minolta CLE for sale with lens - 8.jpg
Rangefinders and Rangefinder Lenses
Sold Out

Minolta CLE with Minolta M-Rokkor 40mm F/2 Lens, Lens Cap, Strap - 35mm Film Rangefinder Camera

$1,100.00

Here we have the amazing Minolta CLE rangefinder camera. It is fully functional, and comes with a Minolta M-Rokkor 40mm F/2 lens, Minolta lens cap, and new batteries installed.

A full writeup on this camera can be seen here.

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). 

This example is in great condition. The viewfinder is clean and clear. The frame lines are perfect. The LEDs work perfectly. The rangefinder patch is bright and contrasty. The body itself shows very little use. All dials, knobs, and lever click into their detents with exacting precision. The lens mount is tight and perfect. The electronics, self-timer, and metering system all work flawlessly. Essentially a beautiful camera, ready to produce another lifetime of photos. 

For 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. 

In truth, Minolta made a far more capable and practical rangefinder than Leica ever had up to that point in time. This rangefinder is more capable than the M3, M2, M4, and any other contemporary to its time Leica. 

The reason being that the CLE is capable of through the lens metering and aperture priority shooting. Select the lens aperture and the camera does the math and automatically sets the appropriate shutter speed, resulting in a perfect exposure. 

in addition, this camera has the ability to exposure compensate by +/- 2 stops. 

It uses an electronically controlled cloth plane shutter, which is unbelievably quiet. 

This camera makes less noise than a Leica, is smaller than a Leica, is far lighter than a Leica, and comes in black. In essence, this is a better street photography camera than any other Leica. 

To be frank, this is one of the best 35mm cameras I've ever used. It's an incredible machine in every way. I prefer it over the M3. If it were up to me, Minolta would be alive and well today, still making the most advanced cameras of the day, like they did for over 50 years. 

This camera will be carefully packaged and shipped immediately.

Add To Cart
minolta CLE for sale with lens - 8.jpg
minolta CLE for sale with lens - 9.jpg
minolta CLE for sale with lens - 10.jpg
minolta CLE for sale with lens - 11.jpg
minolta CLE for sale with lens - 12.jpg
minolta CLE for sale with lens - 13.jpg
minolta CLE for sale with lens - 14.jpg