Testing My First Leica

I broke my third Voigtlander Bessa camera and decided it was time to replace it with something better.
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GEAR USED FOR NIGHT PHOTOS
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Cable release: I have yet to find one that doesn't break.
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Special thanks to Jimmy for the help filming: / jay__mac
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[@BenSterz]

The CL is such a great camera and i think it won’t disappoint you. Btw if you have a strap which goes through both strap-loops you can load the film and both pieces will stay connected through the strap. Thus it won’t ever fall off your neck while loading it

[@TheBigNegative-PhotoChannel]

Everytime you say Leica a Bessa dies. 😂

[@KanaievenTokyo]

Lmaaao

[@andykphoto]

😹😹😹

[@willysheepskin]

Look forward to hearing your thoughts on this camera down the line man! Also well done for sharing your change of opinion regarding the poor Bessas, may they rest in piece/s 😏 Was also super cool to see how those spots had changed since you photographed them before, I remember seeing those images in the videos when they came out and lamenting that I hadn’t had the opportunity to see scenes like that this side of the world but I guess this video goes to show that everywhere really does have variable shooting conditions too haha!

[@prodbymalex5002]

Starting my summer break monday morning with a Willem video and some good coffee... life couldn't be better!

[@bobsykes]

I love those two NJ photos, too! I remember discovering your channel during the lock-downs, and having spent my school years near and on the Jersey shore, how much I related with the photos. And, Ooooooo... I love the teaser about a Porsche project! ✌

[@Olyvia..]

I inherited a Leica CL (same camera) from my grandfather, just had it's light meter replaced and its an absolute joy to shoot.

[@rapasco8184]

Where did replace it?

[@Olyvia..]

@@rapasco8184 an 80-something year old french guy in a tiny shop in munich. he doesnt have a website, you cant mail him anything and he doesnt speak english. it took a month or so for him to start the repair but it works flawlessly now. afaik he is the only person that can do that repair in western europe.

[@alexandersobolla9945]

@@Olyvia..Could I ask where that tiny shop is located? I live in Munich and have a Leica CL - Luckily it’s still in working order but you never know 😮

[@Olyvia..]

@@alexandersobolla9945 Foto Wiener in der Landwehrstraße. Ich hab ihm vor ein paar wochen meine Leica M2 zur generalüberholung gebracht und werde sie die Tage abholen

[@JORDYVISION1904]

Those broken Bessa's are fixable! I guarantee it. Most of the cameras I search for when buying are good, great or mint condition but are noted and sold as "for parts only"..broken shutter, stuck shutter, skewed curtains etc etc. I repair all of them and actually use them to this day. Most recent repair was a Mint condition Leitz Minolta CL (same same) which I've been wanting for an everyday carry for a long time! Anyhow, described as "broken stuck shutter/ wrinkled curtain/ parts only" and it was $cheap. I almost feel bad for the seller. Just saying from my experience and a mentor. Old manual cameras are typically fixable unless somebody went in there already and took parts out. I like to find these old cameras. Give them life again so more people can shoot film 🙌🏾

[@lorenzocortese9500]

What resources would you say to look into if your were interested in learning about this process

[@pendzelnawungiel]

I had bessa that jammed. Hitting tha back actually fixed it

[@urwholefamilydied]

Also, yes, Leica is a more premium manufactured camera... but because of the price they're also more babied by their owners. I wouldn't say Bessa's are naturally more prone to breaking... they're not treated with the same silk cloth as a Leica. The Bessa in my opinion is the better camera as far as pragmatic function and options. If it's the glass you want, then for me it's the Bessa to hold that glass. Leica's are really nice cameras... they just seem like they're more of a high end watch someone who is into yachts would own.

[@vc6218]

Do you have a website?

[@stevenminer9863]

I have a Minolta CLE and the camera is a blast to shoot with. The glass is razor sharp and the Aperture priority mode is very convenient. Only complaint is the rangefinder patch it’s pretty small and can be difficult to nail focus in low light situations. Zone focusing is pretty reliable when using F stops in excess of 4, but that doesn’t really solve the low light focusing when shooting handheld

[@Zetaphotography]

That’s what he bought a Minolta branded Leica paid more for it and the CLE is the better one

[@george_edward_]

sold my CLE a few years ago and will forever miss it

[@willeum7097]

​@@Zetaphotography I guess that depends on what you mean by better...correct me if I'm wrong but if/when the electronics die on the CLE, the camera is rendered inoperable? Whereas the CL is fully mechanical and the only electronic is the circuitry for the battery/light meter and even if that goes the camera still functional. That said, I use the CL and would've opt'ed for the CLE since it has 35mm frame lines and the deal was too good on the CL at the time. I just use a hotshoe mounted viewfinder for 35mm frame lines as the workaround.

[@LooseCanon413]

@@willeum7097 CLE also has 40mm framelines. I shoot mine with a 40mm voigtl ander lens and it is delightful. You're right that it is an electronic shutter and won't work if the electronics fail. But that being said, mine has been totally reliable (as have most of my other electronic cameras.)

[@timmyd999]

Back in New Jersey is always a good start!

[@rebeccasuur]

Some time ago I tried out the Minolta Hi-Matic 7SII for a friend. There's nothing particularly revolutionary about this camera. But it has some special features and it just works. Flash sync at all shutter speeds, full manual override and a mechanical shutter that allows you to keep shooting even if the batteries run out mid-roll. So not entirely mechanical, which may not be what you are looking for. But still a nice rangefinder camera. And I had to nod when you mentioned one of your favourite shots. It's one of my favourites too.

[@developingtank]

I love that you clearly have a deep understanding of film, both in terms of using it and explaining it, but continue to refrain from using a higher end Leica as a daily carry. You're dope.

[@87-BeforeCommonEra]

I've been using the exact same set up (Leitz Minolta CL) for the last decade plus, I even have the same Voigtlander lens. I've bought a dozen cameras since, and I keep coming back to the CL. It's just the most perfect camera for the way I shoot. Fun fact, Leica developed the light meter mechanism for the M5, and it was improved for this version of the Leitz Minolta CL, which is a later iteration of the Leica branded version. This later version also has an improved film take up spool, less prone to breaking.

[@koiqueeen]

I love my Bessa R, it has been with me for 3 years now, no issues at all. It has the brightest viewfinder I’ve ever seen in a camera, love shooting with it. When it fails (if ever) that’d be the time for a Leica M6. Been lusting for it for a while, but since my Bessa R works perfectly and I like it, there is no reason for me to have two rangefinders. I could just get an adapter if I want to keep using my lenses.

[@thefilmdaddy]

On The Rainy Side of the Street more like - congrats on your first Leica man!

[@gurns681]

CL was also my first Leica film camera. Very cool to see a new vid on it :D

[@marioduvernay5840]

girl hugging bear is chefs kiss

[@AdrianBacon]

I have one of those Leitz-Minolta CLs with a Voitlander 40mm f/1.2. Awesome combination.

[@fricki1997]

Is the short rangefinder base viable to focus the lens wide open?

[@AdrianBacon]

@@fricki1997 The lens focuses exactly the same way as it does on every other Leica range finder. It's a mechanical coupling to the rangefinder assembly at the top of the camera. The lens aperture has nothing to do with focusing as you don't look through the lens to focus. What are you asking?

[@fricki1997]

Sorry, what I meant to ask was: Is the short (i.e. inaccurate compared to full size M cameras) rangefinder still accurate enough to nail the focus with your lens wide open? I'm curious since I'm looking for a lens for mine and haven't yet decided on which 40mm to choose.

[@AdrianBacon]

@@fricki1997 I still don't know what you're talking about. It's M mount and has the same range finder focusing assembly on the top of the camera as an M camera. The only difference between the leitz cl and an M camera is the viewfinder has guides for 40mm instead of 50mm, otherwise there's no real difference between the two in terms of focusing or lens performance. The lens itself is M mount and couples with the focusing system exactly the same way as every other M mount lens would to any other M mount body. It's a 40mm lens. Wide open doesn't really result in a DOF that is so shallow that you can't focus with it. I shoot wide open all the time, and if the range finder assembly says it's in focus (in the viewfinder), it's in focus. The only time that's not the case is if it's out of calibration, or if the subject moved before you took the shot.

[@carlosgrajeda1986]

I’ve been using a Bessa R as my primary camera for 5 years and have had no issues. I’d really like an M mount camera as the Bessa R uses screw mount lenses. I’ve considered the Leica/Minolta CL but worried about reliability and for some a reason I’ve seen a lot of the CL’s with cracks in the viewfinder glass and I don’t baby my cameras. Also a lot of the CL’s usually don’t have a working meter which I would really like to have built into the camera so I’d still lean towards a Bessa. The Bessa series with the A at the end of the name is out of the question for me because those need a battery to shoot at all shutter speeds, the models that end in M are all mechanical and that’s what I’d pick up, although deep down I want an M6.

[@LensForgotten]

Bravo. Nice to see you retrace your steps. Great job

[@samhardy2038]

Love your beach videos from both coasts

[@PhilKnall]

Love my CL. Actually preferred it to my bud's M6 when i handled it. So compact and light and the shutter dial location is genius. Also you can get very close to 35mm fov if you just use the whole viewfinder.

[@KevinCockerline]

always nice to see some NJ love

[@frankxudp]

I have the minolta cle and it's by far the most enjoyable 35mm camera I've ever used. It's smaller and lighter than Leica Ms, the meter is really reliable in aputure priority mode, easy to load film, and the rokkor 40mm is super sharp and gives a little different perspective than the 35, also has ttl for flashes. I don't think I'll ever sell this camera

[@somephotovideos]

Shoe-mounted optical viewfinder is crucial. I added one to my Leica X1, and it's been such a better shooting experience for me. I'm left-eye dominant and whenever I shoot with a rangefinder with the in-body viewfinder my face smashes against the middle of the back of the camera. No choice when I need to focus on the fly, but if I can get away with range focusing I love to have the add-on optical viewfinder. Excited to see more photos from this camera!

[@domgreen1859]

do you know the model/make of viewfinder he’s using in this video by any chance?? i’m thinking giving one a try

[@somephotovideos]

@@domgreen1859 I’m not sure. I tried to notice the name on top while I watched but I couldn’t make it out. If I figure it out I’ll let you know!

[@escho14]

The takeup spool in the Leica CL is plastic, and when I loaded mine for the first time it absolutely shattered into like 20 pieces :(

[@phabio7839]

I just got my first Leica few days ago as well!! An M8. True it is half frame but I love the results!

[@zand]

The M8 is a wonderful camera! A classic but unique with its APS-H sensor. And the original version goes up to 1/8000 which is awesome if you like wide open lenses in daytime, and it makes such a unique sound. The color science gives very organic results too. Congrats.

[@phabio7839]

@@zand Thanks! You've basically just listed all of the reasons I've ended up buying up one. I would have bought an M9. Just slightly more expensive but full frame. However, I wasn't ready to make the gamble of ending up with a corroded sensor.

[@Fatiimaaaaa]

We'd love to see that film test! Loved the video, felt like the good old dayzzz

[@sirhanlec]

I have and love the CL as well. I mainly use it with the "original" 40mm Summicron, which I really like as well. However I've also used 35mm lenses several times and found the 40mm frame lines to be more than close enough to use it with a 35mm lens. I'd much prefer it over an external viewfinder, but that's just my humble opinion :)

[@MARKLINMAN1]

I am on the NY Side of the GWB, pretty cool you are close by. Congratulations on your new LEITZ, I shoot with an M6 and love it! My M6 is from 1996.

[@tibodesaegher8753]

that shot @7:40 is beautiful! Would love to see you shoot some more 'street' photos

[@tomscameras]

My first-ever "real" camera back in the late 1980s was a Cosina CT-1a which is the original SLR version of all those Voigtländer Bessa rangefinder cameras. And yes, it didn't work for long, so I moved along. And yes, my initial experience with that Cosina SLR was a reason why I never cared for the Bessa rangefinders at all ...

[@milesian1]

I had a CL for a little while, but didn't really get on well with it. I found the viewfinder tiny and focusing harder than it should have been, but looking back at the rolls I shot with it I seem to have nailed critical focus so it wasn't impossible. I found myself not using it often, and knowing that it was an M mount camera I didn't feel inclined to invest in Leica glass at the time, I sold it. A few years later I wanted a good rangefinder, but still didn't want to invest in M mount glass, and I found the Bessa R. I don't use the Voigtlander very much, but I love the bright viewfinder and frame lines, and prefer that I can use L39 or LTM glass with it so I'm quite happy with it. Except, now this video scared me and I'm praying to the camera gods to leave my Bessa alone.

[@i2canz]

So many funny moments in this lol

[@dangyorkymedia]

I've had the same lock up problem with my fed, but I was able to fix it with shooting the self timer

[@ArchiesLens]

Beautiful shots! Congrats on the new camera 🌸✨

[@iainlaurence]

The film loading of the Leitz-Minolta is similar to that of the Rollei 35 camera, which I own. I think I prefer the usual film door that is on most other cameras to the removable back piece, simply because you don't have to juggle two halves of the camera while putting film in.

[@anta40]

Enjoy your CL. No doubt the most compact M-mount camera.

[@ursaproxima]

You should donate at least one of those Bessas to Kamerastore in finland, they are masters at their craft.

[@spencersanderson4590]

That cut at 7:06 was so nice

[@BeingWolfy]

The CL is a gateway drug into the world of Leica. Welcome!

[@RM.TokyoPhotographer]

similar to life, we have to progress if a camera breaks down we have to choose to either fix it or buy something alternative....its unfortunate to hear the Bessa breaking down...I would have loved to see more photos from that camera but at same time im looking forward more contents on leica cheers 'D

[@joyburn]

My co-workers are going to start hearing the term "dog water" here soon... Love it.

[@shannonpalmer]

The CL was my first Leica too, and I loved it! Super well made, and the perfect size in my opinion. Kind of want to get another one now that I think about it :)

[@RTFilmhouse]

willem, have you considered getting a Nikon FM? There fully mechanical and i’ve had mine for three years without too many issues. I just had it repaired earlier this year because my rewind mechanism broke

[@comfypeepo]

Holy shit, the last thing I expected to see was Cody and Noel photos here. It's like my 2 worlds colliding

[@freecactushugs]

love the TMG BTS

[@SpookyPockets]

What did you do for the battery situation? They don’t make the mercury battery anymore. I’ve heard there is a zinc alternative but wasn’t sure if it works as well. Did you recalibrate your voltage for modern batteries?

[@floydmahone]

Hey willem, ever looked into the Canon P? Such a great camera in every aspact and reminds me of Leica’s a lot. Anyways, I feel bad for your camera’s breaking all the time. Hope this one will last!

[@aarontimm]

don't they also use leica screw mount lenses?

[@floydmahone]

@@aarontimm yes they do!

[@GOLDDYNACO]

Canon P has all focal lengths visible in the viewfinder at once. It's a bit much for me... P is good and popular, but those who have tried L1, VL or 7s prefer these.@@floydmahone

[@awakensoyala]

My CL has been great for a holiday camera!

[@JustinPhillip]

The meters crap out on those CLs anyways. Love how compact the camera body is tho. 👏🏼

[@nathandewey1801]

Love my cl. Had it for the year and sold the rest of my 35mm cameras cus I only ever used it. Glad I got it then cus I wouldn’t be shocked after this video if the prices go up 😂

[@JORDYVISION1904]

I was thinking the same thing lol 💰

[@jakeaaron]

never had a hint of trouble out of my R3M Ive actually heard a lot of people having issues with the CL though which is why I decided on what i got.

[@jmackultra]

I didn't expect to see Cody Ko and Noah make an appearance in the video.

[@LukeHarrisVids]

You shot Cody & Noel?! felt like my worlds were colliding. So cool!

[@markgarcia8253]

Started film photography 2 years ago. Bought a Leica M3 day 1. I’m 27 so I remember the days before digital cameras and how unreliable the cheaper cameras are. So I jumped to Leica, Rolleiflex, & Hasselblad rather than lose money on cheaper cameras. It took a ton of overtime. But I got my kits.

[@Zetaphotography]

Only 27 and made a grown up choice. Congratulations on getting it right the first time

[@unpoulet6859]

I don’t really agree. Take Nikon for example. The F series was the pro’s choice back then. There’s stories of Nikon F’s saving people in Vietnam during the war.

[@aarontimm]

@@phillipbanes5484 Bump what pickman said, I'm 20 and am just old enough to remember using disposables fairly often

[@Alex3713]

Haha my first film camera was a m3 ss, and it's also still my main camera

[@Alex3713]

​@@unpoulet6859Leica was also famously a warfront camera

[@sevenw7150]

Love your editings!! Your photos look like oil paintings and I want to learn. Would you do paid service to edit film photo?

[@bebox7]

I'm not sure if it was a one-off loading situation but seeing your fingers pushing the film across the shutter area at 0:47 made me shudder. You only have to put a slight amount of pressure on the shutter curtains and they will eventually fail. Perhaps you just got very unlucky but three failures in a row might point towards some pressure being applied to that area over time and it adding up to issues down the track.

[@WillemVerb]

I am not pressing on the shutter, there is metal ledge that I guide the film along.

[@bebox7]

@@WillemVerb Yes I can see that in the video but I was just thinking if you've put through hundreds of rolls it would be very easy to have accidentally put pressure on that area at some point if that's how you always load the camera. Normally you would pull up and over that entire area to avoid going anywhere near the shutter and then put your film into the slot on the winder, which takes up any slack. There's no need to push the film across that area at all. Anyway just a thought as to why you're having the shutter issues otherwise as you mentioned it's just damn bad luck. All the best - I really enjoy your videos and images.

[@jeffffff]

Wow 1:40 looks so much like my grandparents kitchen in Buffalo

[@Novak596]

As much as the price can seem off putting for a Leica, I think you would thrive with something like an m3 or m6 their glass is just so nice.

[@jesusalvarez4322]

Where did you get your viewfinder?

[@dysvids8893]

I can vouch for the R2A. I've had it second hand for about a year now and I love it! My only gripe is the rubber grip on the back is starting to peel off, but aside from that, I haven't had any issues with it.

[@nickeanderssonphoto3936]

I hope you will like the CL! FIY my M7 broke like that with shutter being stuck. Not a mechanical camera but still. Not a cheap fix😬

[@safisafiasafia]

I’m sorry but Willem’s stunning outfits in every video are killing me💔

[@anthonymiller8979]

I have owned two Voigtlanders, a Bessa R and a Bessa L. Loved the cameras but neither inspired any confidence in having a long life. I also did the Leica CL and while better built it still did not feel like either my M3 or M4 and I sold it too. I do miss the compact, pocketable size.

[@alanbooth8120]

I am sure both the Bessa T and R are both mechanical cameras and only use battery’s for the meter ?

[@gewglesux]

I'm gonna have to head to NJ.. Love a kite festival as much as i love shooting my leicas!! Wait..... $2k leica?

[@desipimp92]

I love my CL! Love seeing it get some recognition!

[@zand]

The CL is really a nice experience, and offers great results too.

[@hanxhu7461]

can someone tell me what len was used in the video?ty😊

[@brineb58]

I have no problem with the back coming off ... many Soviet Leica clone cameras do that ... I do have Leitz Minolta CL an dig it, my only issue is that the light meter is wonky, but as a user of old cameras, I can deal with that!!! I will also say that I have not been down the shore since "Sandy" and it was nice to see so much looked the way it did in the past (colors don't matter). I grew up with a house in Seaside Park and the Lavalette ... over 30 years since my family moved away and i am now the only one in NJ, which is funny because I moved to NYC as a teen and only came back in my 30s, once I did that they left!!! Was it me???

[@emielvanbetsbrugge1002]

Look at the hair, my man's looking fly

[@JamieMPhoto]

I think this is why people *would* buy a newly manufactured film camera. I owned a CL a few years back, and a Leica M4-P after that ... and I regret letting go of the CL more than the M4-P (except how the M4-P has more than doubled in price now).

[@idlfoto]

Pt. Pleasant is goated

[@vc6218]

Is there a Voigtlander repairman in the states?

[@jebeq2007]

Very Nice! I do have a question about your CL. Does the light meter work and is it acurate? I Picked up a Leica CL at a thrift store 6 months back with 2 leica lenses for $30 bucks. Only thing is that the light meter works to a certain degree but not accurate enough to rely on. I love how small, simple, and compact the camera is and it just gets out of your way. I am just getting around to shooting my first roll on it and using my phone to meter. Can't wait to see how it turns out.

[@niftyfiftyfilm]

Damn what a find

[@mynewcolour]

waaat?

[@carltest5921]

Hi, the Camera being split into basically 2 parts isn’t really uncommon and was something done to a majority of 35mm compact cameras in the 50s and 60s

[@lorcaam8952]

Where did you get the external viewfinder ?

[@Staslo]

I recommend canon p/canon 7 they use Leica mount and are really nice camera

[@richardhale9664]

Worried Bessa T and 3A owner here. So far no issues, but both my CL and CLE do have issues. CL has a notoriously week take up spool and that light meter is also flakey. My take up spool has crumbled and is at a camera doctor to be fixed. But actually finding a repair shop to do the work took some time. CL's and M5's are becoming harder and harder to get serviced and repaired. My CLE shutter runs slow in A mode. All is fine in manual mode. My recommendations - just suck things up and get a M2 or 3. Failing that, get any L39 Canon rangefinder and match it with more modern Voigtlander glass. The other issue I find with the CL is that the viewfinder is really designed for use with a 50mm lens. The brightlines for a 40mm are so close to those of the 50mm that the latter become distracting. The Voigtlander and Minolta CLE viewfinders are much nicer. But of course the Minolta CLE limits you to 28 and 40mm. This is another reason to consider a Canon or even Barnack Leica if you don't mind using accessory viewfinders. The Canon viewfinders are very well made and not stupidly expensive, unlike Voigtlander ones, but not as bright.

[@endvrsmedia4689]

who did you send out the bessa to? A friend has issues with his and we would like to get it fixed

[@hoots1997]

Your thumb is binding the shutter when you load the film. 0:49 it may not look like much but if that same problem is consistent across three cameras I would say it’s highly possible. Even the littlest amount of pressure on the shutter blades will warp them and eventually they will jam because when the shutter fires it will naturally force the smallest crease or warp on the blades to flex and jam inside the shutter mechanism.

[@talin9775]

I was shocked to see the TMG pics lmao I need context

[@thedarkslide]

Putting on my best Ken Rockwell voice imitation and saying: "... those dirty little Voigtlaenders..."

[@youssefbassil4000]

What were you doing with Noel and Cody? Hehe

[@kiezin]

There goes my aspirations for this camera. Prices gonna skyrocket

[@willeum7097]

I hope you're enjoying your Leica/Minolta CL! As a fellow CL film shooter, I felt compelled to mention that some of the collapsible M lenses can damage the light meter from focusing mechanism (closing the lens while it being attached) and I think there are a few other incompatible ones too if the rear element protrudes too far. P.S. - I love your content, I just subscribed after watching a few of your videos! :)

[@ethanliyiran]

i had exact the same issue of bessa r2a. no chance of repairing it.

[@AardvarkAdventure]

Upstate NY?

[@joshywhvick]

🔥 vid 🔥 haircut

[@kiwipics]

The CL light meter is the same style as the Leica M5.

[@zz-kn3nj]

Leica CL prize after this 📈📈📈 Just kidding man, really love your review and it takes forever actually for me to find pretty decent review of this underrated Leica tho!

[@travishikeslakemi]

I did the opposite, I traveled from the East (Michigan) to the West (Palm Springs) for the summer. Enjoying having different things to shoot around southern Cal, even picked up a Pentax 67 out here! Love the video, thanks for sharing man.

[@codiecrieg2480]

damn :/ sorry to hear that you broke your Bessa :/ I don't know what would i do if my nikon s2 died in the same way ;/

[@mikejankowski6321]

Not much to say about the camera other than condolences on the misfortune. Hopefully this replacement will work out well. I thought you were going to say you got a Leica M. Lovely location for the test roll - lots of quaint character. You got some nice images there.

[@locuraphoto]

loved this one so much!! your photos are still so unmatched

[@xjoexedge]

Sould have got the CLE !

[@alexmalaison3215]

Love your videos man, but where is the Porsche video??

[@nero9978]

Yoo!! William, a leica CL? Don't see many people using them, awesome! :))

[@JayGreezy]

Don't sleep on the Voigtlander Bessaflex. Mine works FLAWLESSLY and amazing cameras.

[@lameaschris5271]

does anyone know the differences between this camera & the Minolta CLE

[@Jayysam95]

The CLE is the electronic equivalent made by minolta, it has aperture priority, 40mm frame lines, its easier to load but It’s slightly more expensive and it can be hard to get repaired if and when the electronics fry.

[@stevenminer9863]

Plus an aperture priority setting

[@zand]

The CLE is kind of a Leica M7 equivalent in terms of functionality ( I did a small video about it here kzbin.info/www/bejne/qqPXgGtohpJggsk ), way better than the Leica-Minolta CL if you need precise exposure and aperture priority mode. Its exposure metering is probably the best ever (calculates on film exposure while taking the picture) and lets you use lenses that have very back-protruding elements (which can break the arm of the exposure meter from the CL). But the CL definitely offers a great user experience, very sensual mechanics.

[@devaulrg]

What area of Upstate NY are you visiting?