Difference between revisions of "Leica CL"

From Camera-wiki.org
Jump to: navigation, search
m (→‎Lenses)
(→‎Manuals and documents: Replaced Link URL (page no longer present) with another one with similar content)
 
(36 intermediate revisions by 11 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
 
{{Infobox_35mm_RF_system|camera name='''Leica CL'''
 
{{Infobox_35mm_RF_system|camera name='''Leica CL'''
−
|image source=http://www.flickr.com/photos/24288287@N05/2877439374/sizes/l/in/photostream/
+
|image source=http://www.flickr.com/photos/24288287@N05/2877439374/in/pool-camerawiki/
 
|image=http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3203/2877439374_b41bcf1db5_m_d.jpg
 
|image=http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3203/2877439374_b41bcf1db5_m_d.jpg
 +
|image caption=<small>image by {{image author |Henrik Robeck}} </small>{{non-commercial}}
 
|maker=[[Leica|Leitz]]
 
|maker=[[Leica|Leitz]]
−
|dates=1973&ndash;1976
+
|dates=1973–1976
 
|variants=Leica CL, Leitz-Minolta CL
 
|variants=Leica CL, Leitz-Minolta CL
−
|viewfinder=Reverse Galilean (&times;.60)  
+
|viewfinder=Reverse Galilean (×.60)  
 
|rangefinder=coupled, combined (ERB = 18.9 mm)  
 
|rangefinder=coupled, combined (ERB = 18.9 mm)  
 
|lens mount=Leica M
 
|lens mount=Leica M
Line 19: Line 20:
 
|sync speed=1/60
 
|sync speed=1/60
 
|motor drive=none
 
|motor drive=none
−
|battery=1&times;1.35V ([[PX625]])
+
|battery=1×1.35V ([[PX625]])
−
|dimensions=12&times;7.6&times;3.2&nbsp;cm (body only)<REF name="dim"> Dimensions and weight: Leitz brochure number 112-93. </REF>
+
|dimensions=12×7.6×3.2cm (body only)<REF name="dim"> Dimensions and weight: Leitz brochure number 112-93. </REF>
 
|weight=365g (body only)<REF name="dim" />
 
|weight=365g (body only)<REF name="dim" />
−
|number produced=max 65,000 Leica CL,<br>approx 20,000 Leitz Minolta CL.
+
|number produced=max 65,000 Leica CL,<br>approx 20,000 Leitz Minolta CL.}}
−
}}
 
  
 
The '''Leica CL''' is a 35mm compact [[rangefinder camera]] made by [[Leica|Leitz]] with interchangeable lenses in the [[Leica M lenses|Leica M mount]]. It was developed in collaboration with [[Minolta]] and appeared in April 1973. It was released in the Japanese market in November 1973 as the '''Leitz Minolta CL'''.<REF> April 1973 and November 1973 dates: Lewis, p.&nbsp;141.<br>[http://www.cameraquest.com/leicacl.htm This page] at [http://www.cameraquest.com/ Cameraquest] mentions a third version called "Minolta CL", sold in Japan and in the US after the Leica CL ceased to be sold. However no picture has yet been observed, and its existence seems dubious. It is also mentioned in [http://www.leicapages.com/CL.html this page] at [http://www.leicapages.com/ Pascal's Leica Pages], but the source is probably Cameraquest. </REF> Both the Leica CL and Leitz Minolta CL were manufactured in Japan.
 
The '''Leica CL''' is a 35mm compact [[rangefinder camera]] made by [[Leica|Leitz]] with interchangeable lenses in the [[Leica M lenses|Leica M mount]]. It was developed in collaboration with [[Minolta]] and appeared in April 1973. It was released in the Japanese market in November 1973 as the '''Leitz Minolta CL'''.<REF> April 1973 and November 1973 dates: Lewis, p.&nbsp;141.<br>[http://www.cameraquest.com/leicacl.htm This page] at [http://www.cameraquest.com/ Cameraquest] mentions a third version called "Minolta CL", sold in Japan and in the US after the Leica CL ceased to be sold. However no picture has yet been observed, and its existence seems dubious. It is also mentioned in [http://www.leicapages.com/CL.html this page] at [http://www.leicapages.com/ Pascal's Leica Pages], but the source is probably Cameraquest. </REF> Both the Leica CL and Leitz Minolta CL were manufactured in Japan.
 +
 +
 +
{{Flickr_image
 +
|image_source= http://www.flickr.com/photos/90900361@N08/8262896997/in/pool-camerawiki/
 +
|image= http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8349/8262896997_f4b107787d.jpg
 +
|image_align=
 +
|image_text= Leica CL with 40mm f/2 Summicron
 +
|image_by= Geoff Harrisson
 +
|image_rights= wp
 +
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 +
{{Flickr image
 +
| image_source=http://www.flickr.com/photos/raulm/3731643429/in/pool-camerawiki/
 +
| image=http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3425/3731643429_f0fab92e8e_m.jpg
 +
| image_align=left
 +
| image_text=Leica CL with Jupiter-8
 +
| image_by=Raúl Sá Dantas
 +
| image_rights= with permission
 +
}}<br style="clear:left"/>
 
The Leica CL has a vertical-running [[focal plane shutter]], with cloth curtains, giving 1/2 to 1/1000 speeds. There is a through-the-lens [[CdS|CdS exposure meter]] mounted on a pivoting arm just in front of the shutter, like the [[Leica M5]]. The exposure is manual and the shutter is mechanical. The shutter speeds are visible in the finder. The finder's framelines are for a 40mm, 50mm or 90mm lens. The 40mm frameline is always present and the 50mm or 90mm frame line is automatically selected upon mounting of the appropriate lens.
 
The Leica CL has a vertical-running [[focal plane shutter]], with cloth curtains, giving 1/2 to 1/1000 speeds. There is a through-the-lens [[CdS|CdS exposure meter]] mounted on a pivoting arm just in front of the shutter, like the [[Leica M5]]. The exposure is manual and the shutter is mechanical. The shutter speeds are visible in the finder. The finder's framelines are for a 40mm, 50mm or 90mm lens. The 40mm frameline is always present and the 50mm or 90mm frame line is automatically selected upon mounting of the appropriate lens.
 +
  
 
Today the CL is a superbly compact and quite cheap camera on which to mount M lenses, but it does not have a [[rangefinder (device)|rangefinder]] as precise as that of any Leica M body. The [[rangefinder base]] of the CL is 31.5 mm and the viewfinder magnification is 0.60, leading to a small [[rangefinder base|effective rangefinder base]] of 18.9 mm. This is too short for accurate focusing with lenses longer than 90mm and fast lenses used at full aperture. Some users report the camera is rather fragile, especially the rangefinder alignment and meter mechanism.
 
Today the CL is a superbly compact and quite cheap camera on which to mount M lenses, but it does not have a [[rangefinder (device)|rangefinder]] as precise as that of any Leica M body. The [[rangefinder base]] of the CL is 31.5 mm and the viewfinder magnification is 0.60, leading to a small [[rangefinder base|effective rangefinder base]] of 18.9 mm. This is too short for accurate focusing with lenses longer than 90mm and fast lenses used at full aperture. Some users report the camera is rather fragile, especially the rangefinder alignment and meter mechanism.
 +
{{Flickr image
 +
| image_source=http://www.flickr.com/photos/raulm/3734662760/in/pool-camerawiki/
 +
| image=http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2479/3734662760_d82c2a64fb_m.jpg
 +
| image_align=left
 +
| image_text=Leica CL with [[Canon]] Serenar
 +
| image_by=Raúl Sá Dantas
 +
| image_rights= with permission
 +
}}<br style="clear:left"/>
  
 
== Lenses ==
 
== Lenses ==
−
The CL was sold with two lenses specially designed for it: the ''Leitz Summicron-C 40mm f:2'' sold as the normal lens, and the ''Leitz Elmar-C 90mm f:4'' tele lens. Both take the uncommon [[series filters|Series 5.5 filters]]. A ''Leitz Elmarit-C 40mm f:2.8'' was also briefly produced but it is said that only 400 were made.<REF> 400 made: see [http://www.sky.sannet.ne.jp/seven-ss/camera/leica-cl.htm this page] at [http://www.sky.sannet.ne.jp/seven-ss/camera/index-cam.htm Hektor's Chokkura Pinbokeh site]. </REF>
+
The CL was sold with two lenses specially designed for it: the ''Leitz Summicron-C 40mm f:2'' sold as the normal lens, and the ''Leitz Elmar-C 90mm f:4'' tele lens. Both take the uncommon [[series filters|Series 5.5 filters]]. A ''Leitz Elmarit-C 40mm f:2.8'' was also briefly produced but it is said that only 400 were made.<REF> 400 made: see [https://web.archive.org/web/20200505192158/http://www.sky.sannet.ne.jp/seven-ss/camera/leica-cl.htm this page] at [https://web.archive.org/web/20200220190441/http://www.sky.sannet.ne.jp/seven-ss/camera/index-cam.htm Hektor's Chokkura Pinbokeh site] (archived). </REF>
  
−
The lenses specially designed for the Leica CL can physically mount on a Leica M body, but Leica recommended not doing so because it would not give the best focusing precision, allegedly because the coupling cam of the C and M lenses is not the same. However, some people say that it is unimportant and that they can be used perfectly on an M.
+
The lenses specially designed for the Leica CL can physically mount on a Leica M body, but Leica recommended not doing so because it would not give the best focusing precision, allegedly because the coupling cam of the C and M lenses is not the same. However, some people say that it is unimportant and that they can be used perfectly on an M.  This is similar to the focusing issues regarding Nikon and Contax rangefinders on wide angle lenses.
 
{{Flickr image
 
{{Flickr image
−
| image_source=http://www.flickr.com/photos/8jiro/116617913/in/pool-camerapedia/
+
| image_source=http://www.flickr.com/photos/8jiro/116617913/in/pool-camerawiki/
 
| image=http://farm1.static.flickr.com/36/116617913_d5af7af7d4_m.jpg
 
| image=http://farm1.static.flickr.com/36/116617913_d5af7af7d4_m.jpg
 
| image_align=left
 
| image_align=left
 
| image_text=Leitz Minolta CL<br/>with Super [[Rokkor]] 1:2.8 f=45mm
 
| image_text=Leitz Minolta CL<br/>with Super [[Rokkor]] 1:2.8 f=45mm
 +
| image_by= yajiro
 +
| image_rights= with permission
 
}}
 
}}
−
When sold with a Leitz Minolta CL, the lenses were called ''Minolta M-Rokkor 40mm f:2'' and ''90mm f:4''. It is said that the 40mm was made in Japan by [[Minolta]] while the 90mm was made by Leitz and is rare.<REF> See [http://members.aol.com/manualminolta/fixlens.htm this page about Minolta rangefinder lenses] at the [http://members.aol.com/manualminolta/ Manual Minolta website], and [http://www.sky.sannet.ne.jp/seven-ss/camera/leica-cl.htm this page] at [http://www.sky.sannet.ne.jp/seven-ss/camera/index-cam.htm Hektor's Chokkura Pinbokeh site]. </REF> With the later [[Minolta CLE]], Minolta would produce lenses of the same name but with a different coupling system, the same as the Leica M lenses. A new ''Minolta M-Rokkor 28mm f:2.8'' lens was introduced. All these lenses can be mounted on the CL too. [[Rokkor]]-branded lenses for the CL and CLE take the more easily found 40.5mm filter size.
+
When sold with a Leitz Minolta CL, the lenses were called ''Minolta M-Rokkor 40mm f:2'' and ''90mm f:4''. It is said that the 40mm was made in Japan by [[Minolta]] while the 90mm was made by Leitz and is rare.<REF> See [http://www.subclub.org/minman/fixlens.htm this page about Minolta rangefinder lenses] at the [http://www.subclub.org/minman/ Manual Minolta website], and [https://web.archive.org/web/20200505192158/http://www.sky.sannet.ne.jp/seven-ss/camera/leica-cl.htm this page] at [https://web.archive.org/web/20200507173942/http://www.sky.sannet.ne.jp/seven-ss/camera/index-cam.htm Hektor's Chokkura Pinbokeh site] (archived). </REF> With the later [[Minolta CLE]], Minolta would produce lenses of the same name but with a different coupling system, the same as the Leica M lenses. A new ''Minolta M-Rokkor 28mm f:2.8'' lens was introduced. All these lenses can be mounted on the CL too. [[Rokkor]]-branded lenses for the CL and CLE take the more easily found 40.5mm filter size.
  
 
The CL can take nearly all the [[Leica M lenses]]. Exception are some lenses that protrude deep into the body and could damage the meter arm, these include: 15mm/8 Hologon, 21mm/4 Super Angulon, 28mm/2.8 Elmarits before serial number 2314921. The eyed lenses, including the M3 wide-angle lenses, the 135mm/2.8 Elmarit, and the 50mm/2 Dual Range Summicron, cannot be mounted either because they are incompatible with the body shape. The 90mm/2 Summicron and 135mm/4 Tele-Elmar are incompatible too. The collapsible lenses can be mounted but they must not be fully collapsed, and Leitz advised sticking an adhesive strip of adequate width to the barrel, to limit the collapsing movement. Another limitation is that the rangefinder is only coupled until 0.8m.<REF> This paragraph: Leitz brochure ref.&nbsp;120-50. </REF>
 
The CL can take nearly all the [[Leica M lenses]]. Exception are some lenses that protrude deep into the body and could damage the meter arm, these include: 15mm/8 Hologon, 21mm/4 Super Angulon, 28mm/2.8 Elmarits before serial number 2314921. The eyed lenses, including the M3 wide-angle lenses, the 135mm/2.8 Elmarit, and the 50mm/2 Dual Range Summicron, cannot be mounted either because they are incompatible with the body shape. The 90mm/2 Summicron and 135mm/4 Tele-Elmar are incompatible too. The collapsible lenses can be mounted but they must not be fully collapsed, and Leitz advised sticking an adhesive strip of adequate width to the barrel, to limit the collapsing movement. Another limitation is that the rangefinder is only coupled until 0.8m.<REF> This paragraph: Leitz brochure ref.&nbsp;120-50. </REF>
 +
 +
{{br}}
  
 
== Production ==
 
== Production ==
−
Sixty-five thousand serial numbers were allotted to the Leica CL, and this number does not include the Leitz Minolta CL.<REF> 65,000 serial numbers: see [http://www.cameraquest.com/leicacl.htm this page] at [http://www.cameraquest.com/ Cameraquest]. The same page mentions 20,000 examples of the Leitz Minolta CL, but it is apparently only a guess. </REF> 3,500 examples of the CL received a special ''50 Jahre'' marking in 1975, for Leica's 50th anniversary.<REF> 3,500 examples: see [http://www.pacificrimcamera.com/pp/leica/m/cl.htm this page] in [http://www.pacificrimcamera.com/pp/rindex.htm Pacific Rim's Photographica pages]. </REF> It is also said that 50 demonstration examples were made. They are completely operational, with the top plate cut away to show the internal mechanism.<REF> Demonstration examples: ''Classic Camera'', issue no. 1. </REF>
+
Sixty-five thousand serial numbers were allotted to the Leica CL, and this number does not include the Leitz Minolta CL.<REF> 65,000 serial numbers: see [http://www.cameraquest.com/leicacl.htm this page] at [http://www.cameraquest.com/ Cameraquest]. The same page mentions 20,000 examples of the Leitz Minolta CL, but it is apparently only a guess. </REF> 3,500 examples of the CL received a special ''50 Jahre'' marking in 1975, for Leica's 50th anniversary.<REF> 3,500 examples: see [https://www.pacificrimcamera.com/pp/leicacl.htm this page] in [https://www.pacificrimcamera.com/pp/leicacl.htm Pacific Rim's Photographica pages]. </REF> It is also said that 50 demonstration examples were made. They are completely operational, with the top plate cut away to show the internal mechanism.<REF> Demonstration examples: ''Classic Camera'', issue no. 1. </REF>
 +
 
 +
== Discontinuation ==
 +
The CL was discontinued only 3 years after its introduction despite being a retail success.  According to Dennis Laney, 35,000 were sold in its first year alone.  Roughly half that would be sold in following years.  However, Leica marketing suspected that it was hurting the sales for its higher-pedigree M system bodies and lenses.  It was discontinued as a result, but remains a semi-collectible pleasant compact rangefinder with a comparatively low price.
  
 
== Notes ==
 
== Notes ==
 +
{{Flickr_image
 +
|image_source= http://www.flickr.com/photos/apenny/6834982575/in/pool-camerawiki
 +
|image= http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7003/6834982575_d86727cced_n.jpg
 +
|image_align= right
 +
|image_text=
 +
|image_by= Achim Pfennig
 +
|image_rights= wp
 +
}}
 +
 
<references />
 
<references />
  
Line 55: Line 98:
 
* ''Classic Camera'', no. 1, January 1997. Milano: Editrice Progresso.<!-- Actual article never seen, the informations were found in a leaflet promoting the magazine. -->
 
* ''Classic Camera'', no. 1, January 1997. Milano: Editrice Progresso.<!-- Actual article never seen, the informations were found in a leaflet promoting the magazine. -->
 
* {{Francesch Minolta}}
 
* {{Francesch Minolta}}
−
* Kisselbach, Theo. ''Leica CL.'' Heering-Verlag, 1976. ISBN 3-7763-3360-X. In German; published one year later in English by Hove. ISBN 0-85242-570-8.
+
* Kisselbach, Theo. ''Leica CL.'' Heering-Verlag, 1976. <nowiki>ISBN</nowiki> 3-7763-3360-X. In German; published one year later in English by Hove; <nowiki>ISBN</nowiki> 0-85242-570-8.
 
* {{Lewis}} P.&nbsp;141.
 
* {{Lewis}} P.&nbsp;141.
  
Line 63: Line 106:
 
* [http://www.cameraquest.com/leicacl.htm Leica CL] at [http://www.cameraquest.com/ Cameraquest]
 
* [http://www.cameraquest.com/leicacl.htm Leica CL] at [http://www.cameraquest.com/ Cameraquest]
 
* [http://www.photoethnography.com/ClassicCameras/index-frameset.html?LeicaCL.html~mainFrame Leica CL] at [http://www.photoethnography.com/ Photoethnography by Karen Nakamura]
 
* [http://www.photoethnography.com/ClassicCameras/index-frameset.html?LeicaCL.html~mainFrame Leica CL] at [http://www.photoethnography.com/ Photoethnography by Karen Nakamura]
−
* [http://www.pacificrimcamera.com/pp/leica/m/cl.htm Leica CL] in [http://www.pacificrimcamera.com/pp/rindex.htm Pacific Rim's Photographica pages]
+
* [http://www.pacificrimcamera.com/pp/leicacl.htm Leica CL] in [http://www.pacificrimcamera.com/pp/rindex.htm Pacific Rim's Photographica pages]
 
* [http://www.angelfire.com/biz/Leica/page21.html Leica CL pages] at [http://www.angelfire.com/biz/Leica/ CRR] (Camera Repairs and Restoration, Luton)
 
* [http://www.angelfire.com/biz/Leica/page21.html Leica CL pages] at [http://www.angelfire.com/biz/Leica/ CRR] (Camera Repairs and Restoration, Luton)
−
* [http://www.ozdoba.net/leica/schraub_cl_e.html Leica CL] in the [http://www.ozdoba.net/leica/leica_schraub_home_e.html Screwmount Leica site] by Chris Ozdoba
 
 
* [http://www.ne.jp/asahi/japan/manual-camera/cl1.htm Leica CL] at [http://www.ne.jp/asahi/japan/manual-camera/index_e.htm Manual Cameras] by N.&nbsp;Maekawa
 
* [http://www.ne.jp/asahi/japan/manual-camera/cl1.htm Leica CL] at [http://www.ne.jp/asahi/japan/manual-camera/index_e.htm Manual Cameras] by N.&nbsp;Maekawa
−
* [http://members.aol.com/manualminolta/leica.htm Minolta and Leica cooperation] and [http://members.aol.com/manualminolta/fixlens.htm Minolta rangefinder lenses] in the [http://members.aol.com/manualminolta/ Manual Minolta website]
+
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20170609161030/http://www.cosmonet.org/camera/leiccl_e.htm Leica CL in English] and [https://web.archive.org/web/20171208030739/http://www.cosmonet.org/camera/leicacl.htm in Japanese] at [https://web.archive.org/web/20171229015938/http://www.cosmonet.org/camera/index.html The Classic Camera] (archived)
−
* [http://www.cosmonet.org/camera/leiccl_e.htm Leica CL in English] and [http://www.cosmonet.org/camera/leicacl.htm in Japanese] at [http://www.cosmonet.org/camera/index_e.html The Classic Camera]
 
 
* [http://www.leicapages.com/CL.html Leica CL] at [http://www.leicapages.com/ Pascal's Leica Pages]
 
* [http://www.leicapages.com/CL.html Leica CL] at [http://www.leicapages.com/ Pascal's Leica Pages]
 +
* [http://www.dmin-dmax.fr/photoe2cleo.htm Compatibility of the Leica M lenses with the Leica CL and Minolta CLE] at [http://www.dmin-dmax.fr/homepage.htm D.&nbsp;Césari's photo site]
 
In French:
 
In French:
 
* [http://www.summilux.net/c_system/ Leica CL] at [http://www.summilux.net/ summilux.net]
 
* [http://www.summilux.net/c_system/ Leica CL] at [http://www.summilux.net/ summilux.net]
−
* [http://cesarigd.club.fr/photo2cleo.htm Compatibility of the Leica M lenses with the Leica CL and Minolta CLE] at [http://cesarigd.club.fr/photo1.htm D.&nbsp;Césari's photo site]
 
 
* [http://www.summilux.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=6953 Post] in [http://www.summilux.net/forums/index.php the summilux.net forum] with interesting comments about the optics of the CL and CLE
 
* [http://www.summilux.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=6953 Post] in [http://www.summilux.net/forums/index.php the summilux.net forum] with interesting comments about the optics of the CL and CLE
−
* [http://www.collection-appareils.com/minolta/html/Minolta_CL.php Minolta-Leitz CL] at [http://www.collection-appareils.com www.collection-appareils.com] by Sylvain Halgand
 
 
In German:  
 
In German:  
−
* [http://www.lausch.com/leicacl.htm Leica CL] in [http://www.lausch.com/ Peter Lausch's website], see also the [http://www.lausch.com/leica5m.htm Leica M5 and CL] in [http://www.lausch.com/leicaeinleitung.htm Peter Lausch's Leica story]
+
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20200117000951/http://www.lausch.com/leicacl.htm Leica CL] in [https://web.archive.org/web/20210312202238/http://www.lausch.com/ Peter Lausch's website], see also the [https://web.archive.org/web/20200117000604/http://www.lausch.com/leica5m.htm Leica M5 and CL] in [https://web.archive.org/web/20200117000639/http://www.lausch.com/leicaeinleitung.htm Peter Lausch's Leica story] (archived)
 
In Spanish:
 
In Spanish:
 
* [http://www.hugorodriguez.com/articulos/leicacl.htm Leica CL] in the [http://www.hugorodriguez.com/ website of Hugo Rodriguez]
 
* [http://www.hugorodriguez.com/articulos/leicacl.htm Leica CL] in the [http://www.hugorodriguez.com/ website of Hugo Rodriguez]
 
In Japanese:
 
In Japanese:
−
* [http://www.sky.sannet.ne.jp/seven-ss/camera/leica-cl.htm Leitz Minolta CL] at [http://www.sky.sannet.ne.jp/seven-ss/camera/index-cam.htm Hektor's Chokkura Pinbokeh site]
+
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20200505192158/http://www.sky.sannet.ne.jp/seven-ss/camera/leica-cl.htm Leitz Minolta CL] at [https://web.archive.org/web/20200507173942/http://www.sky.sannet.ne.jp/seven-ss/camera/index-cam.htm Hektor's Chokkura Pinbokeh site] (archived)
 
* [http://rlfc.world.coocan.jp/PlaywBody/Minolta/LeitzMinoltaCL.html Leitz Minolta CL] at [http://rlfc.world.coocan.jp/ rlfc.world.coocan.jp]
 
* [http://rlfc.world.coocan.jp/PlaywBody/Minolta/LeitzMinoltaCL.html Leitz Minolta CL] at [http://rlfc.world.coocan.jp/ rlfc.world.coocan.jp]
  
 
=== Manuals and documents ===
 
=== Manuals and documents ===
−
* [http://www3.telus.net/~telyt/CL_pdf.htm Leica CL instruction manual] (.pdf format) at [http://www3.telus.net/~telyt David Young's website]
+
* [https://www.butkus.org/chinon/leica/leica_cl/leica_cl.htm Leica CL user manual] at [https://www.butkus.org/chinon/ Butkus.org]
 
* Downloadable documents in the [http://www.summilux.net/c_system/ Leica CL page] at [http://www.summilux.net/ summilux.net]: user manual, brochure and leaflet about the M and CL lens compatibility
 
* Downloadable documents in the [http://www.summilux.net/c_system/ Leica CL page] at [http://www.summilux.net/ summilux.net]: user manual, brochure and leaflet about the M and CL lens compatibility
−
* [http://yandr.50megs.com/leica/cl/cl.htm Leica CL brochure (ref.&nbsp;112-92) in English] and [http://yandr.50megs.com/minolta/mcl/mcl.htm Leitz Minolta CL brochure in Japanese] at [http://yandr.50megs.com/ Camera Instruction Manuals Online]
 
  
 
[[Category: German 35mm rangefinder]]
 
[[Category: German 35mm rangefinder]]
 
[[Category: Japanese 35mm rangefinder]]
 
[[Category: Japanese 35mm rangefinder]]
 
[[Category: Leica M mount]]
 
[[Category: Leica M mount]]
−
[[Category: Leica]]
+
[[Category: Leica|CL]]
 
[[Category: Minolta|CL]]  
 
[[Category: Minolta|CL]]  
 
[[Category: L]]
 
[[Category: L]]
−
[[Category: C|Cl]]
+
[[Category: C|Cl Leica]]

Latest revision as of 07:33, 22 March 2022

Leica CL
2877439374_b41bcf1db5_m_d.jpg
image by Henrik Robeck (Image rights)

Maker: Leitz

Dates: 1973–1976

Variants: Leica CL, Leitz-Minolta CL

Camera Type: 35mm rangefinder system

Focusing: manual

Viewfinder: Reverse Galilean (×.60)

Rangefinder: coupled, combined (ERB = 18.9 mm)

Lens mount: Leica M

Shutter: focal plane
cloth curtains, vertical travel
from 1s to 1/1000

Exposure meter: TTL, CdS cell, spot metering

Exposure modes: manual

ASA/ISO range: 25 to 1600

Shoe: fixed hot shoe

Synchronized: X

X sync speed: 1/60

TTL Flash: none

Motor drive: none

Battery: 1×1.35V (PX625)

Dimensions: 12×7.6×3.2cm (body only)[1]

Weight: 365g (body only)[1]

Number produced: max 65,000 Leica CL,
approx 20,000 Leitz Minolta CL.

The Leica CL is a 35mm compact rangefinder camera made by Leitz with interchangeable lenses in the Leica M mount. It was developed in collaboration with Minolta and appeared in April 1973. It was released in the Japanese market in November 1973 as the Leitz Minolta CL.[2] Both the Leica CL and Leitz Minolta CL were manufactured in Japan.


8262896997_f4b107787d.jpg
Leica CL with 40mm f/2 Summicron
image by Geoff Harrisson (Image rights)

Description

3731643429_f0fab92e8e_m.jpg
Leica CL with Jupiter-8
image by Raúl Sá Dantas (Image rights)


The Leica CL has a vertical-running focal plane shutter, with cloth curtains, giving 1/2 to 1/1000 speeds. There is a through-the-lens CdS exposure meter mounted on a pivoting arm just in front of the shutter, like the Leica M5. The exposure is manual and the shutter is mechanical. The shutter speeds are visible in the finder. The finder's framelines are for a 40mm, 50mm or 90mm lens. The 40mm frameline is always present and the 50mm or 90mm frame line is automatically selected upon mounting of the appropriate lens.


Today the CL is a superbly compact and quite cheap camera on which to mount M lenses, but it does not have a rangefinder as precise as that of any Leica M body. The rangefinder base of the CL is 31.5 mm and the viewfinder magnification is 0.60, leading to a small effective rangefinder base of 18.9 mm. This is too short for accurate focusing with lenses longer than 90mm and fast lenses used at full aperture. Some users report the camera is rather fragile, especially the rangefinder alignment and meter mechanism.

3734662760_d82c2a64fb_m.jpg
Leica CL with Canon Serenar
image by Raúl Sá Dantas (Image rights)


Lenses

The CL was sold with two lenses specially designed for it: the Leitz Summicron-C 40mm f:2 sold as the normal lens, and the Leitz Elmar-C 90mm f:4 tele lens. Both take the uncommon Series 5.5 filters. A Leitz Elmarit-C 40mm f:2.8 was also briefly produced but it is said that only 400 were made.[3]

The lenses specially designed for the Leica CL can physically mount on a Leica M body, but Leica recommended not doing so because it would not give the best focusing precision, allegedly because the coupling cam of the C and M lenses is not the same. However, some people say that it is unimportant and that they can be used perfectly on an M. This is similar to the focusing issues regarding Nikon and Contax rangefinders on wide angle lenses.

116617913_d5af7af7d4_m.jpg
Leitz Minolta CL
with Super Rokkor 1:2.8 f=45mm
image by yajiro (Image rights)

When sold with a Leitz Minolta CL, the lenses were called Minolta M-Rokkor 40mm f:2 and 90mm f:4. It is said that the 40mm was made in Japan by Minolta while the 90mm was made by Leitz and is rare.[4] With the later Minolta CLE, Minolta would produce lenses of the same name but with a different coupling system, the same as the Leica M lenses. A new Minolta M-Rokkor 28mm f:2.8 lens was introduced. All these lenses can be mounted on the CL too. Rokkor-branded lenses for the CL and CLE take the more easily found 40.5mm filter size.

The CL can take nearly all the Leica M lenses. Exception are some lenses that protrude deep into the body and could damage the meter arm, these include: 15mm/8 Hologon, 21mm/4 Super Angulon, 28mm/2.8 Elmarits before serial number 2314921. The eyed lenses, including the M3 wide-angle lenses, the 135mm/2.8 Elmarit, and the 50mm/2 Dual Range Summicron, cannot be mounted either because they are incompatible with the body shape. The 90mm/2 Summicron and 135mm/4 Tele-Elmar are incompatible too. The collapsible lenses can be mounted but they must not be fully collapsed, and Leitz advised sticking an adhesive strip of adequate width to the barrel, to limit the collapsing movement. Another limitation is that the rangefinder is only coupled until 0.8m.[5]


Production

Sixty-five thousand serial numbers were allotted to the Leica CL, and this number does not include the Leitz Minolta CL.[6] 3,500 examples of the CL received a special 50 Jahre marking in 1975, for Leica's 50th anniversary.[7] It is also said that 50 demonstration examples were made. They are completely operational, with the top plate cut away to show the internal mechanism.[8]

Discontinuation

The CL was discontinued only 3 years after its introduction despite being a retail success. According to Dennis Laney, 35,000 were sold in its first year alone. Roughly half that would be sold in following years. However, Leica marketing suspected that it was hurting the sales for its higher-pedigree M system bodies and lenses. It was discontinued as a result, but remains a semi-collectible pleasant compact rangefinder with a comparatively low price.

Notes

6834982575_d86727cced_n.jpg
image by Achim Pfennig (Image rights)
  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Dimensions and weight: Leitz brochure number 112-93.
  2. ↑ April 1973 and November 1973 dates: Lewis, p. 141.
    This page at Cameraquest mentions a third version called "Minolta CL", sold in Japan and in the US after the Leica CL ceased to be sold. However no picture has yet been observed, and its existence seems dubious. It is also mentioned in this page at Pascal's Leica Pages, but the source is probably Cameraquest.
  3. ↑ 400 made: see this page at Hektor's Chokkura Pinbokeh site (archived).
  4. ↑ See this page about Minolta rangefinder lenses at the Manual Minolta website, and this page at Hektor's Chokkura Pinbokeh site (archived).
  5. ↑ This paragraph: Leitz brochure ref. 120-50.
  6. ↑ 65,000 serial numbers: see this page at Cameraquest. The same page mentions 20,000 examples of the Leitz Minolta CL, but it is apparently only a guess.
  7. ↑ 3,500 examples: see this page in Pacific Rim's Photographica pages.
  8. ↑ Demonstration examples: Classic Camera, issue no. 1.

Further reading

  • Classic Camera, no. 1, January 1997. Milano: Editrice Progresso.
  • Francesch, Dominique and Jean-Paul. Histoire de l'appareil photographique Minolta de 1929 à 1985. Paris: Dessain et Tolra, 1985. ISBN 2-249-27685-4.
  • Kisselbach, Theo. Leica CL. Heering-Verlag, 1976. ISBN 3-7763-3360-X. In German; published one year later in English by Hove; ISBN 0-85242-570-8.
  • Lewis, Gordon, ed. The History of the Japanese Camera. Rochester, N.Y.: George Eastman House, International Museum of Photography & Film, 1991. ISBN 0-935398-17-1 (paper), 0-935398-16-3 (hard). P. 141.

Links

General links

In English:

In French:

In German:

In Spanish:

In Japanese:

Manuals and documents

Retrieved from "http://camera-wiki.org/index.php?title=Leica_CL&oldid=213706"