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Minolta CLE 35mm Rangefinder Camera

The Minolta CLE is a film camera from Minolta — known for its Leica M Lens Mount and Bright-Frame Rangefinder Viewfinder. Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.

Minolta CLE 35mm Rangefinder Camera

Minolta CLE 35mm Rangefinder Camera

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Camera Overview — Minolta CLE

The Minolta CLE is a 35mm film rangefinder camera that pairs manual rangefinder focusing with a bright-frame rangefinder viewfinder, making it a compelling option for photographers who appreciate deliberate, hands-on shooting. One of its most significant attributes is its Leica M lens mount compatibility, giving shooters access to a wide ecosystem of M-mount glass — a rare and highly valued feature in a compact film body. The CLE supports an ISO range of 25 to 1600, accommodating a solid span of film stocks from fine-grained daylight emulsions to faster stocks suited for low-light situations.

Flash shooting is handled through a dedicated Auto Electroflash CLE system with TTL OTF (off-the-film) flash metering, enabling more accurately exposed flash images compared to guide-number-only systems. The camera runs on two LR44/A76/AG13 or equivalent 357/303/EPX76 button cells, which are widely available and easy to source. A standard hot shoe is built in for flash mounting.

No image stabilization is present, which is expected for a film rangefinder of this type. The CLE has no weather sealing, so care should be taken in challenging environmental conditions. Overall, it is a capable, spec-verified film rangefinder with serious lens compatibility credentials.

Key Features — Minolta CLE

Leica M Lens Mount: Accepts the full range of Leica M-mount lenses, giving shooters access to one of the most extensive ecosystems of rangefinder glass available.

Bright-Frame Rangefinder Viewfinder: Displays bright framelines for manual focusing and composition, a hallmark of the classic rangefinder shooting experience.

TTL OTF Flash Metering: Works with the dedicated Auto Electroflash CLE system to measure light directly off the film plane during exposure, producing more accurately exposed flash shots.

ISO 25–1600 Range: Covers a broad selection of film stocks, from fine-grained slow emulsions shot in bright light to faster stocks suited for low-light environments.

Aperture-Priority Auto Exposure: Automatically sets shutter speed based on the selected aperture, streamlining exposure while keeping the shooter in control of depth of field.

Standard Hot Shoe: Built-in hot shoe allows mounting of compatible flash units beyond the dedicated CLE flash.

Camera Specifications — Minolta CLE

Minolta CLE full specifications
SpecDetail
Use CasesTravel, Documentary
TypeRangefinder
ISO Range25 – 1600
AF SystemRangefinder (Manual)
Image StabilizationNone
ViewfinderBright-frame Rangefinder
Battery2x LR44/A76/AG13 or 2x 357/303/EPX76
Weather SealingNone
Lens MountLeica M
Hot ShoeStandard
Flash SystemDedicated Auto Electroflash CLE with TTL OTF flash metering

Description — Minolta CLE

The Minolta CLE is a 35mm film rangefinder camera built around a Leica M lens mount, making it one of the more lens-versatile options in the compact film rangefinder category. Focusing is handled via a manual rangefinder system, with a bright-frame rangefinder viewfinder to assist with both composition and focus confirmation. The camera accepts film with an ISO range of 25 to 1600, offering flexibility across a broad selection of emulsions.

Flash photography is supported through a dedicated Auto Electroflash CLE system featuring TTL OTF flash metering, and a standard hot shoe is provided for flash mounting. Power comes from two LR44/A76/AG13 or 357/303/EPX76 button cells — common, easy-to-find batteries. The CLE has no image stabilization and no weather sealing, which are standard omissions for a film camera of this class.

There is no Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or USB connectivity, consistent with its analog nature. For photographers seeking a manual-focus film rangefinder with genuine Leica M mount compatibility and reliable TTL flash metering, the Minolta CLE presents a well-defined and spec-backed option.

Pros — Minolta CLE

  • ✓Leica M lens mount compatibility opens access to a broad range of M-mount lenses
  • ✓ISO range of 25 to 1600 supports a wide variety of film stocks
  • ✓TTL OTF flash metering via dedicated Auto Electroflash CLE system for more accurate flash exposures

Cons — Minolta CLE

  • ✗No weather sealing, limiting use in wet or dusty conditions
  • ✗Manual rangefinder focusing only — no autofocus system
  • ✗No image stabilization of any kind

Videos — Minolta CLE

Minolta CLE 35mm Rangefinder Film Camera Review / Overview — Samsung9alaxy

Resources & Downloads — Minolta CLE

Manuals & Guides

Frequently Asked Questions — Minolta CLE

What lenses are compatible with the Minolta CLE?+
The Minolta CLE uses a Leica M lens mount, as listed in the specifications. This means it is compatible with Leica M-mount lenses, giving users access to a well-established range of optics designed for that mount.
What film speeds (ISO) does the Minolta CLE support?+
According to the specifications, the Minolta CLE supports ISO values ranging from 25 to 1600. This covers everything from slow, fine-grained film stocks to faster emulsions better suited for lower-light shooting.
What batteries does the Minolta CLE require?+
The CLE is powered by two batteries of type LR44/A76/AG13 or the equivalent 357/303/EPX76 button cells, as specified in the battery data. These are common and widely available at most electronics and camera retailers.
Does the Minolta CLE have flash support?+
Yes. The CLE features a dedicated Auto Electroflash CLE system with TTL OTF (off-the-film) flash metering, as noted in the flash system specification. It also has a standard hot shoe for mounting compatible flash units.
Is the Minolta CLE weather sealed?+
No. The specifications explicitly list weather sealing as 'None,' so the camera should be protected from moisture and dust during use.
What type of viewfinder does the Minolta CLE have?+
The Minolta CLE is equipped with a bright-frame rangefinder viewfinder, as stated in the viewfinder specifications. Focusing is performed manually using the rangefinder system.

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