Minolta CLE
The Minolta CLE is a 35mm rangefinder camera introduced in 1980, using the Leica M bayonet mount and offering aperture-priority automatic exposure with TTL metering. Positioned as a compact, electronically controlled rangefinder, it followed on from the earlier Leitz-Minolta CL and gave Minolta a foothold in the M-mount system market.
At recent UK auction, hammer prices for the Minolta CLE body have ranged from about £380 to £1,000, with a median in the low-to-mid £800s across the past two years. As of 2026, clean working examples sell for around £750–£1,000 at saleroom level, while cameras with cosmetic wear or electronic faults are worth closer to the lower end; condition and inclusion of the dedicated 40mm Rokkor lens are the main factors that move the price.
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.
| Date | Price | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 2025 | £1,000 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Instruments (Lot 117) Title: A Minolta CLE 35mm Rangefinder Outfit
Description:
black, body VG-E, shutter works, rangefinder bright and clear, with a M-Rokkor f/2 40mm lens, barrel VG, optics G, very light haze, and a a M-Rokkor |
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| Mar 2025 | £945 | Chiswick Auctions | |
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Auction: Photographica (Lot 223) Title: A Minolta CLE Rangefinder Camera Outfit
Description:
A Minolta CLE Rangefinder Camera Outfit Serial No: 1018939 Body: VG Shutter: working Lenses: A Minolta 28mm f/2.8 M-Rokkor (1001919) A Leitz 90mm f/4 (Qty: 1) ... read more |
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| Oct 2024 | £750 | Special Auction Services | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 126) Title: A Minolta CLE Rangefinder Camera Outfit
Description:
A Minolta CLE Rangefinder Camera Outfit, serial no 1015338, shutter working, meter responsive, responsive in auto, self timer working, rangefinder |
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| Oct 2024 | £380 | Special Auction Services | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 122) Title: A Minolta CLE Rangefinder Camera
Description:
A Minolta CLE Rangefinder Camera, serial no 1049874, shutter working, meter responsive, responsive in auto, self timer working, rangefinder working, |
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| Apr 2024 | £650 | Special Auction Services | |
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Auction: Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 474) Title: A Minolta CLE Rangefinder Camera
Description:
A Minolta CLE Rangefinder Camera, serial no 1005162, shutter working, mater working, camera responsive in auto, self timer working, viewfinder clear, |
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| Oct 2022 | £880 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: The Collectors Sale (Lot 15) Title: A Minolta CLE 35mm Rangefinder Camera
Description:
1981, black, serial no. 1025988, with a black M-Rokkor f/2 40mm lens, serial no. 2105401, shutter untested, body VG-E, oval label missing from rear, |
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| May 2007 | EUR 1,150 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 11 (Lot AI_11_16527) Title: Minolta CLE outfit
Description:
in perfect working condition with Summicron-C 2/40mm no.2630779, Elmar-C 4/90mm no.2579195, Auto CLE flash, 5 filters, cable release, Minolta table tripod, caps, instructions, strap, ever ready case, all in matching Minolta outfit case Estimate: EUR 800 - EUR 1,000 |
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| Nov 2004 | £203 | Christie's | |
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Auction: CAMERAS, MAGIC LANTERNS AND OPTICAL TOYS (Lot 132) Title: Minolta CLE no. 1008229
Description:
Minolta CLE no. 1008229 Estimate: £250 - £350 |
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| Oct 1999 | £805 | Christie's | |
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Auction: Cameras and Optical Toys (Lot 86) Title: Minolta CLE no. 1031658
Description:
Minolta CLE no. 1031658 Estimate: £400 - £600 |
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