You can find three versions of f: 4/ 90mm lenses:Ī “C” Leitz-Wetzlar Elmar that will fit CL models and most Leitz Minolta bodies.Ī rare “M” Rokkor - Made by Leitz – that would fit some Leitz Minolta models.Īn “M” Minolta Rokkor that will fit CL and CLE Minolta’s.Įverything is different between Elmar and Rokkor lenses, as well as on “C” and “M” models as for the 40mm lens. But one must observe that Minolta bodies are well stamped “M”, which could let think that these feature a real Leica “M” mount. These two lenses are the same but the second one was manufactured in Japan, with Japanese coated lenses. You can find two versions of f: 2/ 40mm lens:Ī “C” Leitz-Wetzlar Summicron, made by Wetzlar and fitting CL and most Leitz-Minolta CL’s.Īn “M” Minolta Rokkor, made by Minolta and fitting CL Minolta’s, and later on CLE’s.
All but the telemeter, slightly less accurate on CL than on “M” models, may limit the use of “M” big and very bright zooms. Thus, “M” lenses can be fitted on CL model and vice-versa. Leitz could fear that these two “cheap” lenses invade their bodies to the detriment of other much more expensive “M” lenses. Moreover, Leitz is said having declared that precision constraints had been “softened” on “C” model. These two lenses marked “C” feature a so-called “economical” focusing extension, more direct than on “M” models. These are “Leitz-Wetzlar” stamped lenses: a C f: 2/ 40mm Summicron, and a C f: 4/ 90mm Elmar. While Leitz lenses mount is called “M”, the twin dedicated lenses mount for CL is named “C”. So, this is a 35mm semi-auto and fully mechanical rangefinder, for 24 x 36 exposures – a compact one compared with other Leica’s – 510 grams with 40mm lens – and interchangeable M (or C) bayonet lenses. This was a tremendous commercial success: 65.000 units have been manufactured in only 3 years !.ĭifferent versions of CL will appear: the original “LEICA CL” – the rare “LEICA CL – 50th Anniversary” of 1975 (3.500 units, it was commemorating Leica’s fiftieth anniversary) – the “LEITZ MINOLTA”, initially devoted to the Japanese market, and “MINOLTA CL” engraved on the ultimate bodies.
Thus, the CL was conceived by Leitz in West Germany, and produced by Minolta in Japan. Minolta took advantage of this cooperation to refresh its reputation towards its national competitors, still storing Leitz technology up. It was sold at a very reasonable price (for a Leica) with twin-dedicated lenses. Leica, who was experimenting decreasing sales and seeing the world invaded by cheap Japanese rangefinder cameras, tried to make a “democratic Leica”. It results from a short collaboration between two brands, which will continue with production of the R3 Leica. Leica or Minolta ? That question remains without answer.
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