1982 I bought the complete set with lenses (there were three Minolta lenses for it, 28mm, 40mm, and 90mm), flash and pouches for everything from my local photo dealer. Around 10 years later, I sold that set again. That's the only camera sale I truly regret today. On the other hand, I can remedy it theoretically without much loss, since I sold the set for nearly the same I've paid for it, and I can buy it today again for nearly the same I paid 40 years ago (inflation-corrected). The problem is, that I don't work with 35mm film anymore, I use medium and large format today. So I would have no use for this camera anymore - but it is truly a very nice camera.
I bought the complete set 4 weeks ago. Camera, all 3 lenses including lens hoods, original bag, tripod and handle. Unfortunately the 28 had Schneideritis and had to be repaired. The faulty glass element is also recoated there. As far as I know, the 40 and 90 were calculated by Leica and manufactured by Minolta. The 28 is probably only from Minolta.
Great camera with framelines for 28, 40 and 90mm lenses. The 40mm focal length is actually really nice to work with. Were I to own just one lens, I'd personally prefer the use of a 40mm over a 50mm. For M-mount, Leitz produced the 40mm Summicron-C lens while Minolta produced the M-Rokkor 40mm f2 lens. Both are wonderful, jewel-like lenses, with the M-Rokkor being every bit the lens that the Summicron is in terms of quality. I own a number of M-mount lenses and tend to get better combined use out of the 28 and 40mm focal lengths on my CLE than I do the 35 and 50mm focal lengths on my M6.
Totally agree about the lenses! I actually own the Leica CL only because it was affordable at the time but the only thing I dislike about my camera is that it is a rangefinder as I’m more of a SLR person. The results are mind blowing good though!
Great review! Two questions: Did you experience any focus issues with non-Minolta lenses? Is there any focus shift or is the image sharp when using the rangefinder patch? And using a 50mm would mean you have a slightly smaller field photographed than the 40mm frameline is showing?
Thank you! I didn’t have any issues with the focus being off with the summicron lens I used. Occasionally, in certain conditions, it was hard to see if the focus was correct. And yes you are correct about the 50mm having slightly smaller field than the frame lines
Dud, what a great channel and vibes you have, I loved it and you have one more subscriber. The algorithm showed me your video because of my interest in this film camera, and you know, just the lens I was looking for. Are you still selling it? Keep it up with your channel, it has a lot of future!
Ah thanks brotha I appreciate the feedback! I'll keep trying to make interesting videos as inspiration occurs! - I sold the camera. Still have the lens though!
@@itsjonathanwade Ohhh Sick! Congrats! hahaha ah the leica glass, that's a deep rabbit hole. If you're looking to go super deep you could check out these guys RED Dot Forum. They have so much knowledge. ruclips.net/video/6sAk3CeuAPc/видео.html
I guess I didn't throw any in because in my mind image quality is more about the lens than the camera.. but since you asked here's a lil gallery of sample images! henndoggdigital.pixieset.com/summicronsampleimages/
@@Adrian-wd4rn Sure the camera body has the same function. Mostly. Some screw mounts don't have a light meter. Like I said in the vid, you're buying this camera for the superior Leica M mount lenses. And yea, the price is just supply and demand, everything goes in and out of popularity, and the price is peaking rn.
@@Henrihalle There is no screw mount Leica with a light meter. The original Leitz screw mount lenses were among the best in their time, but compared to today's lenses - and to Leitz M glass - quite soft and not the sharpest. That's why they are comparatively cheap for a Leitz lens nowadays and nonetheless still vastly overpriced.
I own one, and it's a pain in the fucking ass to use, having to cut up the film and worry about not misthreading the lenses. Although I do agree, they are amazing for 3-400 dollars but the lenses will set you back a lot more
1982 I bought the complete set with lenses (there were three Minolta lenses for it, 28mm, 40mm, and 90mm), flash and pouches for everything from my local photo dealer. Around 10 years later, I sold that set again. That's the only camera sale I truly regret today. On the other hand, I can remedy it theoretically without much loss, since I sold the set for nearly the same I've paid for it, and I can buy it today again for nearly the same I paid 40 years ago (inflation-corrected). The problem is, that I don't work with 35mm film anymore, I use medium and large format today. So I would have no use for this camera anymore - but it is truly a very nice camera.
That's amazing. Sounds like you had a good relationship with that kit!
I bought the complete set 4 weeks ago. Camera, all 3 lenses including lens hoods, original bag, tripod and handle. Unfortunately the 28 had Schneideritis and had to be repaired. The faulty glass element is also recoated there. As far as I know, the 40 and 90 were calculated by Leica and manufactured by Minolta. The 28 is probably only from Minolta.
Great video! Fantastic photos!
Many thanks!
Great camera with framelines for 28, 40 and 90mm lenses. The 40mm focal length is actually really nice to work with. Were I to own just one lens, I'd personally prefer the use of a 40mm over a 50mm. For M-mount, Leitz produced the 40mm Summicron-C lens while Minolta produced the M-Rokkor 40mm f2 lens. Both are wonderful, jewel-like lenses, with the M-Rokkor being every bit the lens that the Summicron is in terms of quality. I own a number of M-mount lenses and tend to get better combined use out of the 28 and 40mm focal lengths on my CLE than I do the 35 and 50mm focal lengths on my M6.
I had no idea leitz made a 40mm lens! Thanks for the info!
voigtlander makes a 40mm in m-mount as well
Totally agree about the lenses! I actually own the Leica CL only because it was affordable at the time but the only thing I dislike about my camera is that it is a rangefinder as I’m more of a SLR person. The results are mind blowing good though!
the CL is a sweet cam! I feel the same way though, I'm much more of an slr person, But I love the way rangefinders look!
Had the CLE.....Loved it but ended up getting the M7.
Thats a nice upgrade!
fantastic photos...why did you sell this?? think im gonna pick one up in the next week or so.
Thanks! I guess I sold it because I wanted the money to buy some other Piece of camera gear haha
@@Henrihalle fair enough LOL!! literally just purchased mine should be here next week
@@duprebushnell2488sick!! I hope you enjoy it!
Great review! Two questions: Did you experience any focus issues with non-Minolta lenses? Is there any focus shift or is the image sharp when using the rangefinder patch? And using a 50mm would mean you have a slightly smaller field photographed than the 40mm frameline is showing?
Thank you!
I didn’t have any issues with the focus being off with the summicron lens I used. Occasionally, in certain conditions, it was hard to see if the focus was correct.
And yes you are correct about the 50mm having slightly smaller field than the frame lines
Rangefinder base is narrow. Not ideal with the 90. Specialy with a 90 sumicron.
What does this say about Minolta CL? :D
I'm not sure, I haven't tried that camera
hi bro, can it work without battery?
Yea I think so, except the light meter
@@Henrihalle No, the Minolta CLE is a paperweight without batteries.
Dud, what a great channel and vibes you have, I loved it and you have one more subscriber. The algorithm showed me your video because of my interest in this film camera, and you know, just the lens I was looking for. Are you still selling it?
Keep it up with your channel, it has a lot of future!
Ah thanks brotha I appreciate the feedback! I'll keep trying to make interesting videos as inspiration occurs! - I sold the camera. Still have the lens though!
'The poor man's Leica' is not true. This camera is Expensive as well haha
haha yea, dang Inflation is a bummer for all of us
@@Henrihalle haha totally! nice video!
@@Henrihalle I have the CLE as well. Did you know if the Voigtlander 40mm f1.2 fits well in this camera?
@@DogsandFilm I'm not familiar with that lens, however If the Voigtlander 40mm is an M mount then it will fit!
@@DogsandFilm Thanks!
Lets gooo!
Your light condition is fair. There is a spot light behind you. Closeups are blurred and dark.
Thanks for the feedback! I think your playback quality might be on auto adjust, on my screen the close ups are crispyyyy
Heya pal! Can I buy it off ya? I've never had a rangefinder and have been eyeing the CLE for a while. . . hmu
Hey my dude, I'm sorry it sold immediately on Ebay. I guess I didn't ask for enough haha. Good luck with the search!
@@Henrihalle WELP. I did it. I bought one with a rocker 40 and 90. Super stoked. Debating what Leica glass to get
@@itsjonathanwade Ohhh Sick! Congrats! hahaha ah the leica glass, that's a deep rabbit hole. If you're looking to go super deep you could check out these guys RED Dot Forum. They have so much knowledge. ruclips.net/video/6sAk3CeuAPc/видео.html
Minolta Cle is amazing camera also is better that any Leica.. 😊
The CLE looks amazing! I got a Leica CL, but I think I'd rather have the CLE haha.
Ay! the Leica CL is a dope camera though! The CLE is tons of fun to use all the same
Where are sample images??
I guess I didn't throw any in because in my mind image quality is more about the lens than the camera.. but since you asked here's a lil gallery of sample images! henndoggdigital.pixieset.com/summicronsampleimages/
@@Henrihalle OK, thanks
solid editing
Thanks Brotha
I can buy a nice M3 for $500 more than what assholes are asking for this camera now. Smh
damn I havn't checked prices in a couple years.. thats wild!
Maybe want to rehearse things and edit a bit more.
Lol thanks for taking the time to leave a response
LMFAO, why buy a "poor mans leica" when you can just buy a leica iiif/iiig for 300-450? .....Just buy a leica.
Good point, maybe the screw mount isn’t as appealing? For me it’s not. Or maybe people just don’t know
@@Henrihalle Screw mounts are just as good as anything else, really. There's zero reason why this camera cost as much as it does.
@@Adrian-wd4rn Sure the camera body has the same function. Mostly. Some screw mounts don't have a light meter. Like I said in the vid, you're buying this camera for the superior Leica M mount lenses. And yea, the price is just supply and demand, everything goes in and out of popularity, and the price is peaking rn.
@@Henrihalle There is no screw mount Leica with a light meter. The original Leitz screw mount lenses were among the best in their time, but compared to today's lenses - and to Leitz M glass - quite soft and not the sharpest. That's why they are comparatively cheap for a Leitz lens nowadays and nonetheless still vastly overpriced.
I own one, and it's a pain in the fucking ass to use, having to cut up the film and worry about not misthreading the lenses. Although I do agree, they are amazing for 3-400 dollars but the lenses will set you back a lot more
Skill is everything not the camera nor the lens!!!
True that! Recognizing light and having good composition goes a long way. But a dope ass lens gives an image special character.