Leica Minolta CL
The Leitz Minolta CL is a compact 35mm rangefinder camera with a Leica M bayonet mount, developed jointly by Leitz and Minolta and introduced in 1973. Sold under the Leitz Minolta CL name in the Japanese market and as the Leica CL elsewhere, it was positioned as a smaller, more affordable companion to the full-size Leica M bodies and shipped alongside the 40mm f/2 Summicron-C and 90mm f/4 Elmar-C lenses.
Auction-hammer evidence for the Leitz Minolta CL is thin in our records, with a single recent UK saleroom result of £500 in April 2024 for a body in working order. As of 2026, that figure is best read as one data point rather than a settled market price, and what a CL is worth today depends heavily on cosmetic condition, meter accuracy and whether original Summicron-C or Elmar-C glass is included. Examples that need a service or have a dead meter typically sell for less at auction than clean, fully functional bodies.
Sales History
Prices shown are realised prices — auction results and completed eBay sales, never asking prices. Most saleroom figures are hammer prices, before commission; some houses publish a premium-inclusive figure, and we do not adjust for condition. Dealer and retail asking prices are typically higher. How this figure is calculated.
Prices updated: July 2026
| Date | Price | Value GBP | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 2026 | £328 | £328 | 🇬🇧 eBay | |
Title: [Exc+5] Leitz Minolta CL Rangefinder M From JAPAN
Description:
Tiny scuffs from normal use. This rule is based on U.S. import regulations. For the United States. There is no balsam separation. There is no fungus. For All Other Countries. Above condition is based on my own opinion. Location: Takatsuki, OSAKA, Japan |
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| Jul 2026 | £344 | £344 | 🇬🇧 eBay | |
Title: [Exc+5] Leitz Minolta CL Rangefinder M From JAPAN
Description:
Tiny scuffs from normal use. Shutter speed is accurate from low speed to high speed. For the United States. There is no balsam separation. There is no fungus. Beautiful condition. For All Other Countries. Location: Takatsuki, OSAKA, Japan |
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| Jul 2026 | £358 | £358 | 🇬🇧 eBay | |
Title: Leitz Minolta CL 35mm Rangefinder Camera Body
Description:
It worked when I got it a few months ago but has since stopped like the other 99% of them! Location: Maryport, United Kingdom |
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| Jun 2026 | £271 | £271 | 🇬🇧 eBay | |
Title: Leitz Minolta CL 35mm Camera - For Parts/Not Working
Description:
For parts/not working. Location: Leigh-on-Sea, United Kingdom |
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| Jun 2026 | £313 | £313 | 🇬🇧 eBay | |
Title: ⏯️ METER NG [N MINT] LEITZ Minolta CL Rangefinder Film Camera Leica M From...
Description:
Tiny scuffs from normal use. Shutter speed is accurate from low speed to high speed. Poor appearance. There are no large dusts. There are no scratches. Weekends are not available because office is closed. Location: Setagaya-ku, TOKYO, Japan |
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| Oct 2024 | £400 | £400 | 🇬🇧 Harper Field Auctions | |
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Auction: Buying & Selling (Lot 1767) Title: Leitz Minolta CL 35mm compact camera, serial number 1030198, with Minolta M-Rokkor 1:2 f=40mm
Description:
Leitz Minolta CL 35mm compact camera, serial number 1030198, with Minolta M-Rokkor 1:2 f=40mm |
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| Apr 2024 | £500 | £500 | 🇬🇧 Special Auction Services | |
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Auction: Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 462) Title: A Leitz Minolta CL Rangefinder Camera
Description:
A Leitz Minolta CL Rangefinder Camera, made in Japan, serial no 1036854, shutter working, meter responsive, rangefinder functions, body G, with Leitz |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Leitz Minolta CL worth today?
Auction evidence is limited, but a working UK example sold for £500 at hammer in 2024; clean, fully functional bodies tend to be the ones that achieve that level.
How much does a Minolta CL sell for at UK auction?
Our records show a single recent hammer price of £500, so the value of any individual camera will depend on meter function, cosmetics and whether a Summicron-C or Elmar-C lens is included.
Is the Leitz Minolta CL the same camera as the Leica CL?
Yes — it is the same body, branded Leitz Minolta CL for the Japanese market and Leica CL for export, and the price difference between the two badges at auction is usually small.
Does the Minolta CL take Leica M lenses?
Yes, it uses the Leica M bayonet mount and accepts M-mount lenses, with framelines provided for 40mm, 50mm and 90mm focal lengths.