Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2000/06/15
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Greetings William! I have never used a CLE, but I must demur from the general adoration of the Leica CL. I owned one for six or seven years and, while I loved the Wetzlar forty and ninety C lenses, the body was a problem for me. The biggest matter was that they used too brittle an adhesive to attach the meter cell to its stalk behind the lens. The movement of the stalk would dislodge the cell. This happened perhaps twice a year and once jammed the shutter requiring an expensive repair. I also dislike the front-mounted shutter speed dial which kept getting banged into something and twice in six years required a long and expensive trip to New Jersey to rectify. Personally I hate the vertical dangle from the side mounted strap lugs, something other CL and M5 users adore. I found the body too small for my hands and my fingers always seemed to smear something on the rangefinder windows. I would also say that it does not have the mechanical feel of an M series Leica and, based on my personal experience, I certainly would never trust a CL to function under adverse conditions as I always rely on my Ms. Nonetheless, check the archives. Many photographers loved and continue to love the CL. Buzz Hausner - -----Original Message----- From: William Gower [mailto:wgower@eco-tec.com] Sent: Wednesday, June 14, 2000 12:23 PM To: Leica Users Group Subject: [Leica] Leica CL / CLE vs. Bessa-R I'm wondering about peoples impressions experience with the CL and CLE ? I'm pretty much aware of issues such as incompatibilities with certain lenses, the 40/50/90 viewfinder, ect. Basically, I'm wondering what a better buy would be - a CL / CLE or a Bessa-R. Personally, I have a leaning towards all mechanical cameras, so the CLE would be the last choice. Does the CL have a nice Leica "feel" in terms of film advance, shutter, ect. Or does it fall really short in the quality department - i.e can you tell it was made in Japan ? (No offence or trolls intended. Honest.) How about expected service life ? Can you expect many years of faithful service ? Any and all (positive / constructive) feedback welcome. Thanks William