CameraWorth.com

Leitz Leica CL (2017)

The Leitz CL is a compact 35mm rangefinder camera introduced in 1973, developed jointly by Leitz and Minolta and sometimes referred to as the 'Compact Leica'. It uses the Leica M bayonet mount and was positioned as a smaller, lighter, more affordable entry to the M system, aimed at travellers and second-body users rather than professional reportage shooters.

At recent UK auction, hammer prices for the Leitz CL have ranged from roughly £110 to £760, with a median around £600 for clean, working bodies. As of 2026, condition drives nearly everything: cosmetically tidy examples with a responsive meter and accurate rangefinder sit at the upper end of that range, while bodies with cosmetic wear or a dead meter sell for value prices well under £200. These are saleroom hammer results, not dealer retail, so what the CL is worth in private sale or shop windows tends to run noticeably higher.

Variants

Select a variant to filter the sales history below.

Variant Years Edition Sales Price Range
Cut-Away — — 0 —
Dummy — — 0 —
Dummy (w/hand) — — 0 —
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Sales History

Prices shown are UK auction hammer results — the wholesale level achieved in the saleroom. Neither buyer’s nor seller’s commission is included. Dealer and retail asking prices are typically higher.

Prices updated: June 2025

Date Price Source Variant
Jun 2025 £106 Flints Auctions —
May 2025 £400 Special Auction Services —
Mar 2025 £756 Chiswick Auctions —
Jan 2025 £605 Chiswick Auctions —
Apr 2023 £650 Special Auction Services —
Nov 2016 EUR 450 Leitz Auction —
May 2013 EUR 500 Leitz Auction —
Nov 2005 EUR 530 Leitz Auction —
Dec 2003 £305 Christie's —
Nov 2003 EUR 469 Leitz Auction —
Nov 2003 £352 Christie's —
Sep 2003 £470 Christie's —
Sep 2003 £493 Christie's —

Frequently asked questions

What is a Leitz CL worth today?

Recent UK auction hammer prices put the value of a Leitz CL body at roughly £110 to £760, with most working examples selling for around £400 to £650 depending on cosmetic and mechanical condition.

How much does a Leitz CL sell for at auction?

Clean, fully functional bodies typically sell for £600 or more at UK auction, while rough or non-working examples can sell for around £100 to £200.

Is the Leitz CL the same as the Leica CL?

Yes — the camera is marked 'Leitz' on earlier bodies and 'Leica' on later ones, but it is the same model, co-produced with Minolta and using the Leica M mount.

Does the meter still work on most examples?

A significant proportion of CL bodies on the used market have degraded or dead meters, which is the single biggest factor separating a £150 price from a £650 price, so always confirm meter response before buying.

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