Camera · Rangefinder
Minolta CLE
1981-1985
Discontinued35mmIntermediateAdvanced
Affordable Leica M-mount shooting
- Format
- 35mm
- Mount
- LEICA M
- Metering
- Built-in
- Shutter
- 1/1000 (manual); stepless 1/2s
- Battery
- SR44 x2 (LR44 also usable)
- Weight
- 375g
Battery req.
Max speed
Best for
- Affordable Leica M-mount shooting
- Those wanting AE on a rangefinder
- Compact street photography
- Budget-conscious M lens users
Features
- Leica M-mount compatible
- Aperture-priority AE with manual override
- Off-the-film TTL metering, including TTL auto flash with the Auto Electroflash CLE
- Projected frame lines for 28, 40 and 90mm
- LED viewfinder display
Limitations
- Electronic dependence
- Limited frame lines (28/40/90 only)
- Electronic faults would likely be unrepairable today (camera-wiki)
Common issues to check
- Rangefinder flare/desilvering
- Shutter issues
- Meter accuracy drift
- Film advance problems
- 28mm M-Rokkor coating durability (check for white spots)
Buying guide
The CLE (1981) is a new Minolta rangefinder body resembling the Leica CL, with an electronic focal plane shutter to 1/1000, aperture-priority AE and automated TTL flash. Three M-Rokkor lenses were made for it (28mm f/2.8, 40mm f/2, 90mm f/4). The camera is reputed to be reliable, but check the 28mm lens coating for white spots, and test aperture-priority thoroughly.
Pricing
- Typical range
- £400 - £800
- Excellent condition
- ~£1000
Indicative, no dated source.
Prices as of 2026-01. UK market, may vary.
Specifications
| Format | 35mm |
| Years produced | 1981-1985 |
| Mount | LEICA M |
| Shutter type | Focal Plane |
| Shutter speeds | 1s - 1/1000 (manual); stepless 1/2s - 1/1000 in auto |
| Flash sync | 1/60 |
| Metering | Center Weighted |
| Battery required | Yes (SR44 x2 (LR44 also usable)) |
| Weight | 375g |
| Dimensions | 124.5 x 77.5 x 32mm |