Love my CL. I played with a friend's M6 for a bit and wasn't tempted to switch at all. It's so compact! I have a working light meter in mine, and I'm so dialed in to using the camera by now. The shutter speed dial moving in the same direction as the scale in the finder is a great little feature.
Yea. It really is a great camera. I love it so. Really wish I'd bought one years ago. My only gripe with the viewfinder is that the rangefinder patch is a little smaller than the M6 (i forgot to mention that in the video). But just a wonderful piece of machinery.
Yea. Those look so nice. I really wish I had the budget now. It'd be interesting because I don't have a ton of experience with the 40mm focal length. Would take a bit to get used to.
With a few modifications, the few higgles can be overcome and make the experience much more pleasant. I removed the top cover and masked the 50mm frame lines with electrical tape, so there's less clutter in the viewfinder. You can add a concave soft release shutter button so your finger rests a bit more naturally. Last one is, there are leather half-cases with an added strap lug on the right side so you can wear the camera the same way you would with any other, as well as offering extra protection and grip. Extra tip: If you're using the light meter, you can do a little electrical modification and be able to use PX625 batteries (without it the meter reading can be inaccurate by 1-2 stops, due to the mercury batteries originally used no longer being in production).
Good call on the leather case. I'd never thought of that. And I saw the electrical modification. Probalby is something easy for folks who know what they're doing, but it's totally beyond my skills. I probably need to find a friend who knows how to sodder to do it. It would be so nice to have a meter.
been watching your vids for a while...you got me into shooting 500T for the the most part...had no idea you were in Seattle...im always shooting down at pike on weekends...hope to see you around sometime!
Really glad you made a couple CL videos. I’m just starting photography as a hobby and your videos are helping. I know it’s niche with this camera but I would like to see more.
@@JTobiason I think I just really knew to this so it’s a bit intimidating. Your video about loading the CL had been immensely helpful. Going to look up the manual and read that a bunch of
Hi Joe, I have one of these that I inherited years and years ago. Soon after I got it the light meter died and I had it repaired. I used it only a few times over twenty years but decided to take it and try the rangefinder system again. Since I’ve started using it I really do like it. It’s kind of a overlooked jewel. Thanks for your video.
Oh man. What a gem to inherit and I'm so glad you're using it. It's a great camera and I'm definitely going to have a hard time deciding if I should keep mine when my M6 comes home from the shop.
@@JTobiason what’s the cost nowadays for a light meter repair I wonder? I’d keep it for a while. You’re getting some beautiful images from it. I have a Hasselblad that I purchased several years ago and it’s one of my favorites.
Great review. I just bought one yesterday with a non-functioning film counter. I reel my own film, so I rarely know in advance how many shots I get from a roll of film. In any case, I own a Leica M1, the Leica without the viewfinder. It is a great camera, especially for 50+mm viewing. I already have two 40mm M mount lenses, so my curiosity got the best of me. I wanted to buy an M2 or M3, but since I owned an M1 I felt as though I would be abandoning my favorite camera. I am one of the few that actually likes the way it loads. If you own a Rollei 35 it is similar. Once other benefit was that I own several LTM lenses work with a cheap adapter to the M mount and provides viewfinder and rangefinder capabilities. It is odd not to have a native 35mm length in the rangefinder, but I started my journey with a 40mm lens, so I like it. As you mentioned, the only real issue is 28mm which requires a separate rangefinder. My only dislike is the strap. it is an awkward and not natural feeling. My only regret is that I did not purchase it sooner. I typically carry a digital camera (Fujifilm X), a 35mm camera (TLR, rangefinder, SLR, etc.) and my backup camera, the Rollei 35 which is small and dependable. Since the Leica CL and Rollei 35 have a similar footprint, I must think hard about it.
Totally agree. It's a great one and though my M6 has come back home, I can't seem to get rid of my CL. It's just nice to have an option (or sometimes I do BW in this with color in the other). And yes. The side strap is something that looks cool when it's hanging around your neck but is such a pain to actually take photos with.
Peak design will sometimes include a mini mount with their straps, it's a tiny little metal piece that screws on to the tripod mount below the camera and you can attach a peak design anchor to it. Maybe one on that and one on the strap lugs? could alleviate the issue with the anchor being close to your eye.
Oh interesting. That is a good idea. Then just use the lower lug and the screw mount on the bottom. I think i have one of those somewhere. If I can find it, I'll give it a try. Good idea!
Loved my Leica CL. I really liked the shutter speed dial placement and the viewfinder setting display, although the framelines are a little weird. A great Leica. Paired with the 40mm simmicron C it was awesome.
@@JTobiason I have a Leica CL. The camera that I use most is a Minolta CLE with a Leica Elmarit-M 28mm f2.8 asph II lens. When a 90mm lens is mounted on the Leica CL the 50mm frame lines disappear (at least they do on my camera). When a 35mm lens is mounted just add the space just outside the 40mm frame lines & you should be good to go.
@@JTobiason The lens does have a lot of flare, even with the supplied hood, when shooting into the sun, and it's technically early 70's, so why bother? It's by no means being comparable, namely the Summicron-C 40/F2 to the Summicron 35/F2...and over-priced nowadays, because it says "Leica". Think Voigtländer, much better, cheaper alternatives with 40mm being avialable... ;)
I mostly use a godox lux junior. It's cheap and easy. Sometimes I use my big godox V1, but that always feels so funny, but the Jr only shoots forward. So if you need articulation, then go with something bigger.
I like the strap attachment system. But you don't normally attach the strap this way. The strap passes through the two fasteners... This way, when you change films, you keep the 2 parts securely around your neck, and it's more convenient!
I've gotten used to it and it's kinda nice. I like that its connected (as compared to the M series bottom plate) but it's still very different from most film backs.
Just picked up a CL and was wondering are the framelines and rangefinder patch in the viewfinder supposed to move because of parallax correction? I’m trying to figure out if mine are moving excessively or not.
Huh. Interesting. I'd never noticed that before. Yea. It totally moves. I would assume that it's for parallax and focusing reasons. But mine does it too. So you're not going crazy and yours isn't broken.
Both. I use an app called LUX on my phone. But i also that with the film i use (which i rate at about ISO 200) in mixed light would probably be around 1/250, F5.6. It's just practice.
1:25 not true. the Leica CL is not the same camera as the Minolta CLE. The CLE is another M-Mount camera by Minolta which came out after Leica canceled the cooperation with Minolta. the CLE is more electronic and has a useful aperture-priority mode. what you mean is that the Leica CL is the same camera as the Leitz Minolta CL (which was the Leica CL rebranding for Japan).
Sorry for not being clear about that. Yup. The CLE is totally a different camera than the CLs. When I made this video, I thought there was a crossover verison of both the CL and CLE. But, it seems that the CL is the only one with the Leica and Minolta double branding.
@@JTobiason No, I only use digital Cameras now, I did use a lot of different analog cameras from 1970 to 2007, I will never again use analog, too many chemicals involved.
@@cameraprepper7938You tell him the camera isn't important,then proceed to suggest a different camera?🤪 You're a prepper, yet you give up analog even though it requires NO BATTERIES? Maybe upping your meds will help your critical reasoning issues. 🤪🤪💉
@@linjicakonikon7666 I gave up analog photography after I in decades have used analog cameras, I do not want to pollute with chemicals and the analog proces needs power to develope film (and scan), also mechanical cameras needs battery for the light meter !!! noob
jako fotograf z doświadczeniem, potrafisz sobie ująć w kadrze, gdy założysz obiektyw 28 mm, troszkę narzekasz , ale czuję że nad wyrost, bo zdjęcia ci wyszły świetne, a ten dzwięk migawki, czasu, ładnie opisałeś, dzięki
Jeśli znasz już ogniskową, z pewnością możesz ją zastosować. Ale różnica między 40 mm a 28 mm jest dość duża. Jeśli ci się to uda, jestem pod wielkim wrażeniem. Mój mózg potrzebuje trochę więcej pomocy 😂
It's made by a brand called Casual Industrees. Ive had this for a really long time so i don't know if they make it but they do definitely make other kingdome gear. 👍
Joe, I have a Leica CL--was purchased new-- and the two lenses which came with it. The sad but true problem with the camera is not the optics, but the film transport system, plastic sprockets--which have splintered off long, long ago. Unbelievable that Leica would design & release such a poor design. 😎😎
@@Hex_pinkeye Thanks for the info. Do u happen to have a link or website with info regarding as to where & how I can get "3d printed replacement spools" for the Leica CL? 😎😎
Hummm... Which body do you think will outlive most of us? I get loving the CL, never owned one but do have a Leica R3. I love the collaboration between both awesome camera brands but I have to disagree the CL is better than an M6! A more modern home design compared to a 1950s modernist home design! One is a better design and functions better as well because it simpler and more attractive!
I expect any of these bodies to outlive us. But i definitely do not think the CL is better than the M series. I just am not certain that an M6 is 10x better than a CL because it costs 10x.
Got on for 50 Bucks from a old Lady on eBay with the 40 Summicron and 90 Elmarit. Awesome Deal, Awesome Camera … never gonna sell it! But I will definitely upgrade to a M6 someday 😃
Don't you feel bad taking advantage of an older lady? It might have been her dead husbands and he didn't tell her what it was worth, maybe karma will get you when you are old
When I bought the Leica CL and two lens, it was brand new. Not secondhand. The plastic sprockets splintered off long, long ago--film transport, very poor design! Unbelievable that Leica would release such a camera. 😎😎
@@JTobiason If one goes on the internet and searches for Leica CL, they will find that the plastic sprocket problem is inherent in the design & release of the Leica CL. Good luck with yours Joe!
Love my CL. I played with a friend's M6 for a bit and wasn't tempted to switch at all. It's so compact! I have a working light meter in mine, and I'm so dialed in to using the camera by now. The shutter speed dial moving in the same direction as the scale in the finder is a great little feature.
Yea. It really is a great camera. I love it so. Really wish I'd bought one years ago. My only gripe with the viewfinder is that the rangefinder patch is a little smaller than the M6 (i forgot to mention that in the video). But just a wonderful piece of machinery.
@@JTobiason yeah, the rangefinders also go really faint so if yours is well legible you lucked out!
Good to know. I'll keep an eye out.
Wait till you get hands on the CLs standard lens, the Summicron-C 40mm! Absolute banger of a lens and oh so tiny! Great video on great camera btw!
Yea. Those look so nice. I really wish I had the budget now. It'd be interesting because I don't have a ton of experience with the 40mm focal length. Would take a bit to get used to.
With a few modifications, the few higgles can be overcome and make the experience much more pleasant. I removed the top cover and masked the 50mm frame lines with electrical tape, so there's less clutter in the viewfinder. You can add a concave soft release shutter button so your finger rests a bit more naturally. Last one is, there are leather half-cases with an added strap lug on the right side so you can wear the camera the same way you would with any other, as well as offering extra protection and grip. Extra tip: If you're using the light meter, you can do a little electrical modification and be able to use PX625 batteries (without it the meter reading can be inaccurate by 1-2 stops, due to the mercury batteries originally used no longer being in production).
Good call on the leather case. I'd never thought of that. And I saw the electrical modification. Probalby is something easy for folks who know what they're doing, but it's totally beyond my skills. I probably need to find a friend who knows how to sodder to do it. It would be so nice to have a meter.
been watching your vids for a while...you got me into shooting 500T for the the most part...had no idea you were in Seattle...im always shooting down at pike on weekends...hope to see you around sometime!
Aw thanks! I'm glad that 500T is rubbing off on folks. And I should go down. I haven't been to the market since like early COVID days. Cheers!
Really glad you made a couple CL videos. I’m just starting photography as a hobby and your videos are helping. I know it’s niche with this camera but I would like to see more.
Glad to help. Do you have any specific questions?
@@JTobiason I think I just really knew to this so it’s a bit intimidating. Your video about loading the CL had been immensely helpful. Going to look up the manual and read that a bunch of
Hi Joe, I have one of these that I inherited years and years ago. Soon after I got it the light meter died and I had it repaired. I used it only a few times over twenty years but decided to take it and try the rangefinder system again. Since I’ve started using it I really do like it. It’s kind of a overlooked jewel. Thanks for your video.
Oh man. What a gem to inherit and I'm so glad you're using it. It's a great camera and I'm definitely going to have a hard time deciding if I should keep mine when my M6 comes home from the shop.
@@JTobiason what’s the cost nowadays for a light meter repair I wonder? I’d keep it for a while. You’re getting some beautiful images from it. I have a Hasselblad that I purchased several years ago and it’s one of my favorites.
Great review. I just bought one yesterday with a non-functioning film counter. I reel my own film, so I rarely know in advance how many shots I get from a roll of film.
In any case, I own a Leica M1, the Leica without the viewfinder. It is a great camera, especially for 50+mm viewing. I already have two 40mm M mount lenses, so my curiosity got the best of me. I wanted to buy an M2 or M3, but since I owned an M1 I felt as though I would be abandoning my favorite camera. I am one of the few that actually likes the way it loads. If you own a Rollei 35 it is similar. Once other benefit was that I own several LTM lenses work with a cheap adapter to the M mount and provides viewfinder and rangefinder capabilities. It is odd not to have a native 35mm length in the rangefinder, but I started my journey with a 40mm lens, so I like it. As you mentioned, the only real issue is 28mm which requires a separate rangefinder.
My only dislike is the strap. it is an awkward and not natural feeling. My only regret is that I did not purchase it sooner. I typically carry a digital camera (Fujifilm X), a 35mm camera (TLR, rangefinder, SLR, etc.) and my backup camera, the Rollei 35 which is small and dependable. Since the Leica CL and Rollei 35 have a similar footprint, I must think hard about it.
Totally agree. It's a great one and though my M6 has come back home, I can't seem to get rid of my CL. It's just nice to have an option (or sometimes I do BW in this with color in the other).
And yes. The side strap is something that looks cool when it's hanging around your neck but is such a pain to actually take photos with.
Peak design will sometimes include a mini mount with their straps, it's a tiny little metal piece that screws on to the tripod mount below the camera and you can attach a peak design anchor to it. Maybe one on that and one on the strap lugs? could alleviate the issue with the anchor being close to your eye.
Oh interesting. That is a good idea. Then just use the lower lug and the screw mount on the bottom. I think i have one of those somewhere. If I can find it, I'll give it a try. Good idea!
Loved my Leica CL. I really liked the shutter speed dial placement and the viewfinder setting display, although the framelines are a little weird. A great Leica. Paired with the 40mm simmicron C it was awesome.
I definitely wish I had the budget for that lens. It is pretty reasonable but just more than I have right now. Seems like such a good combo!
@@JTobiason I have a Leica CL. The camera that I use most is a Minolta CLE with a Leica Elmarit-M 28mm f2.8 asph II lens. When a 90mm lens is mounted on the Leica CL the 50mm frame lines disappear (at least they do on my camera). When a 35mm lens is mounted just add the space just outside the 40mm frame lines & you should be good to go.
Interesting. Good to know about the 50 disappearing with the 90 attached. And totally. The difference between 35 and 40 isn't a game changer.
@@JTobiason The lens does have a lot of flare, even with the supplied hood, when shooting into the sun, and it's technically early 70's, so why bother? It's by no means being comparable, namely the Summicron-C 40/F2 to the Summicron 35/F2...and over-priced nowadays, because it says "Leica". Think Voigtländer, much better, cheaper alternatives with 40mm being avialable... ;)
Great video! What flash are you using for some of the photos? Thinking I’m gonna pull the trigger on a CL soon.
I mostly use a godox lux junior. It's cheap and easy. Sometimes I use my big godox V1, but that always feels so funny, but the Jr only shoots forward. So if you need articulation, then go with something bigger.
I like the strap attachment system. But you don't normally attach the strap this way. The strap passes through the two fasteners... This way, when you change films, you keep the 2 parts securely around your neck, and it's more convenient!
I've gotten used to it and it's kinda nice. I like that its connected (as compared to the M series bottom plate) but it's still very different from most film backs.
I’m intrigued 😮
It's pretty great. I really like it.
Great video! Kinda interested in trying one of these now. Just one small thing, the intro and outro music is very loud.
Sorry about that. Thanks for the heads up. I'll work on a better balance in future vids.
Just picked up a CL and was wondering are the framelines and rangefinder patch in the viewfinder supposed to move because of parallax correction? I’m trying to figure out if mine are moving excessively or not.
Huh. Interesting. I'd never noticed that before. Yea. It totally moves. I would assume that it's for parallax and focusing reasons. But mine does it too. So you're not going crazy and yours isn't broken.
Hey Joe, which 28mm do you rock on your CL?
I have a VERY hazy and dented Minolta rokkor 28mm f2.8, but i don't use it much. My voigtlander 35mm F1.4 is used a lot more.
how do you work without the light meter in the camera? external light meter or estimation?
Both. I use an app called LUX on my phone. But i also that with the film i use (which i rate at about ISO 200) in mixed light would probably be around 1/250, F5.6. It's just practice.
Cool video, thanks!
Thanks for watching
1:25 not true. the Leica CL is not the same camera as the Minolta CLE. The CLE is another M-Mount camera by Minolta which came out after Leica canceled the cooperation with Minolta. the CLE is more electronic and has a useful aperture-priority mode. what you mean is that the Leica CL is the same camera as the Leitz Minolta CL (which was the Leica CL rebranding for Japan).
Sorry for not being clear about that. Yup. The CLE is totally a different camera than the CLs. When I made this video, I thought there was a crossover verison of both the CL and CLE. But, it seems that the CL is the only one with the Leica and Minolta double branding.
this and the leica m5 are the best
They're so so so good
For analog Cameras, the image quality do not depend on the Camera, but on the film and Lens used ! I would get the Minolta CLE which is better !
Aren't you kinda contradicting yourself? But yea. I'm sure the CLE is better. It's newer, nicer and more expensive.
@@JTobiason No, I only use digital Cameras now, I did use a lot of different analog cameras from 1970 to 2007, I will never again use analog, too many chemicals involved.
@@cameraprepper7938You tell him the camera isn't important,then proceed to suggest a different camera?🤪 You're a prepper, yet you give up analog even though it requires NO BATTERIES? Maybe upping your meds will help your critical reasoning issues. 🤪🤪💉
@@linjicakonikon7666 I gave up analog photography after I in decades have used analog cameras, I do not want to pollute with chemicals and the analog proces needs power to develope film (and scan), also mechanical cameras needs battery for the light meter !!! noob
@@cameraprepper7938 I develop my films and make prints with the enlarger. I love playing with chemicals! 😉
jako fotograf z doświadczeniem, potrafisz sobie ująć w kadrze, gdy założysz obiektyw 28 mm,
troszkę narzekasz , ale czuję że nad wyrost, bo zdjęcia ci wyszły świetne,
a ten dzwięk migawki, czasu, ładnie opisałeś,
dzięki
Jeśli znasz już ogniskową, z pewnością możesz ją zastosować. Ale różnica między 40 mm a 28 mm jest dość duża. Jeśli ci się to uda, jestem pod wielkim wrażeniem. Mój mózg potrzebuje trochę więcej pomocy 😂
Um, where can I get that Kingdome hat?
It's made by a brand called Casual Industrees. Ive had this for a really long time so i don't know if they make it but they do definitely make other kingdome gear. 👍
casualindustrees.com/collections/kingdome-old-seattle/products/k-dome-snapbacks-light-grey-navy-blue
@@JTobiason Thanks so much. Miss my hometown!
Joe, I have a Leica CL--was purchased new-- and the two lenses which came with it. The sad but true problem with the camera is not the optics, but the film transport system, plastic sprockets--which have splintered off long, long ago. Unbelievable that Leica would design & release such a poor design. 😎😎
Sorry dude
You can get 3d printed replacement spools for that issue
@@Hex_pinkeye Thanks for the info. Do u happen to have a link or website with info regarding as to where & how I can get "3d printed replacement spools" for the Leica CL? 😎😎
I think the canon QL17 covers 80% of its features.
Totally. I've had that camera twice and it just didn't click for me. Photography can be so personal.
Hummm... Which body do you think will outlive most of us? I get loving the CL, never owned one but do have a Leica R3. I love the collaboration between both awesome camera brands but I have to disagree the CL is better than an M6! A more modern home design compared to a 1950s modernist home design! One is a better design and functions better as well because it simpler and more attractive!
I expect any of these bodies to outlive us. But i definitely do not think the CL is better than the M series. I just am not certain that an M6 is 10x better than a CL because it costs 10x.
Got on for 50 Bucks from a old Lady on eBay with the 40 Summicron and 90 Elmarit. Awesome Deal, Awesome Camera … never gonna sell it! But I will definitely upgrade to a M6 someday 😃
Holy S***. That is highway robbery. You lucky dog. Enjoy!
Don't you feel bad taking advantage of an older lady? It might have been her dead husbands and he didn't tell her what it was worth, maybe karma will get you when you are old
@@mgman6000 The guy led his wife to believe that he hadn't spent much on his camera... now she's selling it for nothing! 😂
@@luc5798
That says a lot about your character
@@mgman6000 It's a joke! 😛
When I bought the Leica CL and two lens, it was brand new. Not secondhand. The plastic sprockets splintered off long, long ago--film transport, very poor design! Unbelievable that Leica would release such a camera. 😎😎
Bummer. Sorry you got a bad one
@@JTobiason If one goes on the internet and searches for Leica CL, they will find that the plastic sprocket problem is inherent in the design & release of the Leica CL. Good luck with yours Joe!
@@gbwalther3198 the plastic sprocket can be replaced...
Sounds like you found a replacement for the M6. Sell off the M6😂
Haha. It's awesome but I'm not quite ready to go that far.
cheap leica? 🤣🤣🤣