Leica CL

Pumalite · Aug 25, 2013

I just got this camera. Have'nt used it yet, but I'm curious about opinions of people that have hat it and used it. Many thanks

BMbikerider · Aug 25, 2013

I have not actually used one of these but have used the Minolta clone. They are small too small for my largish hands to manage comfortably but the results I had off the couple of films I put through the Minolta were superb. The biggest drawback but surmountable with these little gems is the mercury Battery requirement. Have a look at this website for an adapter to enable the use of a conventional 1.5v silver cell as a replacement.

www.smallbattery.company.org.uk

They are not cheap but unlike the common Weincell replacements they will last quite a long time once placed in the camera. I use one in a NikkormatFTN and after 2 years it is still working well and comparing it with a hand held light meter the accuracy is good.

You can use the Minolta lenses (28mm, 40mm and 90mm) as a direct replacement for genuine Leitz optics. I doubt if you would be able to tell the difference. They are not common but do appear occasionally for sale.

Pumalite · Aug 25, 2013

Thanks BMbikerider. What about the PX625 as a replacement?

BMbikerider · Aug 25, 2013

It has to be 1.35v to operate the meter. There are a quite a few adapters listed on the website to conver silver cells to the correct voltage, I am sure the PX625 equivalent is listed.

Gerry M · Aug 25, 2013

I used z/a 625 hearing aid batts in mine. Worked good.

agnosticnikon · Aug 25, 2013

I've got the Leitz Minolta version, and I love this camera. I have average hands and it feels fine with me. I find it easier to use than the M series, but then I've been known to favor the smaller screw mount Leicas anyway. I use the hearing aid batteries too, and like that the meter is a little like a spot meter. Fun camera to use, that gives very sharp pictures. Have fun with it!

summicron1 · Aug 25, 2013

the difference between the 1.5 and 1.35 cell is not major -- I used my CL for years before it was adjusted and didn't notice much difference. The meter is a spot meter, I have always considered meters to be advisory anyway, so either way works for me.

Overall the CL is my favorite travel camera -- light, quick, precise, works without a battery, can use a wide range of lenses -- I use a voitgtlander 15mm on mine, a canon 25, the 40 it came with, a 50 and a 90. The whole kit is small and light, too. My original finally wore out (tooth gear drive broke/wore) and I replaced the whole camera with hardly a second thought.

Bateleur · Aug 28, 2013

My CL has been a traveling companion par excellence for many many years, light, robust and a superb image maker with it's 40mm summicron. It has survived extremes and wears it scars proudly. Even on the street it is unobtrusive and an ideal shooter. I seldom use the light meter so the battery issue is not a problem.

Therefore I would not hesitate to recommend it and wish you much satisfaction with yours.

IloveTLRs · Aug 28, 2013

I had two at different times. Great little camera, with a distinctive, soft clop shutter sound. I have used both the Summicron-C 40 and M-Rokkor 40 - both are great lenses. The Rokkor 90 is good, too.

Ultimately I sold them both because I like 50mm and while the CL has 50mm frame lines, they were too close to the 40mm lines for me. 90mm lines were also too small (I'm used to the M3.) I used to stick a 35mm lens on it and use the whole viewfinder, which worked well. Also the camera is black, and I was paranoid about scratches and paint coming off (a personal thing.)

A great camera, though.

rolleiman · Sep 3, 2013

I recall hearing a rumour that Leica discontinued the CL, because it was becoming so popular at the time, it was hitting sales of their M series cameras!

Leica CL

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