Leica CL & Minolta CLE Side by Side Comparison Note the placement of the Shutter Speed Dial. Finder on the Minolta CLE (left) is larger. Minolta CLE has 3 contacts on hotshoe for TTL Flash control with MInolta CLE flash or Minolta PX series flashes.  Also note that Minolta CLE has exposure compensation dial on top next to shutter speed dial. Back pops open for conventional film loading on CLE, while complete back is removed on CL for film loading.  Both methods prove to be easy. Film Loading Compartments, Leica CL shown with back removed and pressure plate folded down for film load. Inside compartment of CLE shows light meter diode compartment on bottom.  Special backing on shutter for accurate Off The Film Plane Metering.  Compartment is smooth/uncluttered and well protected from flare. Leica CL compartment shows metering cell stalk like M5.  Inside compartment nicely finished and well protected from flare.   The Leica CL was a joint effort designed by Leica and Minolta.  Minolta later based the CLE on this design.  The Minolta lenses are most likely the same/similiar optical configurations compared with the Leica CL lens system and are fine performers.  The CL lenses have a 39mm filter thread, while the CLE lenses have a 40.5mm filter thread.  Although they both incorporate M mounts, not all M lenses are compatible.   Which is Best? Niether, they are both very different cameras in there own right.  The CLE is completely electronic having the advantage of an accurate electronic shutter, Electronic Self Timer, TTL OTF Metering, TTL Flash, Autoexposure & Exposure Compensation.  The CL sports an all mechanical shutter thats operates Horizontally (move down from top).  If battery fails you just keep shooting without the meter (unlike the CLE).  They are both built very well.  the Minolta's finder is a little larger, with meter readings only visible while in Auto mode (LED's), while the CL's viewfinder has shutter speed on top and Aperture on Right side, with no LED's to distract and always functional.  Laid out much the same as the M5.  Both cameras are very well built and smaller than any M series camera.  An interesting note is that the Leitz Summicron weighed approx. 21 grams more than the 40mm Rokker lens while the bodies were only 3 grams apart, the CLE being slightly heavier (battery included).  The CL has framelines for the 40/50/90mm while the Minolta has the definate advantage with framelines for 28/40/90mm.  Both cameras utilize the standard Leica M mount and can accept M mount lenses although not all focal lengths are compatible and some can cause damage if forced.  The minolta lenses are reported to have multi-coatings while the Leica lenses have single coatings.  Both lens systems provide Superb results better than any SLR. These cameras were initially released as a low cost entry into the Leica system, however they were ill received.  Today either camera is sought after by Collector and Shooter alike.  The definate advantage being there smaller size and lightweight.  They are a joy to use and the Minolta CLE's shutter is virtually silent and goes down to 1 second (CL down to 1/2 second).  They will even fit in your glovebox! Leica CL 1973 to 1976 Minolta CLE 1980 to 198? SN# CL SN# CLE 1,300,001 1,001,001 approx 1,440,000 1,033,999 approx Finish Black Lens Bayonet Mount Shutter CL - Mechanical Focal Plane CLE - Electronic Focal Plane CL is Vertival CLE is Horizontal Film Advance Single Stroke Lever Rangefinder/Viewfinder Coupled CL Frames 40/50/90 CLE Frames 28/40/90 Rangefinder Baselength CL 31.5mm CLE 28.9mm Viewfinder Magnification CL .6 CLE .58 Field Selector Lever No Shutter Speeds CL 1/2,B,1/1000 CLE 1,B,1/1000 Flash Sync Yes, 1/50 Exposure Meter Yes CL - CDS Cell CLE - TTL OTF Silicon Photo Diode Film Speed CL 25-3200 ASA CLE 25-1600 ASA Self Timer CL - No CLE - Yes Weight CL 372 Grams CLE 375 Grams About 65000 Leica CL's were manufactured and 35000 Minolta CLE's.  Leica produced a special version of the CL for there Anniversary Jubilee in 1975 (3500 cameras).  Minolta also produced a special Gold version of the CLE (300 cameras) to commemorate there 3 Millionth camera production.