Despite being launched officially in November 1973 in Osaka, few names evoke the same level of reverence as Leica and Minolta. For decades, these legendary brands have been synonymous with excellence, innovation, and style. Today, we’re putting two of their most iconic models against each other (Leitz Minolta CL Vs. Leica CL) in this review, comparing their specifications, features, and prices in Europe, Asia, USA, USA, and other locations. Additionally, if you are looking for a high performance drone and other camera options, check out the links below:
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In this in-depth comparison, we’ll delve into the specifications, features, and performance of these two compact and lightweight cameras, designed to help you make an informed decision. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or an aspiring photographer, this review will give you a comprehensive understanding of what sets these cameras apart and which one is right for you.
Specification Review of the Leitz Minolta CL vs the Leica CL
Here is a summary of our comparison review in regard to Leitz Minolta CL Vs. Leica CL, including the key specifications and features that make them standout. In the end, you will be able to pick the right camera that suits your demands.
| Feature | Leitz Minolta CL | Leica CL |
|---|---|---|
| Lens Mount | Leica M-mount | Leica M-mount |
| Sensor | 35mm film | 35mm film |
| ISO Range | 25-1600 | 25-1600 |
| Shutter Speed | 1/2000s – 1s | 1/2000s – 1s |
| Viewfinder | Optical Rangefinder | Electronic Viewfinder (EVF) |
| Focus System | Manual Focus | Auto Focus |
| Battery | PX625 mercury battery (for metering) | BP-DC12 Lithium-ion battery |
| Weight | 320g | 320g |
| Dimensions | 121 x 69 x 32mm | 121 x 69 x 32mm |
| Metering System | TTL (Through-the-Lens) Metering | Multi-zone, Center-weighted, Spot |
| Connectivity | N/A | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
| Battery | YePX625 mercury battery (for metering) | BP-DC12 Lithium-ion battery |
| Compatibility | Compatible with all Cosina Voigtlander Leica mount lenses | Compatible with all Cosina Voigtlander Leica mount lenses |
2. Leitz Minolta CL Specification Review
Lens Mount
The Leica M-mount on the Leitz Minolta CL is renowned for its robustness and compatibility with a wide range of high-quality lenses. This mount allows photographers to use various Leica M lenses, known for their superior optical performance, providing versatility and flexibility in shooting different types of photography, from portraits to landscapes.
Sensor
The 35mm film sensor is a staple in traditional photography, delivering high-resolution images with a characteristic film grain. This sensor size is the standard for professional-grade photography, ensuring excellent detail and dynamic range, making it suitable for both amateurs and professionals who appreciate the classic film photography experience.
ISO Range
An ISO range of 25-1600 gives the Leitz Minolta CL a broad sensitivity range, allowing for shooting in diverse lighting conditions. Lower ISO settings (25-100) are perfect for bright light situations and produce minimal grain, while higher settings (800-1600) are useful for low-light environments, albeit with more noticeable grain.
Shutter Speed
With a shutter speed range from 1/2000s to 1s, photographers can capture a wide array of scenes, from fast-moving subjects to long-exposure night shots. The 1/2000s speed freezes action with minimal motion blur, while the 1-second exposure is ideal for low-light or creative long-exposure photography.
Viewfinder
The optical rangefinder in the Leitz Minolta CL offers a direct optical path for composing shots, providing a bright, clear view and facilitating precise focusing. Rangefinders are favored by street and documentary photographers for their accuracy and the unobstructed view of the scene.
Focus System
Manual focus allows photographers to have complete control over the focusing process. This is especially beneficial in situations where autofocus might struggle, such as low light or when focusing on intricate details. Manual focus also encourages a more deliberate and thoughtful approach to photography.
Battery
The PX625 mercury battery used for metering ensures accurate exposure measurements, which is crucial for film photography where exposure settings are not easily adjusted post-capture. Despite environmental concerns leading to the discontinuation of mercury batteries, alternatives like zinc-air or silver oxide batteries can be used.
Weight
At 320g, the Leitz Minolta CL is lightweight, making it easy to carry for long periods, whether for street photography or travel. This portability ensures that photographers can have their camera ready for spontaneous moments without feeling burdened.
Dimensions
The compact dimensions of 121 x 69 x 32mm make the camera easy to handle and unobtrusive. This size is ideal for photographers who prefer a minimalist and discreet camera, especially useful in street photography where capturing candid moments is key.
Metering System
The TTL (Through-the-Lens) metering system in the Leitz Minolta CL measures light directly through the lens, providing accurate exposure readings. This system adjusts for different lighting conditions and helps ensure that images are correctly exposed, a critical feature for achieving high-quality film photographs.
Connectivity
The Leitz Minolta CL does not feature modern connectivity options, reflecting its focus on traditional photography. This absence emphasizes a pure photographic experience without the distractions of digital connectivity.
Compatibility
Being compatible with all Cosina Voigtlander Leica mount lenses, the Leitz Minolta CL offers a vast selection of lenses, catering to different photographic styles and preferences. This compatibility ensures that photographers can choose lenses that best suit their creative vision.
2. Leica CL Specifications Review
Lens Mount
Similar to the Leitz Minolta CL, the Leica M-mount on the Leica CL supports a wide range of high-quality lenses. This mount is a hallmark of Leica cameras, known for their exceptional build quality and optical performance, offering photographers access to some of the best lenses available.
Sensor
The Leica CL also utilizes a 35mm film sensor, providing the same high-resolution image quality and dynamic range. This sensor is ideal for photographers who appreciate the aesthetic and tonal qualities of film photography.
ISO Range
With an ISO range of 25-1600, the Leica CL offers flexibility for shooting in various lighting conditions. This range allows photographers to achieve low-noise images in bright light and handle low-light scenarios effectively.
Shutter Speed
The shutter speed range from 1/2000s to 1s allows for versatile shooting options. Fast shutter speeds freeze motion in sports or wildlife photography, while slower speeds are perfect for creative long exposures and low-light photography.
Viewfinder
The electronic viewfinder (EVF) on the Leica CL provides a digital preview of the image, displaying exposure, white balance, and other settings in real-time. This feature is particularly useful for photographers transitioning from film to digital, offering the advantages of digital feedback while maintaining the familiar form factor.
Focus System
The Leica CL features an autofocus system, which is advantageous for capturing sharp images quickly, especially in dynamic situations. Autofocus is particularly beneficial for action, street, and event photography where speed and accuracy are crucial.
Battery
The BP-DC12 Lithium-ion battery offers a more reliable and longer-lasting power source compared to mercury batteries. Lithium-ion batteries are known for their high energy density and ability to provide consistent power, making them suitable for extended shooting sessions.
Weight
The Leica CL also weighs 320g, making it equally lightweight and portable. This weight ensures that the camera remains easy to carry and handle, ideal for photographers who are constantly on the move.
Dimensions
With dimensions of 121 x 69 x 32mm, the Leica CL maintains a compact and ergonomic design. This size makes the camera easy to handle and carry, supporting spontaneous and discreet photography.
Metering System
The Leica CL features an advanced metering system with multi-zone, center-weighted, and spot metering options. This flexibility allows photographers to choose the best metering mode for their specific shooting situation, ensuring accurate exposure across different scenes.
Connectivity
The Leica CL includes modern connectivity options like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, enabling easy image transfer and remote camera control. These features enhance the user experience by providing seamless integration with smartphones and other devices, facilitating instant sharing and remote shooting.
Compatibility
Like the Leitz Minolta CL, the Leica CL is compatible with all Cosina Voigtlander Leica mount lenses. This compatibility ensures a wide selection of high-quality lenses, allowing photographers to tailor their lens choices to their specific needs and preferences.
Price Review of the Leitz Minolta CL and the Leica CL cameras in Europe and USA.
Talking about Leitz Minolta CL Vs. Leica CL, we cannot actually go without giving you a comparison review of their prices in different locations such as USA, India, UAE, UK, Canada, France, etc. However, we recommend you look through the eBay website for the latest prices of these cameras.
| Country | Leitz Minolta CL | Leica CL |
|---|---|---|
| USA | $395 | $1,295 |
| India | ₹28,000 | ₹95,000 |
| UAE | AED 1,450 | AED 4,800 |
| UK | £250 | £900 |
| Canada | CAD 500 | CAD 1,600 |
| Malaysia | MYR 1,800 | MYR 5,500 |
| Philippines | PHP 22,000 | PHP 65,000 |
| Germany | €300 | €1,200 |
| France | €350 | €1,400 |
| Italy | €320 | €1,300 |
| Australia | AUD 550 | AUD 1,800 |
Editorial Remarks
Overall, the choice between the Leitz Minolta CL vs. Leica CL depends on your individual needs and priorities. If you’re a beginner or enthusiast looking for a compact, affordable, and easy-to-use camera, the Leitz Minolta CL is an excellent choice. However, if you’re a professional or serious enthusiast seeking exceptional image quality, advanced autofocus, and a premium build, the Leica CL is the better investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
The primary differences lie in their focus systems and viewfinders. The Leitz Minolta CL features a manual focus system and an optical rangefinder, while the Leica CL includes an autofocus system and an electronic viewfinder (EVF). Additionally, the Leica CL offers modern connectivity options such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
Yes, both the Leitz Minolta CL and the Leica CL use the Leica M-mount, making them compatible with a wide range of high-quality Leica M-mount lenses, as well as lenses from other manufacturers that support this mount.
Yes, the Leica CL includes modern connectivity options such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, allowing for easy image transfer and remote camera control via a smartphone or other devices.
The Minolta CLE offers aperture priority mode, allowing the camera to automatically adjust the shutter speed based on the selected aperture setting. This feature is absent in the Leica CL, which operates solely in manual mode. However, when using the Minolta CLE in manual mode, the meter does not work, which might be a drawback for some photographers who prefer having a working meter in manual mode
The average price for a mint-condition Leitz Minolta CL ranges from $220-$240 for the body only to $900-$1000 when purchased with a lens. The Leica CL, similarly, varies in price from $320-$340 for the body only to $520-$540 with a lens, depending on the condition and market demand
Unfortunately, Leica CL was discontinued due to the decline in sales brought about by stiff competition from similar products which actually offered better features and technology at lower prices.
In terms of weight, the is a smaller and lighter camera compared to other latest models only weighing 365g
Leitz Minolta CL is one of the oldest cameras, officially launched and released in November 1973 in Osaka
