend of mine preferred the viewfinder on my CLE to her M6 (sorry not sure whether it's comparable to the M7) and I don't fin focusing a problem and I'm a spectacle wearer. The metering I find a little strange on my CLE in that I struggle to get good exposures as mine seems to overexpose by about one stop. Don't really know if it's the meter or me not understanding how it reads a scene. Anyway I tend to use it with a handheld meter and the exposures are spot on..strange.
The size of the CLE is a big plus. If it was digital it would replace my RD1.
As nice as the CLE is I am considering selling mine as I haven't shot film in quite some time.

 

[dof]

As for useability there's not much more to add. Both are great cameras with well known advantages and disadvantages.

However the first reason that comes to my mind is long term repair options and availability of parts. How long will it be before the only way to repair a faulty CLE meter is to buy another CLE? I suspect the M7 has the greater potential in this regard.

 

[Steve M.]

Not to be smart, but really, if you have no intention of selling your present camera why are you posting this?

 

[ishpop]

Interesting points all. I am currently using the LTM 50mm Canon f1.2, and have only shot about 2 rolls, so the verdict is still out on focusing. That being said, I have already considered a cheaper Canon 7 or P to house the lens as I am not sure I like the framelines situation.

I am able to focus the 40mm Rokkor fine though, and will soon have a Elmar 90 to play with.

As for shutter release, def. no complaints there, as nice and smooth as I am sure the M7's is.

And lastly, with metering, i haven't yet felt the need to use a seperate meter, the internal seems to do fine. The exception would be strong backlight and wanting to expose the subject, touch situations like that. I think in those cases I would want a reading and then set exposure manual.

 

[ishpop]

Not to be smart, but really, if you have no intention of selling your present camera why are you posting this?

Is this to Kuvvy or myself? If me, I def. don't plan to sell, I tend to hold on to most of the cameras I buy (with a few exceptions), so an M7 or Ikon, or whatever, would probably be an addition to the collection.

 

[Michiel Fokkema]

I've had CLE's and both sold them. Imho the M7 is just so much better. Better accuracy of focusing, more accurate meter, better VF and more framelines.
But I got my M7 for less then my CLE's so the choice was easy for me🙂
If the CLE works for you, great. Stick to it and have fun.

Cheers

Michiel Fokkema

 

[Vincenzo Maielli]

If you can live without metering system in manual mode (you can use an handheld meter or the sunny 16 rule), without AE lock capability and the shutter active without battery (take always the spare battery), the Minolta CLE is a very good camera, also in present days. And allow also the TTL Flash mode.
Ciao.
Vincenzo

 

[Beemermark]

I have a CLE and two M7s. I think the CLE has a very nice VF and RF and, if you shoot a lot with a 28 mm lens the CLE VF is much better than the M7 .72x finder. That said I bought the second M7 because it has the 0.58x VF. The biggest negative for the CLE is the lack of an AE lock or manual metering. I love AE but you have to have a lock to lock in the exposure with a wide lens. Contrary to another post I never had a problem focusing a 40/1.4 lens with the CLE. I still use the CLE when I don't feel like carrying the M7 which is a boat anchor in comparison.