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Leica CL

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  • Brand: Leica
  • Name: Leica CL
  • Type: Rangefinder camera
  • Type of Film: 35mm
  • Focal length: -
  • Maximum aperture: depends on the lens
  • Focus: Manual
  • Shutter speeds: 1/1000 s to 1/2 s, Bulb
  • Flash / Flash connection: Hot Shoe
  • Release date: 1973
  • Age: Up to 51 years

The Leica CL is a rangefinder camera for the M bayonet and is probably one of the most unusual models of the M cameras.

leica-cl-black-rangefinder-m

The history of the camera begins in the 70s when the German Leitz and the Japanese company Minolta signed a cooperation agreement. The first visible result of this cooperation was the presentation of the Leica CL in 1973.

The compact viewfinder camera was intended to reach a customer segment that was not prepared to invest in a “Professional Leica”, but still wanted a high-quality camera. The amateur market should be convinced above all by the compactness of the camera and the lower price compared to the other Leicas. The latter should be achieved among other things by the lower production costs, for this reason the camera was not built in Germany by Leitz, but by Minolta in Japan.

However, the 35 mm camera was not a great success in Leica’s eyes; after just three years, the plugs were pulled during production. Although the number of units produced was higher than many other models in Leica history, speculations were being made that the professional segment would not be cannibalized by the Leica CL.

Names and successors

The Leica CL was produced under various names. There are copies with the imprints “Leica CL”, “Leitz-Minolta CL” and “Minolta CL”. On the occasion of Leitz’s 50th anniversary, there was also a limited edition of 3500. These copies can be recognized by the “50 years” notch on the front and the code on the back. This consists of a number between 0 and 500 and a letter (L-E-I-C-A).

leica-cl-50-jahre-edition
leica-cl-back

In the early 1980s, Minolta launched Minolta CLE, a camera based on the design of the Leica CL. This 35 mm camera comes with a built-in automatic exposure control.

The Camera

One feature that makes the Leica CL so interesting is the possibility of using M lenses. The camera was presented together with two lenses, the Summicron 40 mm f/2 and the Elmar 90 mm f/4. 40 mm lenses in particular harmonise well with the 35 mm camera and are also very compact. Of course, the Leica CL can also be used with other lenses, but there are some exceptions that cannot be used. Focusing is done manually, using the viewfinder. The Leica CL has built-in frame lines for lenses with focal lengths of 40 mm, 50 mm and 90 mm.

leica-m-rokkor-minolta-40mm-f2

As most Leica M cameras know and appreciate, the photographer has full control over the camera. He can set the aperture, focus and exposure time according to his wishes. The placement of the setting wheel for the exposure time is striking. This is not, as with most cameras, on the top of the camera, but in the right (from the photographer’s point of view) corner of the front. This has the advantage that you can make the adjustment without having to take the camera off your face.

The built-in light meter makes it slightly easier to find the correct settings. Measurements are taken using a measuring cell located on a swivel arm, which is pivoted between shutter curtain and lens for each shot. In principle, this is a spot metering. The “spot” is located in the middle of the lens. The light meter is designed for film shooting with a sensitivity from ISO 25 to ISO 1600.

The Leica CL has a bulb mode, the shortest exposure time is 1/1000 second. The use of an external flash is possible via the hot shoe.

Films for the Leica CL

In the Leica CL, cartridges are exposed with 35mm film. These are still easy to get today and are still being developed. Beautiful 35mm films for color or black and white shots are the Kodak Gold 200* and the Ilford FP4 Plus*.

The colour film is processed in the C-41 development process. The C-41 films are offered by most photo labs. For example, you can give your films for development at most drugstores.

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leica-cl-filmrückwand-film-wechseln
leica-cl-bottom

The Leica CL can be connected to a cable release or a tripod via the corresponding threads. The 35 mm camera is powered by a 1.35 V PX625 battery (eBay / Amazon*). The film is rewound manually. The film transport lever also serves as an on-switch for the light meter.

The camera weighs 365 g and measures 12 x 7.6 x 3.2 cm. This makes the Leica CL the smallest Leica M camera to date. The design of the camera is simple, except for the wheel for exposure time and film speed there are no adjustment options on the housing.

The 35 mm camera can only be found in used condition. The value of a used copy is mainly determined by its condition and functionality.

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leica-cl-front
leica-cl-kleinbildkamera-messsucher
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Image Example

leica-cl-beispielfoto-dm-paradies-200-expired

Taken with the CL and an expired DM Paradies 200, digitized with the Canoscan 9000F.

Technical datasheet

Technical specifications of the camera
AttributeSpecification
Type of CameraRangefinder camera
Film format35mm
Picture format24 mm x 36 mm
Lens mountLeica M mount
FocusManual
RangefinderYes
Exposure times1/1000 second to 1/2 second, Bulb
Bulb modeYes
Light meterYes
Built-in flashNo
Flash ConnectionHot Shoe
Flash sync speed1/60 s
Tripod mountYes
Cable release threadYes
Self-timerNo
Power supply1x PX625 battery
Size12 x 7,6 x 3,2 cm
Dimensions in inches4.72 x 2.99 x 1.26 inches
Weight365 Grams
Estimated value / Used price1.270,54 Euro
i
Estimate based on used prices of 42 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of 18.3.2024
Average used price in the year 2023100,10 Euro (108.24 US-Dollar)

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