This camera makes less noise than a Leica, is smaller than a Leica, is far lighter than a Leica, and comes in black. It uses an electronically controlled cloth plane shutter, which is unbelievably quiet. In addition, this camera has the ability to exposure compensate by +/- 2 stops. Select the lens aperture and the camera does the math and automatically sets the appropriate shutter speed, resulting in a perfect exposure. The reason being that the CLE is capable of through the lens metering and aperture priority shooting. This rangefinder is more capable than the M3, M2, M4, and any other contemporary to its time Leica. In truth, Minolta made a far more capable and practical rangefinder than Leica ever had up to that point in time. Essentially a beautiful camera, ready to produce another lifetime of photos.įor those unfamiliar with the CLE, this camera was Minolta's interpretation of what the Leica M system had been working toward for decades that is, a small, technically proficient, high quality rangefinder camera. The electronics, self-timer, and metering system all work flawlessly.
All dials, knobs, and lever click into their detents with exacting precision.
Minolta camera strap Patch#
The rangefinder patch is bright and contrasty. This 35mm film camera was developed by Minolta in the 1980's as an M-mount rangefinder to be compatible with Leica lenses (as well as Minolta's own M mount lenses, of which they made three). It is fully functional, and comes with a Minolta M-Rokkor 40mm F/2 lens, Minolta lens cap, and new batteries installed.Ī full writeup on this camera can be seen here. Here we have the amazing Minolta CLE rangefinder camera.